From top left: NO.NA.ME, Haq Collective, Mayyur Girotra, Rosani
Four fashion designers who have made their mark through innovative designs that explore queerness, sustainability, the redefinition of menswear, and the celebration of raw street culture.
MAYYUR GIROTRA
Designer Mayyur Girotra made a powerful impact at New York City Pride 2024 with his Ride to Pride collection, a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusivity and Indian culture. The collection, which featured a fusion of Indian textiles and gender-fluid designs, was showcased at the iconic Rockefeller Center with 38 LGBTQ+ models. Girotra’s designs reflect his commitment to sustainability, using upcycled materials like silk, linen, and cotton, and his belief that fashion can serve as a platform for expression and acceptance. Inspired by his previous work with Google and the positive connection it created with the LGBTQ+ community, Girotra’s Ride to Pride collection emphasizes freedom, individuality, and the power of love.
NO.NA.ME
In the world of fashion where creativity meets functionality, NO.NA.ME, founded by engineer and interior designer Smruti Mathisekaran, stands as a beacon of innovation and craftsmanship. Originally envisioned as a furniture and home accessory brand, NO.NA.ME pivoted to jewellery after Mathisekaran realized the practicality of designing compact, transportable pieces that could embody her passion for both art and engineering. Drawing inspiration from architecture, her minimalist yet bold designs combine geometric precision with a strong emphasis on modularity and sustainability. Each piece is a result of a meticulous design process, where clean lines and unconventional shapes make a striking statement. Sustainability is a key value, with a focus on recyclable materials and modularity, allowing customers to engage creatively with their jewellery.
ROSANI
Rosani is a cutting-edge menswear brand founded by Rohitash Notani that seeks to redefine traditional fashion narratives and embrace a more inclusive, bold approach to style. With a commitment to breaking free from the conventional, Rosani challenges the stereotypical boundaries of masculinity, offering designs that blend strength with grace and individuality with inclusivity. The brand’s ethos centers on creating pieces that go beyond just clothing; they are statements of self-expression that encourage men to embrace their unique identities unapologetically. Drawing inspiration from architecture and global design influences, particularly the contrasts of Milan’s Renaissance romance and Berlin’s modern minimalism, Rosani fuses tradition with innovation.
HAQ COLLECTIVE
Haq Collective is a groundbreaking collaboration between designer Arjun Saluja and street culture advocate Sunny Chaudhary (aka Power) that seeks to redefine streetwear in India. Combining elements of their respective labels, Rishta and Power Drip, the collective blends Arjun’s technical craftsmanship with Sunny’s raw, authentic style. The name ‘Haq,’ meaning the right to freedom, reflects the duo’s commitment to authenticity and local street culture. They aim to capture the true essence of Indian streetwear by honoring regional influences and the voices of emerging artists. Drawing inspiration from real street experiences, Haq Collective celebrates the unique narratives of rappers, graffiti artists, and other creators, integrating these stories into their designs.
Words Platform Desk
Date 30.12.2024