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In 2022, the scope of street style widens as more avenues in fashion introduce us to their own distinctive visions. We have transitioned from the days when a singular narrative of loose t-shirts directed the streetwear market. In the present day more and more fresh voices are chiming in to dictate the future of experimental street style; embodying a rebellious spirit rooted in sustainable practices that are better for the environment.
Diversifying and broadening the inspirations behind clothing pieces, brands are shifting their lens to newer ideas that can be incorporated into their visual language. Here are six streetwear labels based in India that are presenting their own unique versions of street style.
BALAV
“As a brand, I’m trying to curate a vibe that comes off as super weird, but not far from normal.” -Vaishnavi Bala
A luxury street fashion house born in 2021, Balav is carving a space for experimental style beyond the restrictive binaries. With the vision of creating a safe space outside gender and societal norms the brand is widening the scope of Indian fashion by introducing themes of fluidity. By incorporating a wild presence of the Mumbai streets and inspiration from daily life, the brand creates wearable clothing playing with lines and symmetry.
View the label here.
prxkhxr: PRAKHAR
A brand targeted towards the more youthful and relaxed audience world over, Prakhar incorporated in 2019 is creating collections that they like to call ‘achievable edgy’, creating clothes which are youthful and vibrant, but at the same time not too flamboyant to wear daily. The handmade fabrics are sourced from different craft clusters around India. Their designs take inspiration from a wide range of subjects while also reclaiming simple living with their comfortable silhouette and fits.
View the label here.
FARAK
Celebrating and honouring the journey of an artisan, Farak is a premium streetwear brand that seeks to diversify and redefine Indian artisanship and its culture. Their unique products play with print, colour and hues from the traditional designs while giving them a contemporary spin. With a vision to narrate the exquisite tale of Indian culture and offer something authentic to the world, Farak translates to ‘difference’ or ‘being unique’ in Urdu.
View the label here.
POLITE SOCIETY
A non-conformist power dressing label, Polite Society based in Mumbai uses bold and conversational aesthetics that are functional at the same time. The attention to detail is evident as each piece has a creative identity of its own. The founder, Surmai Jain also hopes to challenge the Indian society’s perceptions of nudity and gender roles. The clothing carries the same rebellious spirit which claims space and demands attention.
View the label here.
WALKING VERTICAL
One of the most experimental brands in the Indian market currently, Walking Vertical created by a NIFT graduate, Akash Patwal, is making a difference in fashion. The clothing resembles pieces of art where the compositions play with movement and a vibrant colour palette. Embodying themes of fluidity and maximalism their unique visual story showcases thoughtful ideation, while the textile art presents a joyful celebration of design with versatility and a distinctive voice.
View the label here.
IMLI DANA
An independent textile label, Imli Dana plays with punk inspired streetwear. Made with up-cycled and regenerative objects the brand follows the ideology of self sufficiency in the fashion system. Using alternative textiles by reclaiming generational practices, Imli Dana is revolutionising street style through a South Asian gaze rooted in sustainable living. The colourful explosion of prints and unique knits bring home the idea of an eccentric identity where the clothing narrates a story of its own.
View the label here.
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