A New Language of Style
Forget what you thought you knew about Indian fashion. The country's new style revolution isn't happening on runways; it's thriving on the streets, blending global hype with centuries of local craft. Streetwear in India has reached a unique inflexion point. It’s no longer simply about echoing Los Angeles or Seoul; it’s about absorbing global aesthetics and reinterpreting them through a uniquely Indian lens. The collision of oversized silhouettes and sneaker culture with handmade Kolhapuris and block-printed fabrics signals a confident generation ready to craft its own language of style.
Source: India's iconic Kolhapuri sandals makes a statement on Prada’s 2026 runway in Milan
Nothing in Fashion is New
Everywhere you look, today's hottest trends are simply remixes of what came before. Korea, for example, mashed up hip-hop bagginess with K-pop polish, layered fits, candy colours, and accessories that pop on stage. They didn’t copy—they remixed. And the world followed.
Let's look at India. That paisley bandana print on your shirt? The word comes from bandhna (“to tie”) and the print from Gujarat’s tie-dye craft. Cowboys wore it, hip-hop claimed it, but the origin is desi. As also, spotted on some of K-pops biggest stars, including V of BTS.
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Same with paisley. Born in Persia, perfected on Kashmir shawls, hijacked by Scottish mills, then wrapped around Hendrix’s mic stand. Today, it’s back on streetwear sneakers and oversized shirts. The pattern has travelled more than most of us!
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The Power of a Viral Outfit
While viral fashion moments are often associated with the West, India has its own powerful examples. Consider the quiet but powerful impact of Deepika Padukone's style in the 2015 film Piku. Her character's wardrobe was a departure from typical on-screen glamour, featuring a simple, sophisticated mix of long kurtas, palazzos, and oversized tote bags. This effortless look became a massive trend across the country, showing that a confident and relatable aesthetic can be just as influential as any dramatic, red-carpet gown. It signalled a shift in consumer preference towards an "everyday chic" style that blended modern comfort with traditional Indian wear.
The impact of a single outfit can be truly global. When Beyoncé Beyoncé announced her country album, Cowboy Carter, at the 2024 Grammys wearing her custom white Stetson hat, it ignited a massive cultural movement. The Cowboycore trend it sparked transcended a single product, influencing a broad aesthetic and creating a significant economic ripple effect that sent sales of cowboy hats, boots, and other Western wear soaring. It shows how one iconic moment can redefine an entire style category and influence how millions of people dress.
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In K-pop, the trend cycle is just as explosive. During Red Velvet's 2017 "Peek-A-Boo" era, member Joy wore a striking rainbow-striped sequin mini dress that appeared for only a few moments in a music video. Yet, it became a viral sensation. It was widely searched for online, and fans created countless imitations and inspired looks, cementing its status as one of the most iconic and recognisable K-pop stage outfits.
A Mirror of Identity
Our design history is endless: Kolhapuri chappals, khadi, phulkari, mirrorwork, block prints. Imagine Kolhapuri soles under a chunky sneaker. Mirrorwork on varsity jackets. Paisley sprayed across hoodies. Khadi turned into co-ords you can actually breathe in. That’s the future of Indian streetwear.
For India’s Gen Z, this fusion is not just fashion; it’s identity-making. It reflects their dual orientation: global in awareness, yet rooted in cultural memory. Wearing a hoodie with kantha embroidery or mixing streetwear with traditional footwear isn’t a contradiction.
The Youth Are Already On It
Check any college fest or basement gig: kurtas with Jordans, thrifted Bollywood tees, DIY block prints on oversized fits. Gen Z is mixing tradition with hype without waiting for permission.
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There is also the practice of jugaad styling, where thrifted finds, upcycled garments, and high-street fast fashion collide seamlessly. This instinctive blending of influences has become the hallmark of the scene.
The Challenges of Going Global
While Indian streetwear is confidently crafting its own identity, the journey to global recognition is not without its hurdles. Many homegrown brands, operating with a direct-to-consumer model, face challenges of the persistent battle against outdated perceptions, as the global fashion industry often pigeonholes 'Indian fashion' into traditional categories, overlooking the vibrant, modern creativity happening on the streets. Finally, limited marketing budgets can make it difficult to compete with the multi-million dollar "hype" machines of established Western brands.
Source: Jaipur Rugs via Instagram
The road ahead lies in hybridity. Indian streetwear is not bound to replicate Los Angeles, Tokyo, or Seoul, but to evolve its own grammar, one that is bold, playful, and unapologetically local. As much as this culture thrives on global connectivity, its staying power will come from how authentically it reflects India’s multiplicity.
At Kunsquad, we’re documenting and shaping this movement.
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