Wool Meets Indigo: IIT Innovation Shines At Fashion Week With World’s First Denim Breakthrough

Image Source: The Indian Express

Two Young Innovators From Ayodhya And Dholpur, Backed By IIT Delhi’s Research Ecosystem, Have Unveiled The World’s First Indigo-Dyed Wool Denim At Lakmé Fashion Week 2025. The Sustainable, Winter-Friendly Fabric Combines Style And Functionality, Marking A Milestone In Indian Textile Innovation.

A revolutionary blend of tradition and technology

At Lakmé Fashion Week 2025, fashion met science in a groundbreaking showcase that stunned the industry. Satendra Singh from Ayodhya and Dilip Singh from Dholpur, co-founders of Indigotex, presented the world’s first indigo-dyed wool denim—a textile innovation born out of research at IIT Delhi. The duo’s creation merges the rugged appeal of denim with the warmth and sustainability of wool, offering a stylish solution for colder climates.

The idea was sparked during Satendra’s M.Tech program at IIT Delhi, where a challenge posed by Prof. B.S. Butola led to years of experimentation and a patented dyeing process. The result: a shrink-resistant, detergent-washable wool denim that retains the iconic indigo hue while being functional for winter wear.

Fashion week debut with a purpose

The indigo-dyed wool denim made its debut at the DenimandJeans 2025 segment of Lakmé Fashion Week, drawing attention from designers, sustainability advocates, and textile experts. The fabric’s unique texture and deep blue tone were showcased in a capsule collection that blended streetwear aesthetics with eco-conscious design.

Key highlights:

- World’s first indigo-dyed wool denim unveiled by Indigotex at Lakmé Fashion Week

- Innovators Satendra Singh (Ayodhya) and Dilip Singh (Dholpur) led the project

- Developed through research at IIT Delhi under Prof. B.S. Butola

- Fabric is shrink-resistant, detergent-washable, and ideal for winter fashion

- Marks a major step toward sustainable, functional, and stylish textile solutions

A new chapter for Indian textiles

This innovation not only elevates India’s position in global textile R&D but also opens doors for sustainable fashion that doesn’t compromise on style. Indigotex plans to scale production and collaborate with designers to bring the wool denim to mainstream fashion markets.

The story of two small-town innovators transforming global fashion through academic research is a testament to India’s growing influence in tech-driven design. As the fashion world embraces sustainability, this indigo-dyed wool denim could become the fabric of the future.

Sources: Indian Textile Magazine, Outlook Luxe, IIT Startups

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