Vaishali Shadangule

Vaishali Shadangule is an acclaimed Indian fashion designer celebrated for her dedication to traditional handlooms and pioneering sustainable couture. Originally from Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, her journey began at 17 when she left home without support, driven by a desire for self-expression.

She spent time in Bhopal, where she encountered new perspectives, having grown up in a small village where fashion was unfamiliar. Despite studying engineering, Vaishali developed a passion for styling and design. While holding various jobs to support herself, she would bring her sketchbook everywhere, sharing her designs whenever she could.

A pivotal moment came when she worked at a gym, and she would offer fashion advice to members. Recognizing her talent, the wife of a bank manager provided her with a loan of INR 50,000, enabling Vaishali to start her brand. She worked tirelessly in Mumbai, opening her first store in Juhu, and, recognizing the value of education, enrolled in fashion school in Delhi. There, she faced challenges for her unconventional style but remained undeterred, later pursuing a master’s in fashion design in Milan while balancing her business and family responsibilities.

A major turning point in her career came in 2021 when she became the first Indian woman designer to present at Paris Haute Couture Week, marking a significant milestone for her and for India.

2021 Vaishali Shadangule as the first Indian Female designer to showcase at Paris Haute Couture 2024 Vaishali Shadangule as the first Indian designer to open a store in Paris

Sustainable practices since inception

Over the past four years, Vaishali has remained the only designer globally to work exclusively with handloom, showcasing these fabrics to an international audience. Vaishali S Couture is also a leader in environmental sustainability, adhering to zero-waste and plastic-free practices.

Vaishali shadangule

in her own words

rencently

In 2022, she became the first Indian woman on the official presentations calendar at Milan Fashion Week. In 2023, she spoke at TEDx Mumbai and received the Vogue Forces of Fashion award. In 2024, Vaishali S presented three new couture collections and expanded globally, becoming the first Indian designer to open a store on Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris.