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Narendra Kumar or “Nari” is one of India’s leading fashion designers since the launch of his eponymous label in 2000. Popular among the fashion savvy set for his immaculate fit, contemporary design and modern storytelling.. Nari’s structured silhouette and sharp tailoring never override Indian textile heritage. The fashion designer also has a number of sub-brands that cater to different markets. He is also Creative Director- Amazon Fashion- India.
Narendra Kumar- or Nari as he is popularly known in the fashion industry- graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology New Delhi in 1990. In 2000 Nari launched his own label and showcased his work at India Fashion Week, Australia Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week and Dusseldorf CPD Fashion Fair. Popular among the fashion savvy set for his immaculate fit, contemporary design and modern storytelling.. Nari’s structured silhouette and sharp tailoring never override Indian heritage and the fashion designer has a number of sub-brands that cater to different markets.
The fashion designer wears many hats; he was the founding Fashion Editor for Elle India and continues to work with leading fashion magazines in addition to holding the prestigious post of Creative Director, Amazon Fashion, India. Per his official website, “Narendra Kumar is the only Indian designer to feature in Esquire Black Book 2013 as one of The Best Men’s Stores In The World.
Built over the last twenty years on the fine craft of tailoring and textile.. his keen eye for detail has won him many respected clients from fashion connoisseurs to Bollywood celebrities. He is a pioneer when it comes to crisp linen suits tailored for the Indian weather and is suitable for occasion wear, Indian and contemporary global and modern casual evening wear.
Besides bespoke and formal wear, Narendra Kumar launched a ready to wear young brand, FKNS, in 2017. The younger brand also has his trademark cut, fit and sharp tailoring, which when combined with easy leisure silhouettes, becomes a rage each time a new collection is launched. ‘The FKNS athleisure couture look is enhanced with the use of hand embroidery, brocades and velvet to give it a lux feel for an evening sporty glamour. From day to evening wear, this collection is a new direction in haute. In Nari’s words “athleisure is defining the fashion of the future”‘ states a note on his website.
The fashion designer is once again in the news for his fashion film titled “2+2= 5 Brave New World”, which is a part of the Official Selection for the Berlin Fashion Film Festival 2022. “The film shows that fashion can have more meaning than just wearing clothes. I always believed that clothes mean nothing without a story. For me, my shows have always been “15 minutes of cinema”, it has always been experiential. Filmmaking is a natural extension of this story telling and allows me to reach a larger audience in a meaningful way, especially when people claim fashion is frivolous…” Nari told Times Of India.
Narendra Kumar Ahmed, widely known as Nari in the fashion industry, is a designer who believes in crafting not just clothes but experiences. His mission is to create fashion that transcends mere appearance and speaks to the mind, combining sharp tailoring and structured silhouettes with storytelling. Drawing inspiration from Indian heritage, he integrates modern designs into his collections, offering fashion that reflects evolving mindsets. As a visionary, Nari has always sought to merge art with fashion, ensuring that every collection tells a compelling narrative. His runway shows are cinematic events, turning the fashion stage into a platform for high-performance storytelling. For him, fashion is not only about dressing the body but also engaging the mind. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage, Nari’s work continues to reshape the way fashion is perceived and experienced in the modern fashion industry.
Narendra Kumar’s vision for his brand is to combine contemporary design with Indian textile heritage. With an impeccable eye for detail and an expertise in structured silhouettes and sharp tailoring, his creations offer a refined yet accessible elegance. Nari’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his use of textiles and craftsmanship, which are at the core of his designs. His work transcends conventional fashion, offering a fresh perspective on formal and casual wear that speaks to the evolving tastes of both Indian and global markets.
Nari strives to tell stories through his collections, emphasizing that fashion should have meaning. His innovative approach is evident in the launch of FKNS, a younger brand that redefines athleisure couture by combining comfort with luxury, using hand embroidery and rich fabrics like brocades and velvet. Through his fashion films and shows, he continues to challenge the boundaries of fashion, positioning it as an experiential and cinematic journey that connects with audiences on a deeper level. His philosophy that “clothes mean nothing without a story” is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of fashion.
Narendra Kumar Ahmed (Founder)
Narendra Kumar Ahmed retails apparel and accessories spanning occasion wear, bespoke and ready to wear. His Fall Winter 2010 created news. Under the canopied venue was a replica of a train with ‘coolies’ showing guests to their seats while he served tea! Kumar proved his expertise with hand embroidered georgette and jersey kaftans with looped hemlines, tussore silk textured skirts with 3D appliqué and Lurex cutwork dresses. The presentation was taken to the theatrical max—amid train attendants and sports dresses—with the sculpted evening gowns he designs so well.
Narendra Kumar Ahmed also gave the fashion-conscious set something to remember with his showing at Delhi Times Fashion Week i.e. athletic wear elevated with couture techniques. As the showing progressed it was evident the designer had used the strength of sharp tailoring to handcraft luxury athleisure. The hand embroidered bombers, printed jackets, hoodies, striped crop tops, short belted dresses and sleek men’s outerwear mined the athleisure trend and presented it in a new design category.