Who's Shaping The The Future Of Design?

We asked industry veterans to name the ones to watch, and this is what they said.

Rohit Chaturvedi (Nominated by Aparna Sud)

“Rohit Chaturvedi brings a fresh, unique and deeply personal perspective to design, blending tradition with innovation in ways that continually inspire. From arthouse cinema and commercial films, Rohit brings a rare versatility and depth to costume and fashion design. Recognised at Cannes 2025 and honoured at Filmfare (four nominations and one win), his work moves seamlessly between different genres, always cognisant of the needs of the script, culturally resonant and ahead of the curve.”

—Aparna Sud

Aseem Kapoor (Nominated by Tarun Tahiliani)

“Aseem, my former assistant, has a strong identity and real focus. Talent alone isn’t enough; you need drive and an understanding of your customer. He’s got both. I believe he’s going to go very far.”

—Tarun Tahiliani

Kedar Benjamin (Nominated by Bose Krishnamachari)

“At just 26, Kedar creates footwear that feels engineered for Superman, or any superperson of our time. Infused with AI-driven geometry and algorithmic logic, his designs carry a surreal, almost anatomical intelligence, like nerves of thought sculpted into form. Exceptional in both vision and material expression, he redefines what it means to walk with intention and imagination.”

—Bose Krishnamachari

Ritvik Khanna (Nominated by Gautam Seth)

“I like what RKive City is doing. Ritvik’s use of waste and regenerated materials offers a fresh, exciting outlook on both design and fashion.”

—Gautam Seth

Viraj Khanna (Nominated by Rajiv Menon)

“Viraj’s practice works collaboratively with karigars to tell stories about modern life, especially themes like consumerism, aspiration and the way we depict ourselves online. While rooted in India’s heritage craft methods, his artworks are strikingly contemporary and provide a powerful language to think about our current times. I strongly believe he is at the forefront of young artmaking in India, and I am confident he is one of the country's rising stars!”

—Rajiv Menon

Nikheel Aphale (Nominated by Pinaki De)

“In an age where the rustle of the brush on paper is becoming a rarity, Nikheel is a unicorn, conjuring a new visual idiom through his calligraphy. His unique use of space and geometrical forms to create letter art-shapes speaks to contemporary audiences yet carry traces of earliest reference to art created by hand on paper. It is a playful mix of this awareness that makes him an artist to watch out for. Or, I daresay, he has already arrived.”

—Pinaki De

Contributed by Saurav Bhanot, Noor Anand Chawla, Nayare Ali, Shaikh Ayaz, Rudra Mulmule and Prannay Pathak

To read more stories from Esquire India's August 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.