Celebrating 25 Years of Payal Singhal: A Journey of Craft, Creativity, and Courage - A memorable milestone!
Payal Singhal is one of those names. This year marks a monumental milestone for the designer as she celebrates the 25th anniversary of her eponymous brand. From humble beginnings to becoming a global name in fashion, Singhal’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
It’s rare to come across someone who has been steeped in the world of design and creativity since childhood, but Payal Singhal’s story is exactly that. Raised in a home surrounded by art, fashion, and photography, her path seemed almost preordained. With her grandfather, who was a renowned painter and photographer, and her
father, Dinesh Singhal, who launched India’s first retail chain store, London Fashions, she was always immersed in the creative world.
But it wasn’t just the surroundings that sparked her passion — it was the hands-on experimentation that took place from a very young age. “I remember making my own prom outfit when I was in class tenth,” she recalls, laughing. “All the girls were buying dresses, and there I was, sewing a pair of culottes with a short jacket.” This early inclination towards design blossomed into something greater after Singhal’s recognition as “Designer of the Year” by Shopper Stop in 1992, and just seven years later, in 1999, her fashion brand was born.
What started as a small venture soon grew into an iconic fashion house known for its intricate hand-embroidery, luxurious fabric choices, and ability to blend Indian tradition with contemporary style. It wasn’t just about creating beautiful clothes; it was about creating a brand that stood for quality, accessibility, and longevity. Over the years, Singhal’s brand has expanded from bridal couture to men’s wear, kidswear, accessories, and even home furnishings, creating a truly inclusive lifestyle label that appeals to a global audience.
One of the brand’s first milestones came in 2006 when she became one of the first Indian designers to open her own stores in Gramercy Park, New York, and New Jersey. This global foray was a bold step that set the tone for future international expansion, with stores in New York, LA, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Trunk Shows across major cities. In today’s digital age, Singhal has deftly leveraged the power of social media, connecting with a new generation of consumers through an army of ‘PS Girls,’ a community of over thirty-five content creators who help promote her collections across platforms.
Her collaborations with brands like Sangeeta Boochra, Fizzy Goblet, and Indya further expanded Payal Singhal’s reach, adding innovative and diverse product categories to her brand. Launching her first international collaboration with Endstate — a limited-edition lifestyle sneaker that blends Eastern and Western influences — was another major milestone in her 25-year journey.
While the Payal Singhal brand is now a beacon of success, the path to it wasn’t always smooth. Starting at just twenty-two years old, Singhal had to navigate the complexities of a highly competitive industry where age often worked against her. “I faced ageism, where being too young meant I wasn’t taken seriously,” she recalls. “People assumed my success was due to my family background, but I worked doubly hard to prove that it was my talent and drive.”
Additionally, the industry wasn’t always kind to her. Critics dismissed her designs for being ‘too commercial,’ but for Singhal, wearability and saleability were never issues. “At the end of the day, we’re running a business. It’s about balancing creativity, craft, and commerce,” she says. Her ability to marry these elements seamlessly has been one of the reasons why Payal Singhal has not only endured but thrived in a fast-evolving industry.
Looking ahead, Singhal is excited about where the brand is headed. “We’re more than just a fashion brand now; we’re a lifestyle label,” she says. With plans to expand her various verticals, she is diving into new avenues like home and wedding design, event management, and hospitality. “The Payal Singhal universe is growing, and we’re continuously evolving,” she adds.
Despite all the accolades and growth, Singhal remains humble and focused on her craft. “I’m toughest on myself,” she says. “I feel like my best is yet to come.” It’s this drive and humility that have kept her grounded, even as her brand continues to soar to new heights.
Having reached this milestone, her advice to young designers is both simple and profound: “Have your own point of view, and work with blinkers on,” she says. “Don’t follow trends. The world doesn’t need more of the same; it needs fresh perspectives.” It’s this clarity of vision and dedication to one’s own path that has been key to her success. Her emphasis on authenticity — staying true to her roots, her craft, and her vision — has allowed her to build a brand that feels both timeless and contemporary.
At its core, Payal Singhal’s brand is a celebration of Indian craft. The brand has long been an advocate for hand embroidery, and Singhal is particularly passionate about educating consumers on the nuances of craftsmanship that go into every piece. “We need more respect for craft,” she says. “It’s what makes our designs stand out, and it’s something I want the world to value more.”
As Payal Singhal marks 25 years of her fashion label, she reflects on a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and constant evolution. What began as a passion project is now a thriving global lifestyle brand with roots deeply embedded in Indian tradition and an eye firmly fixed on the future. From bridal wear to home décor, she has made her mark on the fashion world, and as she looks to the next 25 years, one thing is certain: the best is yet to come.
Here’s to another 25 years of creativity, culture, and timeless style — because Payal Singhal is just getting started.
It’s rare to come across someone who has been steeped in the world of design and creativity since childhood, but Payal Singhal’s story is exactly that. Raised in a home surrounded by art, fashion, and photography, her path seemed almost preordained. With her grandfather, who was a renowned painter and photographer, and her
father, Dinesh Singhal, who launched India’s first retail chain store, London Fashions, she was always immersed in the creative world.
But it wasn’t just the surroundings that sparked her passion — it was the hands-on experimentation that took place from a very young age. “I remember making my own prom outfit when I was in class tenth,” she recalls, laughing. “All the girls were buying dresses, and there I was, sewing a pair of culottes with a short jacket.” This early inclination towards design blossomed into something greater after Singhal’s recognition as “Designer of the Year” by Shopper Stop in 1992, and just seven years later, in 1999, her fashion brand was born.
What started as a small venture soon grew into an iconic fashion house known for its intricate hand-embroidery, luxurious fabric choices, and ability to blend Indian tradition with contemporary style. It wasn’t just about creating beautiful clothes; it was about creating a brand that stood for quality, accessibility, and longevity. Over the years, Singhal’s brand has expanded from bridal couture to men’s wear, kidswear, accessories, and even home furnishings, creating a truly inclusive lifestyle label that appeals to a global audience.
One of the brand’s first milestones came in 2006 when she became one of the first Indian designers to open her own stores in Gramercy Park, New York, and New Jersey. This global foray was a bold step that set the tone for future international expansion, with stores in New York, LA, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Trunk Shows across major cities. In today’s digital age, Singhal has deftly leveraged the power of social media, connecting with a new generation of consumers through an army of ‘PS Girls,’ a community of over thirty-five content creators who help promote her collections across platforms.
Her collaborations with brands like Sangeeta Boochra, Fizzy Goblet, and Indya further expanded Payal Singhal’s reach, adding innovative and diverse product categories to her brand. Launching her first international collaboration with Endstate — a limited-edition lifestyle sneaker that blends Eastern and Western influences — was another major milestone in her 25-year journey.
While the Payal Singhal brand is now a beacon of success, the path to it wasn’t always smooth. Starting at just twenty-two years old, Singhal had to navigate the complexities of a highly competitive industry where age often worked against her. “I faced ageism, where being too young meant I wasn’t taken seriously,” she recalls. “People assumed my success was due to my family background, but I worked doubly hard to prove that it was my talent and drive.”
Additionally, the industry wasn’t always kind to her. Critics dismissed her designs for being ‘too commercial,’ but for Singhal, wearability and saleability were never issues. “At the end of the day, we’re running a business. It’s about balancing creativity, craft, and commerce,” she says. Her ability to marry these elements seamlessly has been one of the reasons why Payal Singhal has not only endured but thrived in a fast-evolving industry.
Looking ahead, Singhal is excited about where the brand is headed. “We’re more than just a fashion brand now; we’re a lifestyle label,” she says. With plans to expand her various verticals, she is diving into new avenues like home and wedding design, event management, and hospitality. “The Payal Singhal universe is growing, and we’re continuously evolving,” she adds.
Despite all the accolades and growth, Singhal remains humble and focused on her craft. “I’m toughest on myself,” she says. “I feel like my best is yet to come.” It’s this drive and humility that have kept her grounded, even as her brand continues to soar to new heights.
Having reached this milestone, her advice to young designers is both simple and profound: “Have your own point of view, and work with blinkers on,” she says. “Don’t follow trends. The world doesn’t need more of the same; it needs fresh perspectives.” It’s this clarity of vision and dedication to one’s own path that has been key to her success. Her emphasis on authenticity — staying true to her roots, her craft, and her vision — has allowed her to build a brand that feels both timeless and contemporary.
At its core, Payal Singhal’s brand is a celebration of Indian craft. The brand has long been an advocate for hand embroidery, and Singhal is particularly passionate about educating consumers on the nuances of craftsmanship that go into every piece. “We need more respect for craft,” she says. “It’s what makes our designs stand out, and it’s something I want the world to value more.”
As Payal Singhal marks 25 years of her fashion label, she reflects on a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and constant evolution. What began as a passion project is now a thriving global lifestyle brand with roots deeply embedded in Indian tradition and an eye firmly fixed on the future. From bridal wear to home décor, she has made her mark on the fashion world, and as she looks to the next 25 years, one thing is certain: the best is yet to come.
Here’s to another 25 years of creativity, culture, and timeless style — because Payal Singhal is just getting started.