How Kashiff Khan became the most influential man in fashion

For three years, Kashiff Khan has resided over pinnacle of the Indian fashion media industry – as the Managing Director of FashionTV India. But the grandiose title doesn’t befit his meteoric status. It's a far cry from the real thing.

With his trademark bald and beard style, Kashiff is above fashion, in fact, you could argue he’s fashion personified. He is revered and feared in equal measure, and he is seen as a representative of the entire industry.

So how did a commoner chap from Bandra East’s chawl earn himself the Indian style icon status and become the ultimate fashion power broker?

Looking back, some may argue that Kashiff was destined for a career in fashion from the start. He took over as the Managing Director of FashionTV India in 2019, redefining the role, before moving on to become the MD of FTV Asia Pacific in 2020.

It was here that Kashiff began to display his unfettered ambition and fierce determination. His first move was to expand the international fashion and lifestyle brand beyond its boundaries and provide a variety of services to its Indian audience base.

Kashiff knew exactly what he intended to do from the start. He paved the way for his next move by taking the brand’s development in a new direction that was more aligned to the Indian version.

It wasn’t long before he was invited to take control of Asia Pacific and the rest as they say is history.

Right from the beginning of his career at FTV India, Kashiff recognised the opportunity to use his position to shape the Indian fashion industry. Throughout his tenure, he has understood the necessity of building a power network, befriending people across all industries, including film, media and politics, as well as sports.

"His brilliance is picking people extremely astutely, whether it is his team, business partners, friends, or fashion," says Michel Adams, founder and chairman of FashionTV.

Kashiff Khan’s power has undoubtedly arisen from his ability to see his potential beyond the boundaries of FashionTV India and the fashion business.