Growing up in India, I was always surrounded by a culture that felt alive. From our rich textile traditions to our ornate garments, maximalism was never something we tiptoed around. Yet many of us were often told to dilute that richness, to tone it down, to make it modern. Brown skin draped in cultural fabric was labelled as ‘too loud’, ‘too colourful’, ‘too tacky. For decades, the global fashion industry has long borrowed from the Indian subcontinent, lifting our silhouettes, textiles, and embroidery techniques without giving any credit. The West has been sanitising our crafts until they no longer resemble their roots. Think the dupatta being renamed as the Scandinavian scarf or centuries-old juttis termed as antiqued leather pumps. Thankfully, after years of being under-acknowledged, Indian fashion is officially taking the sartorial world by storm. From the runways to the streets, Indian maximalism is at an all-time high.
However, this shift did not happen overnight. Exceptional designers like Gaurav Gupta, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Rahul Mishra, and Anamika Khanna laid the groundwork by taking Indian craftsmanship to the global stage. They built visibility, credibility, and most importantly a platform for younger designer to showcase their culture with pride, to prove that Indian fashion is not just ethnic, traditional, or costume, it is culturally rich, tells a story, and is deeply stylish.
Carrying forward the same spirit, a host of designer brands that offer unique pieces blending modern aesthetic with a touch of Indian heritage have emerged that are worthy of your attention. From the timeless elegance of Deme to the playful femininity of the PDKF store and Mirchi by Kim and the statement accessories of Outhouse, India’s fashion landscape holds a rich reservoir of hidden gems yet to be explored. With a focus on high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship, their designs are modern in form, but they still feel unmistakably Indian in soul.
So if you’re looking to immerse yourself further in the whirlwind world of Indian fashion, below peruse Vogue Singapore’s curation of six exceptional Indian designer brands that are redefining the South Asian fashion landscape.
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Mirchi by Kim
The name Mirchi is Hindi for chili pepper, a fitting metaphor for the brand’s hot, bold, and flavourful aesthetic. Founded by model Kimaya Singh in 2024, the label perfectly blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with playful Y2K-inspired silhouettes. Think embellished mini skirts, vintage beads, sequins, vibrant prints, and a shimmery iconic Indian Magic Masala Lays bag. The Mirch girl is messy, wild, and unapologetically extra, serving Indian baddie energy even while doing something as simple as eating a vada pav in a spicy sparkling skirt.
Shop Mirchi by Kim.
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Outhouse
Creating accessories that are both sophisticated and edgy, Outhouse takes a rebellious approach to Indian jewellery. Known for their unconventional and avant-garde aesthetic, the brand’s eccentric designs are downright audacious in form. From statement sculptural necklaces to their signature gold mesh bags, their accessories cater to those who don’t like to play it safe, as proven by multiple fashion icons like Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Deepika Padukone, to name a few.
Shop Outhouse.
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The PDKF Store
Started by Princess Gauravi Kumari as part of the Jaipur royal family’s social enterprise, The PDKF Store is making traditional Indian block prints cool for a generation that wants to wear their culture with pride. Cue a smorgasbord of vibrant colours, playful prints, and classic silhouettes reminiscent of the Pink City. What sets this quirky label apart from most is its focus on empowering women and girls throughout rural Rajasthan, thus fostering close relationships with local artisans.
Shop The PDKF Store.
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Summer Away
In the hunt for the perfect holiday wardrobe for your next cool girl summer? Well, look no more. A contemporary resortwear brand deeply rooted in Indian craftsmanship, Summer Away was born out of founder Meghna Goyal’s love for travel. Between breezy dresses, flirty co-ord sets, and chic accessories, the brand makes everyday clothing feel like a dreamy summer getaway in Europe. Each piece is crafted consciously with utmost care, ensuring that creativity never comes at the cost of integrity.
Shop Summer Away.
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Bloni
This New Delhi-based fashion label is definitely not afraid of the gritty. Known for its bold and avant-garde aesthetic, the brand successfully blends futuristic design with skillful craftsmanship, heavily focusing on textile innovation. The result? A slew of sculptural silhouettes tailored to perfection.
Shop Bloni.
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Deme
Deme leans into a clean, minimalist aesthetic, with its collections centred around chic, timeless staples. Each piece is designed to make women feel gorgeous. Think whimsy statement tops, polished co-ord sets, and classy dresses.
Shop Deme.
