Kamna Malik is an Independent Design Curator & Strategist who has worked for over 15 years across various markets, including lifestyle, design, art, fashion, architecture, and luxury. She is well-known in the media industry and has been associated with some of India’s top media houses. Kamna has played a key role in shaping and driving creative visions. She has previously served as the Former Editor of ELLE India magazine and the Former Head of India Design ID, the country’s oldest and largest design initiative.
She is best known for her work as the former editor-in-chief of Elle India, a popular fashion magazine. Malik held the position from 2015 to 2019, and during her tenure, she introduced new features and sections that focused on diversity and inclusivity.
Before joining ELLE India, Kamna worked as the managing editor of Harper’s Bazaar India, where she played a key role in shaping the magazine’s content and aesthetic. She has also worked as a features writer for other leading publications in India, including Vogue India and The Indian Express.
In addition to her editorial work, Kamna Malik has been involved in various philanthropic activities. She has collaborated with several non-profit organisations focusing on women’s empowerment and education, including the Nanhi Kali Foundation and the Mijwan Welfare Society.
During her early career, Kamna was actively involved with Akanksha, an NGO that provides educational development opportunities to underprivileged children. She is currently associated with the Citta Foundation, which established the Gyaan Centre and Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The Gyaan Centre utilizes education, art, and culture to address poverty and promote gender parity. She plays an active role in the foundation’s efforts.
Kamna is known for her strong leadership skills and ability to bring about positive change in the organisations she works with. She has been recognised as a trailblazer in the Indian media industry, particularly for her efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity.
Kamna is highly respected in the media industry for her innovative editorial approach, exceptional sense of fashion, and unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Best Fashion Feature award at the 2012 India Today Woman Summit & Awards and the Best Fashion Magazine award at the 2018 India Today Make in India Summit & Awards.
Kamna holds a Masters in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from the University of Nottingham, UK, and is a specialist in developing and curating lifestyle and design IPs, producing tailor-made consumer-oriented content (events, print, digital, and video) centred on design and décor, and creating brand strategies and customised solutions that provide direct ROIs.
Kamna has been a driving force in transforming the Indian design and décor industry and has curated one of India’s largest and oldest design shows, India Design ID, for the last five editions. She has also developed the digital content arm of ID, which is widely recognised as one of the best platforms for Indian and international design content.
Kamna Malik’s creative genius extends beyond India Design ID to other prominent initiatives such as Kohler Bold Design Awards, ELLE Beauty Awards, ELLE Graduates, and TRENDS Excellence Awards for Architecture & Design. With an extensive global and Indian network of architects, interior designers, artists, and other creative minds, Kamna has previously worked with distinguished brands and media companies such as ELLE Decor, TRENDS magazine, London Design Festival, Clerkenwell Design Week, and Time Out magazine.
Moreover, Kamna has served as a jury member for several prestigious international architecture and design initiatives, including Architizer A+ Awards, FRAME Awards, International Design Awards (IDA), LIV Hospitality Design Awards, Parcos Beauty Influencer Awards, and Lakme Fashion Week, among others. As a prominent figure in the Indian architecture and design community, Kamna is a sought-after speaker and has participated in several design platforms such as the Young Architects Festival (YAF), Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and Madras Art Weekend.
She has made several significant contributions to India’s media and fashion industry during her career. As a magazine editor, she has brought a fresh perspective to fashion journalism by introducing new features and sections focusing on diversity and inclusivity. Under her leadership, Elle India became a more inclusive and representative publication featuring models of different ethnicities, body types, and ages.
Kamna has also been instrumental in promoting sustainable fashion and ethical practices in the industry. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and has encouraged readers to adopt more sustainable fashion practices. In addition, she has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and education. She has used her position to promote female talent in the industry and has collaborated with several non-profit organisations that work towards women’s education and empowerment.
Another significant contribution of Kamna Malik to the industry is her innovative editorial approach and her ability to identify and showcase emerging talent. She has provided a platform for young and talented writers, photographers, and designers, helping them to gain recognition and build their careers. Her editorial leadership has been characterised by her ability to balance commercial viability with creative integrity, resulting in a popular and influential publication.
Kamna has also been instrumental in shaping India’s fashion and beauty landscape by introducing new trends and highlighting local talent. She has showcased the work of Indian designers and beauty professionals on the global stage, helping to raise the industry’s profile. Furthermore, she has been a role model and mentor to many aspiring journalists and editors in India. Her leadership style, which is characterised by her passion, dedication, and integrity, has inspired many young professionals in the industry.
To summarise, Kamna Malik’s contribution to the Indian media and fashion industry is multifaceted and has had a lasting impact. Her commitment to diversity, inclusivity, sustainability, women’s empowerment, innovative editorial approach, and leadership style have made her a trailblazer in the industry and an inspiration to many.
The success formula? “Be ready to experiment, adapt and absorb.”- Kamna Malik
References List:
- #DAREACT | Kamna Malik | Law student to Content Director & Editor | Elle India | (2021) YouTube. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQQc7DJ9n98 (Accessed: 14 May 2023).
- Kamna Malik: Judges: Dezeen awards 2023 (no date) Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/awards/2023/judges/kamna-malik/ (Accessed: 14 May 2023).
- Elle india editor-in-chief Kamna Malik on inclusivity, team spirit & work that inspires (2021) POPxo. Available at: https://www.popxo.com/article/popxo-women-who-win-kamna-malik/ (Accessed: 14 May 2023).
- Kamna Malik (2022) LIV Hospitality Design Awards. Available at: https://livawards.com/jury/kamna-malik/ (Accessed: 14 May 2023).
Image List-
- Founder- Kamna Malik (2023). Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqPLyOyqr4z/ (Accessed: 14 May 2023).
- Kamna Malik (no date) Deezen. Available at: https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/01/dezeen-awards-2023-judge-Kamna-Malik-sq-2048×2048.png (Accessed: 14 May 2023).
