How a Self-Taught Designer Built a Rs 5 Crore Fashion Brand Loved by Bollywood Celebs

The fashion world has long been ruled by established designers who set the standard for the red carpet and everyday celebrity looks. Yet, there’s a refreshing shift underway.

There is a new wave of influencer designers who are not just challenging the status quo but setting new trends by creating pieces that are quirky and eccentric. One such name is a self-taught Priyanka Gadia, the creative force behind Mumbai-based fashion brand Appapop.

Priyanka Gadia did not attend a fashion school, but built a brand that Bollywood stars love (Photos: Special Arrangement)

The brand, which has become synonymous with bold and unique apparel, achieved a turnover of Rs 5 crore in the last financial year. A-list Bollywood stars such as Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif and Varun Dhawan are often seen sporting her ready-to-wear designs.

From flowy dresses to stylish outerwear, from bottom wear to co-ord sets, Appapop has a diverse array of options for fashion-forward men and women.


However, Priyanka’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its fair share of ups and downs. A 2012 B.com graduate from KPB Hinduja College of Commerce, Mumbai, she says that she never had any formal training in fashion.

“I am completely self-taught. Before launching my brand, I was working with the RSG Group of companies in Mumbai where I used to take care of the accounts,” says Priyanka.

“Even while working, I used to take up individual clients who would be interested in getting an outfit designed with the help of local masterjis. This was all done in a traditional way and on a small scale.”

Things took a significant turn when she moved to Hong Kong after her marriage in 2015. The city left her in awe with its fashion-forward style scene.

Priyanka continues to innovate with bold designs that have made Appapop a Rs 5 crore success

For someone like Priyanka who has always been passionate about style and design, Hong Kong offered her an exhilarating experience and the right amount of impetus that led her to launch her own brand in 2017.

“After I got married, just after two months, I started off as a fashion influencer. My whole idea was to create my own distinct style. I would create something and style it on myself,” she recalls. Soon, she realised that she could turn her passion into a business.

“We launched our first workshop in Hong Kong from where we make 70% of our collection. Living in Hong Kong has been a significant influence. The city is always at the cutting edge of style, and my team and I continuously explore new looks and trends.

“We often find ourselves ahead of the curve by 18 months to two years compared to other markets. For instance, what’s trending in Hong Kong now will typically make its way to India and other regions a bit later. This proactive approach keeps us fashion-forward,” says Priyanka, for whom Mumbai is like a second home.

It was in 2018 that Appapop’s website was launched. “When we started running ads on social media in 2019, Bollywood actor and model Urvashi Rautela was among the first few celebrities to reach out to us,” she says, recounting the growth trajectory of her brand.

“She sent us an email asking how she could buy a particular outfit. Then, I collaborated with her stylist and that’s how my Bollywood fashion journey started. The same year, I designed for Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt and Jacqueline Fernandez.”

As a self-taught fashion designer, she emphasises the importance of trusting her instincts. “I make sure that I stay updated with the latest fashion trends but when it comes to designing I trust my instincts. I think it’s this balance that drives my creative process and sets Appapop apart.”

Priyanka shifted her business to Mumbai during the Covid pandemic

The pandemic was a challenging period for businesses across the board, and Appapop was no exception. The brand, like many others, faced significant hurdles during this time. Navigating a landscape marked by uncertainty and disruption became challenging for Priyanka.

“I was pregnant at the time of the pandemic. The business was slow again. But when things started getting back to normal, I made sure not to miss a beat. I put in all my efforts again. I never gave up all this while,” she says.

It was the pandemic that compelled Priyanka to launch a workshop in Juhu, Mumbai, as production in Hong Kong had to be paused. Post-pandemic, the production in Hong Kong resumed.

Now, the company creates 30% of its designs from Mumbai. The head office is in Mumbai Central.

In 2021, Appapop expanded its reach by making its distinctive outfits available on Nykaa, an e-commerce platform. Soon, they will be available on other platforms such as Myntra and Ajio as well.

Talking about her inspiration behind fashion, she reflects on her father's influence. “My father was a significant inspiration. When I was a kid, he used to shop a lot for me and get me different kinds of outfits. And, this is how from a young age, I started creating new styles and experimenting with different looks.”

Her father, who was into gold and silver trading, had always been supportive of her venture. “I started my business with an initial investment of Rs. 50 lakh. Most of the money came from my savings with a bit of support from my dad.”

One celebrity she would love to dress again and again is Deepika Padukone. “I’ve already created a design for Deepika, but I would love the opportunity to work with her repeatedly. Her style and presence are truly inspiring.

“As far as fashion designers are concerned, I truly admire Manish Malhotra. His success in opening physical stores not just across India but also internationally, such as in Dubai, is truly commendable.”

Appapop creations would soon be available in several multi-designer stores in the country

Talking about her future plans, Priyanka reveals, “We have collaborated with many multi-designer stores where our collection will be available. Also, we frequently host pop-ups in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and other cities. There’s a store in Dubai that keeps our collection on display.”

At Appapop, sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. It starts with their fabric choices. “We select only eco-friendly and ethically sourced materials to ensure that our clients not only look great but also feel comfortable,” says Priyanka, highlighting her commitment to conscious consumerism.

To aspiring fashion entrepreneurs, Priyanka offers her two cents: “Never give up. Life will undoubtedly present challenges, but staying consistent and true to yourself is crucial. Believe in yourself and you can overcome anything.”

Her husband Angel Kothari has been always supportive. “He runs a diamond trading business in Hong Kong. He’s well-versed in Mandarin. So when I started off my business, he helped me how things worked there.”

Managing work-life balance for a working mother is a tightrope walk and Priyanka is managing that with the much-needed delicate handling.

“My son Ryan (Kothari) will be turning four this year. Every day presents its own set of challenges. But I make sure that I have time for both family and work,” she says.

Work-Life Balance: Priyanka with her husband, Angel Kothari, and son, Ryan

“I commute to the office more than once a day so that I can spend quality time with my son. I make sure we have our playtime and storytime together. Once he’s asleep, I again use that time to catch up on work. It’s all about finding the balance that suits your needs.”

When she’s not busy with her work, Priyanka enjoys staying active and exploring her culinary interests. “I’m really into fitness and make sure to work out regularly,” she shares. “I also love to cook, so I often experiment with new recipes.” - ©TWL