In a culture where ethnic wear has permeated deep, introducing a new concept in fashion can be risky.  But thanks to a wave of young designers who are all set to change the direction of Indian fashion. One can’t just only credit their creativity with fabric. Their entrepreneurial skills and a strong vision for their label sets them apart. Be it introducing concepts of sustainable fashion, reinterpreting Indian heritage or exploring digital space to retail, these new age designers have infused Indian market with a streak of freshness. 

To narrow down your search and to save your time, we bring you an edit of 4 designers that you need to watch out for in 2017. Your wardrobes are incomplete without their cool, funky numbers. 

ANOMALY by Medha Khosla

In a market, cluttered with ethnic wear, Medha Khosla’s label, Anomaly stands out as being the one with a strong individualistic voice. Defined by pieces which are minimal, functional and versatile, Anomaly promises thoughtfully designed and affordable workwear and everyday wear.

Keeping simplicity as the focal point, the brand experiments with natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk. At Anomaly, which is a season-less brand, the creative cycle runs through out the year which involves making new designs and reinterpreting the existing bestsellers to offer a wide range of silhouettes to the customers.

The absence of an affordable ready to wear brand in India was the reason behind the launch of Anomaly.

After a stint of 10 years in New York’s fashion industry, Medha who wants to dress Grace Coddington someday, routed home to launch Anomaly.  And after an year launched her online store also.

What makes Anomaly cool? Classic, high quality well-tailored separates at affordable prices punctuated with a pinch of freshness.

BIAS By Mridu Mehra and Shruti Bhardwaj

Mridu Mehra and Shruti Bhardwaj, through their label are very successfully connecting practicality, affordability and sustainability to create a clearer and an easier picture of today’s fashion. BIAS as a brand can be defined as concentration on one’s instincts while making a fashion choice and breaking from the trend cycle.

However, the focal point of BIAS remains sustainability. As Mridu says “ We design by taking a new approach and exploring innovative techniques of sustainability, be it working on the fabric, or the surface, is what drives us to make a collection.” To add character to each outfit and to make the construction fuss free, unnecessary, darts, stitches, style lines, closures etc are completely eliminated, resulting in a piece which is easy to wear. BIAS works on the zero waist design policy, as Mridu further informs “We utilize our fabric cut offs by using them as trims for garments or textures or making things out of them, like accessories, bags etc.” To ensure the timelessness of the created pieces, the label carefully veers away from the litany of rules dictating the gender and size. Attention is on creating outfits with adjustable waists, made of stretchable cotton and suitable for every shape and size.

As Mridu cites “Experiences, stories, paradoxes, counter cultures” to be their label’s inspiration, BIAS is being shaped as a manifestation of reactions against the very controlled and pre-planned trends of today and is infusing the much-required spontaneity in fashion.

What makes BIAS cool? – Outfits loaded with a sense of freedom and individuality.

Pot Plant by Sanya Suri and Resham Karmchandani

Sanya Suri’s and Resham Karmchandani’s love for slow fashion and sustainability brought them together to start ‘Pot Plant’. The label is set apart by its pieces made in natural fabrics with distinctive style and fuss-free silhouettes. “The idea is to become an essential in our consumers’ wardrobe.” Sanya says.  Every garment is crafted with utmost care and promotes slow fashion aiming to create collectibles and set the bar of style, high.

Be it, up-cycling all their fabric waste or creating pieces which last a lifetime, sustainability is at Pot Plant’s core. Sanya, being observant of the changing fashion industry,  says “Recycling and up-cycling requires a designer to think about the entire product cycle. It may not necessarily abide by the current fashion trend which is why not many designers indulge in it but of late there has been a paradigm shift in how designers and consumers think and I think we are moving towards slow fashion.”

What makes Pot Plant cool? –  Pieces are made with great attention to detail and can last a lifetime. Also, for all you aficionados of subtle yet distinctive style, this is the label to watch out for.

431-88  by Shweta Kapur

Shweta Kapur launched her label 431-88 in 2012 with a vision to incorporate sporty style in the modern Indian way of dressing. Being minimal in its outlook, the label exhibits a sharp focus on deconstructing the idea behind the collection to its absolute core and translating that into astute designs and detailed tailoring. From giving the traditional sari a retro twist to experimenting with embroideries on faux leather, if range is something that you are looking for, you have to hit this label up. Speaking about her designs, Shweta says “My design process is usually a translation of my mood and the kind of woman I envision in my label per season.”

Shweta Kapur graduated from London College of Fashion in 2011, launched her label in 2012 and has worked with Burberry, London, VPL in New York, and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Mumbai.

What makes 431-88 cool? For all you 24×7 busy women, this label promises you some interesting and terrific pieces.