Asia's Best Younger Entrepreneur 2009

Kanchan Panjabi
Hong Kong

Age: 26

Company: Kanchan Couture

After studying economics and French in New York, Kanchan Panjabi moved on to work with fashion designer Amanda Wakeley in London, where she embarked on an MA in fashion design and enterprise. Kanch, as she likes to be known, is now back in Hong Kong and has launched her own label, Kanchan Couture, of luxury women's wear. With the opening of L'atelier de Kanch, her Hong Kong-based workshop, studio, and creative hub, she has developed a reputation for designing luxurious, elegant women's wear and accessories. Her inspiration is derived from India, Kanchan's country of origin. She hopes to branch into shoes soon.