Liya Thachil is a Photographer and Creative Director with over 15 years of experience in luxury fashion design, manufacturing, and styling. Having worked with Gucci, Chanel, Vogue, and Vanity Fair, she later co-founded WESTxEAST, an AI-powered design platform for made-to-measure cultural clothing. After the birth of her son, Liya picked up the camera, discovering a new medium through which to channel her creativity. Her photography captures not only a moment but the very essence of her subjects, shaped by an eye honed through years in the world of fashion.

Influenced by the stark elegance of Richard Avedon, the sculptural precision of Irving Penn, and the romantic grandeur of Cecil Beaton, Liya’s work merges timeless portraiture with contemporary style. Her approach is also informed by the critical lens of Susan Sontag, grounding her imagery in a thoughtful exploration of how photographs can both reveal and shape identity. With each frame, she strives to create photographs that are simultaneously timeless and dynamic. She aims to create images that hold power, intimacy, and artistry. Today, Liya continues to consult on creative projects while building a photographic practice that bridges fashion, storytelling, and fine art.