Far from the landscapes of Saris, Lehengas, or traditional Salwar Kameez and beyond the usual take of western inspired hip-hop clothing is a subculture brewing from the streets of India that’s redefining androgynous streetwear fashion.
There’s a new wave of creative minds leading India’s fashion scene that is causing an upspring of innovative subcultural identities taking on cultural aesthetics with a contemporary twist of streetwear staples. Brands that go beyond the common perception of streetwear, but rather create complexity via designs that are not only culturally relevant but also androgynous in their making and storytelling.
From inclusive models, and socio-political messages to liberal philosophies and gender-fluid compositions, discover the top 6 brands leading the streetwear scenes of India
Dhruv Kapoor
Dhruv Kapoor is a creative intellect that’s redefining what it means to play with feminine wear in a world that mixes hip-hop styles with pop culture and elegance. The mastermind does not shy away from incorporating colour with polar opposite patterns or juxtaposed shapes to elevate the garments to a level of disproportionate complexity. Which is then eloquently unified to create feelings of admiring an artwork. The namesake label challenges the boundaries of unconventional Indian streetwear with a tasteful design ethos that is reflected in its work.
Jaywalking
If androgynous was a person then Jaywalking would be its name. Filled with personality, the brand is an extension of the founder Jay Jajal’s eclectic persona that draws inspiration from western trends of streetwear staples that he elevates with bold graphics and exaggerated shapes. From graphic printed shirts to mono-hued co-ords & oversized sweatshirts, Jaywalking is making basic styles such as the tee a desirable wardrobe must-have.
Huemn
A forerunner in shaping the streetwear culture of India, Huemn is a brand well known amongst fashion enthusiasts seeking experimentalist clothing challenging the norm of technology and creative imagination. A strong brand identity that draws and manipulates the imagery of graffiti, emphasises Huemn’s artistic vision as a contemporary streetwear brand on an international scale. Aiming to inspire conversation & ignite thought, their androgynous clothes bridges comfort with conscientious experimentation to balance the scales of wearability, singularity, and of art.
Kanika Goyal Label
Kanika Goyal’s youthful label draws inspiration from the current cultural zeitgeist and is a proponent of the ‘neo luxury’ mandate. The creative manipulation of shapes, patterns, and composition cleverly evokes visual representations of complexity and unique storytelling. Provocative yet playful on the visual front, their collections are a dream for ‘oversized fit’ lovers who still enjoy showing some skin.
The ability to play with colour, minimalism and layering of textures speak volumes of KGL’s potential to compete on an international level with some of the most powerful streetwear brands to join the ranks in paving the way for street style’s contemporary vision.
Almost Gods
As unconventional as the name itself, the brand vision of Almost Gods is driven by the idea of duality and abstraction of accepted structures and cultural norms. With a mission to synergise religion and technology in an outcome of expressive fashionable garments, the brand’s ethos translates into their streetwear clothes as seen on their prints & silhouettes to make ordinary fashion lovers elevate to a level where their clothes make people feel as powerful as gods. The use of thought-provoking imagery challenges the sensitivity of expression and connotations of beliefs when it comes to discussing or showcasing any form of religion.
Prxkhxr
Prxkhxr is a Delhi-based brand that encapsulates a youthful spirit that ascribes to an ‘achievable but edgy’ philosophy. With prints being at the main core of the streetwear brand, collection after collection they play with a range of colours that manipulate symbols to reflect an element in nature. Their signature prints are both creatively designed and developed from scratch in-house. What elevates the quality of their craftsmanship is the brand’s clever mixture of luxurious materials from hand-spun and handwoven silks to the best ranges of cotton available.
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