Crafted Cool: 6 Indian Labels Reshaping Tradition for Tomorrow’s Trendsetters

India’s centuries-old legacy of artisanship is sizzling into a modern revival as homegrown brands blend traditional know-how with contemporary flair. From high fashion runways to global design showcases, these six spectacular labels are redefining what it means to be cool, conscious and creative—Indian style.

 

Key Highlights

Rahul Mishra: Opened the India Couture Week 2025 with a Paris-inspired collection, “Becoming Love,” showcasing embroidery inspired by Indian mythology and the seven stages of love. Mishra’s showcase is a testament to how Indian couture is gaining global attention, making tradition aspirational for today’s youth.

 

JJ Valaya: Stole the grand finale of Couture Week with “East” — a collection merging old-world luxury with modern silhouettes, inspired by ancient Indo-Western mystique. His use of silks, velvets, and intricate brocade blends Indian craftsmanship with cutting-edge design.

 

Manish Malhotra (Inaya): Captured hearts with memory-evoking motifs and hand-embellished details, bringing a fresh shine to legacy techniques on contemporary silhouettes. Malhotra’s expansive reach has helped bridge artisan clusters with the global fashion ecosystem.

 

SGBG Atelier: This mother-son duo has become an international sensation, weaving Indian handcraft (like tie-dye, embroidery) with urban streetwear. SGBG has made waves at Paris Fashion Week and New York’s Coterie, infusing age-old skills with a punk-luxe aesthetic.

 

Scarlet Splendour: Based in Kolkata, this brand is celebrated for luxury furniture using techniques like brass casting and inlay from Indian masters. Their cross-continental collaborations with designers have made Indian craftsmanship a centerpiece in modern interiors globally.

 

The Indian Ethnic Co.: A grassroots movement by Hetal and Lekhinee Desai to popularize handloom weaves like Ajrakh, Bandhani and Kalamkari. Their social commerce model supports nearly 1,000 Indian artisans, making authentic heritage-wear accessible and stylish for all generations.

 

Why This Trend Matters Now

Heritage Meets Tech: Kolhapuri chappals are blending QR certification with ancient craft, safeguarding authenticity and boosting artisan visibility.

 

Global Spotlight: Indian brands like Sabyasachi, Good Earth, and Amrapali Jewels are being lauded for transforming indigenous skills into international luxury statements.

 

Youthful Influence: With collaborations, digital storytelling, and east-west style mashups, these makers are reconnecting India’s Gen Z with cultural pride while driving sustainability.

 

Sources:

Hindustan Times, Verve Magazine, Economic Times,, YourStory, Design Pataki

, World Luxury Chamber