Have you ever felt like your heart belonged to two different worlds? I have. Fashion has always been a part of me – not just an interest, but something that stayed with me every day. But when it came to choosing a career, I chose law. Not because fashion got out of place, but because Law was seen as more of a profession of influence, intellect, and respect – qualities I deeply valued too. Even after becoming a student of Law, fashion never left me. It stayed – quietly, persistently waiting. Then one day, I stumbled upon a page called “Yourfashionlawguide” on Instagram by Ms. Diya M. Kumar, a Fashion Lawyer and Founder at Legal Luxe.
At that moment, everything made sense to me, that the two different worlds could align. Fashion and law weren’t meant to be distinct – they could beautifully coexist. The spark that was long lost came back instantly, and I started following her work. I reached out to Ms. Diya to know more about a career in Fashion Law, and she generously took out the time to answer my questions – a blend of passion, purpose and a path I didn’t think existed until now. I believe sharing the knowledge accumulated through a casual conversation with Ms. Diya, with the larger audience, will help more people like me. There you go!
Fashion Law Insights: A Glimpse of conversation with Ms. Diya M. Kumar
Q. What is the scope of Fashion Law – In India and across the globe?
Ms. Diya: Fashion law is still growing in India but globally, it’s becoming vital – covering IP, contracts, sustainability, employment law, and more.
Q. What are the challenges of pursuing Fashion Law in India as compared to other countries?
Ms. Diya: If we compare fashion law as a concept in India as compared to the other countries, the biggest challenge in India is that fashion law is still emerging as a recognized niche. Unlike the US or EU, where fashion houses actively engage legal teams for IP, sustainability, and contracts, Indian brands often do not prioritize this until there’s a problem. So comparatively, there’s less demand — but also huge potential if you position yourself well.
Q. To start with a career in Fashion Law, is it beneficial to join a boutique law firm or as an in-house counsel in a Fashion Company?
Ms. Diya: Whether you go with a Boutique Law Firm or as an In-House Counsel, both paths work, and honestly, you can try both during your early internships. Boutique IP/fashion law firms give you strong legal grounding. But an in-house role at a fashion company lets you understand the business inside out. If you want to be super strategic in the long run, in-house experience can be Gold!
Q. In order to become a Fashion Law Expert, do you need to be a Fashion Expert as well? What are the pros in such a case?
Ms. Diya: You don’t have to be a fashion expert to become a fashion law expert — but having a basic understanding of the Fashion Industry definitely gives you an edge. It helps you think like your clients, understand the real-world challenges, and offer more practical advice instead of just textbook solutions.
Speaking of the pros of being aware of the Fashion world, clients trust you more when you “get” their world — not just the law, but also the business and creative side.
Q. Are there any books, journals, or websites you recommend for someone diving into this field?
Ms. Diya: I believe my own – YourFashionLawGuide can be a great start for anyone who is interested in staying updated with the Fashion Laws. Apart from that, I would also recommend The fashion law blog and BoF blog.
Q. Also, how can law students start networking in the fashion law space?
Ms. Diya: Since you contacted me with your queries on Fashion Law as a career, you have no idea how much that means to me — truly, thank you!
Students can start with internships in IP law firms or with brands. They can also explore online courses — even short ones can help build clarity. For networking, I’d say start by genuinely engaging with professionals’ work — whether it’s commenting thoughtfully on LinkedIn, attending webinars, or even reaching out with specific questions. Don’t just network for the sake of it — build real connections.
It’s a Wrap!
To be honest, this conversation with Ms. Diya gave me a deeper understanding of Fashion law as a career. It felt like someone had finally put into words everything I’d been thinking and wanting to know about this field. Her journey made me realize that it’s okay not to have everything figured out from the start (I know about it because I religiously follow her Instagram handle for better insights). Beyond clearing my doubts about this field, and giving me ample information about the career as a Fashion Lawyer, the conversation gave me something even more valuable — hope…… Hope that someday, I’ll find my place in this field and truly thrive.
If you’re someone like me, torn between two different paths and wondering if there’s a middle ground — trust me, there is! And sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to help you see it.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Diya for her valuable time!
