Fashion design in India is no longer confined to the glitz of runway shows or celebrity couture. It has matured into a robust industry with diverse avenues—from high-end fashion houses and retail brands to film costume design and sustainable fashion startups. As the Indian fashion industry evolves, so do the earning potentials for those in the field.
While the average fashion designer salary in India is ₹3.3 LPA, top designers like Sabyasachi earn crores annually! What separates the ₹20L+ earners from the rest? This guide reveals the brands, skills, and career hacks to reach the highest salary bracket, starting with the right education
This blog explores what the highest salaries for fashion designers in India look like in 2025, the top brands offering lucrative packages, career paths that lead to six-figure incomes, and how aspirants can realistically aim for a financially rewarding future in fashion design.
Let’s explore the highest salary of fashion designer in India and how you can aim for it too!
What is the Highest Salary of a Fashion Designer in India in 2025?
The highest income for a fashion designer in India as of 2025 might vary from ₹35 lakhs to ₹1 crore annually, depending on the designer’s job, specialization, experience, and whether or not he/she own a profitable fashion label.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Entry-level designers (0–2 years): ₹3 – ₹6 LPA
- Mid-level designers (3–7 years): ₹7 – ₹20 LPA
- Senior designers or heads of design: ₹20 – ₹50 LPA
- Celebrity or label-owning designers: ₹50 LPA – ₹1 Cr+ annually.
Freelance and contract-based designers working with high-paying clients or international brands can also touch the higher end of this spectrum.
Top Paying Brands & Companies Hiring Fashion Designers in India
India boasts several fashion powerhouses and international retail giants that offer substantial compensation to designers. Here’s a list of some of the top-paying brands and companies:
1. Sabyasachi
Working for Sabyasachi, one of the most renowned brands in Indian design, can provide access to upscale bridal couture and premium clients. It is said that senior designers here make between ₹25 and ₹50 LPA.
2. Manish Malhotra
Manish Malhotra’s designers, particularly those with five or more years of experience, fetch substantial compensation packages for working closely on celebrity projects and movies.
3. Reliance Brands Limited
This company has a number of high-end and luxury fashion companies, including partnerships with foreign fashion houses. The LPA for design leads ranges from ₹30 to ₹60.
4. Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd. (ABFRL)
With brands like Allen Solly, Van Heusen, and Pantaloons, ABFRL serves as a hub for both commercial and creative fashion roles. Experienced professionals in design, merchandising, and brand management at ABFRL typically earn between ₹8 and ₹20 LPA, depending on the role and experience level.
5. H&M, Zara, and Mango (India Operations)
Senior design and merchandising professionals may expect to earn between ₹10 and ₹25 LPA in these global fast-fashion retailers.
6. Amazon & Myntra (Private Labels)
Fashion designers are hired by e-commerce behemoths to produce special collections for private brands; experienced designers are frequently paid between ₹12 and ₹30 LPA.
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Career Paths That Lead to High Salaries in Fashion Design
Although the foundation of fashion is creativity, a designer’s income is greatly influenced by the career path they take. The most profitable routes are as follows:
1. Couture and Luxury Design
High-end wedding and couture designers (like Sabyasachi and Tarun Tahiliani) make a lot of money because of their upscale clientele and larger profit margins.
2. OTT and Film Costume Design
Streaming services and Bollywood are always looking to hire fashion experts. Leading costume designers in this field can make between ₹30 and ₹80 LPA every project or year.
3. Fashion Entrepreneurship
Establishing your own label carries a great risk but also a high potential payoff. Successful brand owners can make crores of rupees a year through partnerships, licensing, and sales.
4. Fashion Merchandising & Product Design
This route provides a solid balance of strategic thought and creative work by fusing design expertise with business savvy. Perfect for positions in e-commerce and retail behemoths.
5. Sustainable Design & Fashion Technology
Due to the increased emphasis on sustainability, designers with expertise in wearable technology and eco-fashion are in high demand and frequently earn high salaries.
Factors That Affect the Highest Salary in Fashion Design
A combination of concrete and intangible elements determine a fashion designer’s ability to command a high salary:
- Education & Training: A degree from internationally recognized colleges like Parsons or reputable establishments like NIFT or Pearl Academy can lead to opportunities.
- Experience & Portfolio: Earning potential is increased by successful collections or demonstrated work with reputable companies.
- Networking & Exposure: Better job possibilities and freelancing gigs are frequently the result of industry relationships.
- Location: Designers typically make more money in major cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai.
- Specialization: Compared to mass-market or rapid fashion positions, bridal, couture, and digital fashion design jobs usually pay more.
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Real Examples: High-Earning Indian Fashion Designers
- Manish Malhotra: He founded one of India’s most prosperous fashion brands after beginning her career as a Bollywood costume designer. His Eernings per year estimated to be ₹20 to ₹50 crores
- Gupta Masaba: Her brand, Masaba, has grown to incorporate digital content, partnerships, and cosmetics, bringing in an estimated ₹10 to ₹15 crore a year.
- Tarun Tahiliani: Tarun Tahiliani is recognized for his innovative and contemporary designs, often blending Indian textiles and techniques with modern silhouettes. He is also known for his bridal wear.
Can You Earn a High Salary Without Starting Your Own Label?
Yes, it is possible. While launching a label is a common path to wealth in fashion, many designers earn handsomely working for established names or corporates. The following positions can earn handsome salaries ranging from ₹20 LPA to over ₹60 LPA.
- Creative Director
- Fashion Consultant or Stylist for Celebrities
- Head Designer
- Apparel Product Developer
- Merchandising Manager
- Freelancing and consultancy work can further supplement income.
How Inspiria Helps You Build a High-Income Career in Fashion Design
Inspiria Knowledge Campus is at the forefront of fashion education in India, offering a curriculum that’s both industry-aligned and globally relevant. Here’s how Inspiria empowers future fashion designers:
1. Industry Exposure
Students gain hands-on experience through internships, live fashion shows, and real-time projects. They regularly interact with industry clients and brands, preparing them to face the fashion world with practical skills and confidence.
2. Skill-Centric Curriculum
The curriculum focuses on building job-ready skills from day one. Students learn digital fashion tools, merchandising techniques, sustainable practices, and personal branding—equipping them with everything today’s fashion industry demands.
3. Mentorship by Experts
Top designers, stylists, and fashion entrepreneurs conduct exclusive sessions and workshops. These expert interactions provide students with valuable insights, real-world tips, and inspiration to navigate their own fashion careers successfully.
4. Career Services
A dedicated placement team supports students in securing internships and full-time roles with top fashion houses, e-commerce companies, and media outlets—ensuring they start strong in the competitive fashion industry.
5. Entrepreneurship Support
Students with entrepreneurial dreams receive full support—from idea incubation and branding workshops to mentorship and business planning—helping them launch their own fashion labels or consulting ventures confidently.
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Conclusion:
In India, fashion design is now more than simply glitz; for those with the appropriate vision, talent, and direction, it’s a high-stakes, high-reward profession. Whether you want to work with high-end fashion businesses, dress celebrities, or launch your own label, there is a clear route to a top-tier income.
The need for creative, tech-savvy, and morally aware designers is rising quickly. The next generation is being prepared by organizations like Inspiria to flourish financially as well as creatively.
So, you do have aspirations of being a well-paid fashion designer in India? Absolutely feasible. You can walk the runway to success with flair, confidence, and astute job decisions.
Ready to build your high-paying fashion career? Apply now and start your journey with Inspiria!
