Every time my grandmothers opened those teak cupboards, a vertical rainbow of saris appeared. Brocades brushed against chiffons, kalamkari mingled with Banarasi. At six, I didn’t know the word “craft”, but I knew those textures moved me more than any Disney film ever could. That was the first imprint: colour, weave and memory stitched together.
The realisation came years later, at eighteen, wandering through boutiques in Europe and wondering why Indian fashion brands weren’t displayed with the same organisation or infrastructure. That question became my direction. Thirteen years on, the mission is unchanged: to take Indian design to the world and ensure our craft is seen and remembered.
Today, my work revolves around telling those stories. I spotlight designers, celebrate artisans and create content that connects their vision with a wider audience.
That purpose deepened when I began representing Indian designers on global stages—fashion weeks, film festivals, red carpets. Every time I wore an Indian designer abroad, I understood a little more about the power of visibility. It was never just about style; it was about showing what our country can create.
One moment that sealed this belief was walking for Vaishali S at Milan Fashion Week. Among the first Indian designers to show there, her work rooted in cording techniques felt like wearable art. Being part of that history felt like a full-circle moment, both personal and collective.
When I put together a look, I start with its story. What does it stand for? What lineage does it carry? Which community’s hands shaped it? I ask myself how I can use my platform to amplify those voices. It’s about merging my story with theirs so it reaches further.
The world doesn’t need another reminder that Indian craftsmanship is extraordinary. What it needs is recognition of the new-age brands that are building the future of fashion, on their own terms.
For years, global fashion borrowed from India—our colours, drapes and embroidery—without acknowledging the hands behind them. That is changing. We are seeing designers who no longer wait for validation. They create on their own terms, driven by skill, innovation and pride in where they come from.
Indian fashion matters not only because of its heritage but also its potential. It has the power to lead in sustainability, inclusivity and creativity. Our designers preserve stories, empower artisans and reshape silhouettes for a world that’s finally ready to listen.
Here are ten of the new-age Indian fashion brands redefining that future and how I’d wear them.
With plant-dyed silks and cottons, Re-Ceremonial brings a certain calm to occasion dressing. Ideal for someone who values meaning and craftsmanship over trend-driven pageantry. I’d style their blush silk set with minimal gold jewellery and a sleek bun, for a look that feels minimal yet impactful.
Mushroom on Toast takes heritage textiles and brings them into the now. Their handloom cottons are layered, reworked into modern proportions; oversized jackets and asymmetric wrap skirts. I’d pair their separates with white basics and subtle accessories.
Qua’s sharp tailoring, subdued palette, and impeccable fits make it a go-to for modern workwear. I gravitate towards their cropped blazer sets, ideal with a structured bag and clean styling. It’s the kind of wardrobe you invest in once and return to constantly.
Self Cntrd designs with a global gaze and local grounding. Their silhouettes are strong,
architectural and unapologetically feminine. Perfect for evening dressing that feels
contemporary without trend-chasing. I’d pick their black drape gown, worn with sculptural
jewellery and a clean updo.
Hiro is streetwear, distilled through a culturally sharp lens. Bold typography, oversized
silhouettes and standout graphics define the brand’s voice. I’d layer their boxy shirt over a
lehenga skirt or pair a statement jacket with denim. It’s bold, expressive and rooted in self-
definition.
SAND champions fluidity, in form and ethos. Their co-ord sets and kaftan silhouettes
feel like intentional dressing made for real life. Ideal for travel, slow days or anything in
between. I’d style their earthy-toned separates with faux leather slides and gold accents for a
day that moves at your pace.
Sotbella’s eesternwear silhouettes–fitted dresses, tonal blazers, sculpted waistcoats–carry drama through cut. I wore their brown maxi recently and it reminded me that real impact doesn’t always need to be loud.
Instagram content
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: vogue.in
