This week, Emirates Woman speaks to the renowned Indian fashion designer, Krésha Bajaj.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
At Dubai Fashion Week this year, she went deep into the world of archives, this year’s SS26 show featured oversized hats, and her usual staple signatures. Known for her intricate craftsmanship, the runway saw traditional design techniques featuring cutwork, and micro-beading that ruled the runway, in each of her skilled silhouettes.
While preserving her heritage, the contemporary luxury brand has redefined Indian couture in that are both subtle yet fiercely feminine. Emirates Woman also had a chat Krésha Bajaj herself, where the designer mentioned her favourite trends on the runway this season.
So, to delve into her journey as an entrepreneur, Emirates Woman understands how it all began
What was your favourite subject at school?
History. I’ve always been fascinated by how the past shapes the present – how people lived, dressed, and expressed themselves through what they wore. History made my imagination run free; I’d picture entire eras and cultures unfolding in my mind. Even back then, I was drawn to the stories hidden in garments, the evolution of fashion, and the rituals of adornment. It was the only subject that made me dream visually.
What was your first job?
My first job was as an intern at Condé Nast India. I was so excited, thinking it would be all about fashion shoots and styling – but in reality, I was the coffee girl. It was humbling, though. I learned early on that glamour is just one part of fashion; the real work happens behind the scenes.
What brought you to Dubai?
Dubai has always felt like home. There’s something about this city – it’s global and diverse, yet rooted in tradition, which mirrors my own sensibility as a designer. It gave me a platform to cater to an international audience while staying true to my Indian roots and craftsmanship.
What inspired you to enter the space and launch your brand?
Honestly, I’ve never known anything else. Both my parents were in fashion, so my childhood was spent surrounded by fabrics, threads, and sketches. I’d come home from school and sit at my dad’s tailoring shop, using leftover scraps to make little creations. When I was four, I drew a clown wearing a ball gown – and I think that was the beginning of it all. Fashion wasn’t just a dream; it was my language of expression from the very start.
Talk us through the concept.
Krésha Bajaj is built on storytelling – each piece is a narrative woven into fabric. Whether it’s a love story, a personal milestone, or a memory, we translate emotion into embroidery and craftsmanship. I want every piece to feel timeless – something you can cherish, re-wear, and eventually pass down.
What are the key elements of your role?
For the longest time, I handled both the creative and the business sides of the brand, which was rewarding but also quite lonely. I’m inherently creative – that’s where I thrive. About a year ago, after much convincing, my husband joined the brand to take over business growth, development, and strategy. It’s been transformative. Now, I focus purely on design, storytelling, and aesthetic direction, and it’s been such a beautiful shift.
Talk us through your daily routine.
There’s no fixed routine, and that’s what keeps it exciting. The only constants are coffee and my dogs – that’s non-negotiable. Some days I’m at the atelier sketching or working closely with artisans, other days I’m at the store focusing on clients, shoots, or upcoming launches. And then there are days when I completely isolate myself in my home studio to conceptualize new ideas. It all depends on what the brand needs from me that day.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Be true to yourself. In fashion today, it’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing or what’s trending. But authenticity is what lasts. Find your voice, build your own narrative, and let your work speak for you. People connect with honesty more than perfection.
Tell us more about the pieces and services.
Our work is deeply rooted in Indian craftsmanship – particularly Aari and Zardozi embroidery. Every piece is made with the intention of becoming an heirloom, designed to be loved, re-worn, and passed down. We’re obsessive about quality, finish, and fabric. Our approach is also highly personalized – we consider everything from a client’s skin tone to their body type and comfort. The idea is to create something they’ll treasure forever. And then, of course, there’s the “Love Story Lehenga”, which I originally designed for my own wedding. It features personal details – moments and memories embroidered into the garment – and that concept has now become one of our most special services. It’s not just for weddings; we’ve done it for baby showers, friendships, even pets. It’s about celebrating any bond that deserves to be immortalised.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“You are not what you say you’ll do – you are what you do.” That one always grounds me. Action defines who you are far more than intention ever can.
And what is the worst?
I honestly don’t remember any bad advice – probably because I never kept it in my head long enough.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
A creative block. It was terrifying. For someone whose identity is built on imagination, losing that flow felt like losing myself. I couldn’t sketch, couldn’t conceptualize – it felt like falling into a dark hole. I’ve learned since then that it’s part of the process; creativity ebbs and flows, and sometimes, stillness brings the next spark. But in that moment, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced.
What lies ahead for the brand?
There’s so much to look forward to. We’re opening our store in Delhi, which I’m incredibly excited about. After launching our ready-to-wear line in Dubai, we’re now working on expanding that further. And beyond fashion, we’re exploring new territories – fragrance, home, and accessories – all built around the same idea of emotional storytelling and craft.
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Images: Supplied
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