BALAV Founder on Building a Contemporary Brand

An insightful masterclass exploring fashion entrepreneurship, the launch of BALAV, and the evolving market.

FAD welcomed fashion entrepreneur and designer Vaishnavi Balav, founder of the label BALAV, for an engaging masterclass on fashion entrepreneurship and brand building.

The session traced Vaishnavi’s journey from shaping a creative vision to launching her independent label, offering students insight into the strategic thinking and resilience required to build a fashion brand today. She highlighted how BALAV positions itself at the intersection of innovation and luxury, encouraging fashion as a form of individual expression.

A key focus of the discussion was menswear, an expanding segment of the global fashion market. Vaishnavi spoke about evolving consumer preferences, the nuances of styling for men, and how brands approach pricing, positioning and identity within the luxury space.

She also addressed practical industry realities - from managing celebrity collaborations and maintaining professional conduct to navigating challenges such as design replication.

The session encouraged students to approach fashion with both creative clarity and business awareness, while understanding the importance of adaptability and authenticity within the industry.

---