Despite not being a part of our country’s traditions and culture, a pair of blue denim jeans has come to represent many things in present-day India. For some it’s a matter of plain comfort, for others, it’s a symbol of hope, of a modern India where gender roles are slowly dissolving into many shades of progress.
Today from blazers, shirts, bombers, saris—there’s nothing denim doesn’t offer. From Khadi denim to recycled denim, here are some Indian fashion labels that are truly breathing new life into a fabric that is no longer perceived as a non-native symbol of fashion.
There are some online brands, who still believe in such style:
DesiTude
Started by Kerala-based Siddharth Mohan Nair, DesiTude’s Khadi Denim products stem from a basically Gandhian philosophy of looking inward and being ‘swadeshi’. The fashion came about rather serendipitously when Nair used Khadi to make a pair of jeans and was immediately bombarded with inquiries about the same. With a more flexible weave and tailored human touch that goes into the dying and stitching of the fabric.
DesiTude offers a diverse catalogue of pieces that come in many colours. And for every sale, the label also plants a sapling with the intention of giving back to nature. How innovation right?
Korra
Straying away from the age of mass built-up, Korra, a Delhi-based fashion label, produces specializes in eco-friendly denim jeans, jackets, and shirts for both men and women. Founded by Shyam Sukhramani, Himanshu Shani, Mia Morikawa, and Rajesh Jaju, each product is made from start to end by one single tailor, who also leaves his signature on the same.
A fashion label with a particular approach towards its production process, Korra’s garments truly bring together the best of comfort and style.
Nixonbui
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A Copenhagen-based brand originally from Arunachal Pradesh, Nixonbui’s designs are rooted in the founder’s understanding of the tribal culture and design sensibilities that stemmed from his childhood years spent in the Northeastern region of this country.
Nixonbui’s pieces are a diverse fusion of modern urban designs with genuine tribal philosophies. We particularly admire the oversized, hand-embroidered Chitam denim jacket available on its website.
Bhane
There’s nothing quite as deep of streetwear as chic denim clothing that exudes comfort ease and style. Founded by Anand Ahuja in 2012, Bhane is one of the few pioneers of modern-day Indie fashion in the industry.
With a variety of denim jackets and jeans for both men and women, Bhane’s catalogue lies at the intersection of trendy and conventional.
The Ikat Story
Juggling Boho sensibilities, an attraction for neutral fashion and an eerie eye for detail, model-cum-stylist Chandni Sareen’s love for the traditional ikat fabric came a full circle when she merged all of these into her project ‘The Ikat Story’.
Each garment has its own tale to tell, and the fabric has ultimately been active in facilitating Chandni’s transition from stylist to a designer, a creatively evolutionary step she says ‘came very naturally’.
