Mani Kohli Awarded MBE in the King’s New Year Honours
First South Asian Female Fashion Designer Recognised for Services to Fashion

London, United Kingdom

Mani Kohli, pioneering fashion entrepreneur and founder of Khubsoorat Collection, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s New Year Honours for her services to fashion. In a historic milestone, she becomes the first South Asian female fashion designer to receive this recognition.

Arriving in the UK in the late 1970s as a young bride, Mani later faced the challenges of rebuilding her life as a single mother with two young children. During a period marked by significant racial and social barriers for South Asians in Britain, she persevered with resilience, determination and vision.

Born and educated in India, Mani balanced Indian heritage with Western influence from an early age. Her upbringing in an army family instilled discipline and adaptability, while her BA (Honours) in Economics and Political Science shaped the strategic mindset that later defined her entrepreneurial success.

Her fashion journey began in 1977, at a time when representation for South Asian female designers was virtually non-existent. A defining moment came through her involvement in a major Indian fashion show organised by the India High Commission in the UK, attended by over 52,000 people. Supported by renowned British designer Zandra Rhodes, this led to opportunities including exhibiting at the London Textile Museum.

In 1985, recognising a gap in the market for contemporary South Asian womenswear that fused Indian craftsmanship with Western sensibilities, Mani founded Khubsoorat Collection. Beginning with a mobile wholesale business before opening her first East London boutique, the brand evolved into one of the UK’s most recognised South Asian fashion houses, later expanding to New York.

Over four decades, her work helped bring South Asian fashion into mainstream British culture. Her designs have been worn by figures across politics, television and film, including appearances in the acclaimed film Bend It Like Beckham.

Today, her work continues through supporting women artisans in India and helping preserve traditional craftsmanship for future generations.