Hyderabad, September 14, 2025: Fashion is not just about fabric; it is about emotion, identity, and culture. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) may automate tasks, it cannot replace the intuition, imagination, and cultural understanding of a designer. This was the central message from four leading fashion voices—Karan Torani, Tanya Ghavri, Namrata Joshipura, and Anjali Gaekwar—who engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Ms. Pallavi Jain, Chairperson of YFLO (Young FICCI Ladies Organisation) at a session titled ‘Style Speaks Strategy’, held on Saturday evening at Park Hyatt, Banjara Hills.
Setting the tone for the evening, Pallavi Jain, Chairperson of YFLO, said, “Knowledge is power. And today, we exchange knowledge not through textbooks or boardrooms, but through the language of style, creativity, and strategy. Fashion is more than what we wear—it builds economies, drives innovation, and creates identity. Behind every trend lies a story, behind every design lies strategy, and behind every successful brand lies years of knowledge and persistence.”
Speaking about AI & Fashion, they said it is A Tool, not a Threat. The panellists emphasised that while AI will not replace designers, it will transform their roles.
Karan Torani, designer and founder of Torani, remarked: “Like photography didn’t kill painting, AI won’t kill fashion design—it will transform it. AI will take over repetitive work, but designers will move deeper into creative direction, storytelling, sustainability, and emotional branding.”
He added, “Let any technology come, Indians don’t forget their roots. Take weddings, for instance—we may live in a tech world, but the ‘bandwala’ still plays on.”
Tanya Ghavri, celebrity stylist, observed, “AI has intelligence, but humans have imagination. Machines may compute, but only the human mind can think and imagine.”
She also addressed the profession’s rise: “Until a decade ago, the word stylist was limited to film sets or magazines. Today, stylists are in demand not just in Bollywood but also in OTT, advertising, weddings, corporate shoots, and social media. Styling has transformed from behind-the-scenes to one of the most aspirational careers.”
Anjali Gaekwar, luxury retail entrepreneur and co-founder of Lighthouse, added: “Design is in our DNA—it is our identity. AI is just a tool. The Indian luxury consumer has evolved from aspiration to appreciation—seeking not just products but experiences and authenticity.”
Namrata Joshipura, internationally renowned fashion designer, stated: “Indian fashion is no longer confined to geography. Our craftsmanship has a universal language, and when blended with modern silhouettes, it resonates with women across the world.”
The panel also acknowledged concerns about AI copying signature styles and the risk of markets being flooded with cheap lookalikes—making copyright and originality urgent issues for the industry.
The speakers agreed that India remains unique in its fashion, style, and culture, and that Indian brands need not fear foreign competition.
“Fashion is both local and global, and India has the advantage of heritage and innovation,” they noted.
Over 200 FLO and YFLO members attended the session. The session also had Fashion Trivia, where attendees divided into groups and tested their fashion IQ.