Bookmark these 12 homegrown gender-fluid fashion brands to showcase your individuality loud and proud

With conversations around gender and sexuality taking centrestage, there is increasing acceptance and inclusivity in different spheres, including fashion. 

Previously, androgynous fashion was a concept heard of only in Western societies. It was considered alien in a country like India, which has always looked at gender from a binary lens–either as male or female. 

But now, the winds of change have begun to blow. Several homegrown brands offer androgynous or genderless clothing and accessories that allow wearers to explore their style without having to conform to predetermined beliefs and notions. 

As the world celebrates Pride Month, YS Life has curated a list of noteworthy gender-fluid apparel and accessories brands that will help you spruce up your wardrobe and make a style statement. 

Antar-Agni by Ujjawal Dubey

Designer Ujjawal Dubey’s brand Antar-Agni has been at the forefront of gender-fluid clothing for over a decade now. Its collection Into The Light is a celebration of the soul of people and their courage. Every garment is reflective of simplicity, acceptance and individual style and is an expression of freedom–freedom from the constraints of gender, fear, inhibitions and other narrow boxes we emerge out of to be our true selves. 

The collection includes jackets, kurtas and layered trousers. 

Price: Rs 6,700 onwards

Where to buy: www.antar-agni.com

Karrtik Dhingra

Another name that comes up at the mention of genderless fashion is that of Karrtik Dhingra, a designer who creates contemporary bespoke clothing. His collection, Sprezzatura ([sprettsaˈtuːra]), signifies strength that translates through powerful details and construction. 

‘Sprezzatura’ is an Italian word that first appeared in Renaissance author Baldassare Castiglione’s The Book of the Courtier, in 1528. The author defines it as “a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it”.

“For us, our staple suit or any other silhouette is a modern-day armour for all genders,” points out Dhingra. 

Price: Rs 26,995 onwards

Where to buy: Dhingra's store in Gujranwala Town, Part 3, New Delhi

Pink Porcupines by Aniket Satam

Pink Porcupines, a label by designer Aniket Satam, generated a lot of interest when Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt donned a few of its pieces years ago.

When it comes to gender-fluid fashion, Satam’s line Neocturnal gets the memo right. It is inspired by the eclectic vibe of the millennial euphoria and hits the right notes.

Every look makes use of bold colour blocks, blended with quintessential holographic elements, through a pop palette of digital green, shocking pink, acid yellow, and more. Think glam-leisure meets tropics!

Price: Rs 15,000 onwards

Where to buy: Email [email protected] to get the pieces

AIKYA by Mayyur Girotra

A leading name in traditional couture, Mayyur Girotra recently launched AIKYA, his first luxury pret collection at New York Pride 2023, in collaboration with Pride at Google and Indus Google Network. 

Girotra’s collection embraces the fluidity of gender by harmoniously merging Western silhouettes with traditional Indian embroidery. With each piece, the designer pays homage to the rich cultural heritage and individuality of the LGBTQ+ community, creating a platform for self-expression and acceptance.

From high-street bomber jackets to trench coats, Girotra's designs reflect the intersectionality and uniqueness of every individual.

Price: Rs 20,000 onwards  

Where to buy: Ave, India Design Collective; in New Jersey and California across Girotra's stores and online on www.mayyurgirotra.com

Kilogram by Kanika Goyal 

Designer Kanika Goyal’s brand Kilogram recently revealed its second drop, Dreamsicle, which delves into the idea of a skewered reality through a dream-like lens. 

The line explores the nocturnal hallucinations of the protagonist–a flying squirrel–as it enters into deep slumber, and the season of visions begins. The brush strokes and typography narrate these visions in charming bubblegum hues and saturated blues and greens. The most striking pieces in this line include co-ord sets and baseball caps. 

Price: Rs 2,000 onwards for the Dreamsicle collection

Where to buy: www.kilogramuniverse.com

HUEMN by Pranav Misra and Shyma Shetty 

The beauty of society is the diversity of its community. HUEMN by designers Pranav Misra and Shyma Shetty was founded with the vision of representing this inclusive and powerful sentiment through a constantly evolving social landscape. 

Their recent collection, presented in association with Pepsi, is a play on contrasts and reflects the choices an individual makes, navigating through our rapidly progressing communities, empowered by inner strength.

The line features hand-drawn prints, powerful statement pieces, inclusive fits, and meticulously handcrafted textures that HUEMN is known for.

Price: Rs 4,500 onwards for the Pepsi collection

Where to buy: www.huemn.in

Yavi by Yadvi Agarwal

Yavi’s spring-summer 2023 collection is a celebration of innovation and originality—where every piece goes through an enchanting odyssey. 

The collection is divided into capsules showcasing themes that are thought-provoking, raw and beautiful. ‘Unwilted - Unlearn. Heal and Grow’ portrays the journey of life,  while ‘Hazy Stripes’ showcases the raw and undefined nature of life. ‘Kaleidoscope’ is themed around blissful change that brings joy and happiness, and ‘Food Art’ celebrates the cathartic experience of plating. 

The pieces champion authentic craftsmanship, with one-of-a-kind techniques, such as one-thread embroidery, food art prints, block printing, raw hand-drawn textures, applique work, and surface development. 

Price: Rs 10,000 onwards for the SS’23 collection 

Where to buy: www.yavi-eshop.com

Primal Gray by Yuv Bharat Ram

The recently launched brand strives to offer clothing that suits the wearer’s personal style. 

Yuv Bharat Ram, the founder and creative director of the brand, says, “We believe in seasonless and trendless clothing that focuses on details for all genders. The clean and relaxed silhouettes and casual core with a twist vibe can work across genders and all our designs are to make the wearer feel comfortable in their second skin.”

Price: Rs 2,200 onwards for menswear; Rs 1,900 onwards for womenswear

Where to buy: www.primalgray.com

Dash and Dot by Ashray Gujral

Globally aware yet Indian at Heart, Dash and Dot is the go-to brand for non-couture Western wear in the Indian market. The brand by Ashray Gujral focuses on minimal waste, no plastic, animal rights, and gender equality. Even the brand’s logo represents both the male and female form, and the oversized bit in the middle signifies the gender spectrum in between.

Price: Rs 1,200 onwards 

Where to buy: www.dashanddot.com

Shri Ram Hari Ram Jewellers, Dariba Kalan 

Gender-neutral jewellery has been a part of ancient Indian culture. Shri Ram Hari Ram Jewellers (SRHR), Dariba Kalan draws inspiration from the gender-neutral jewellery of ancient India. It has been at the helm of breaking norms and transcending boundaries with its jewellery that caters to the metrosexual man and the non-pink loving woman, for whom accessorising is a form of expression. 

The brand’s Diwali campaign last year saw men flaunting polki strings sitting on collar bones, enhancing the neckline.

Price: Rs 1 lakh onwards for the Diwali pieces

Where to buy: Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk, Delhi

SAND by Shirin Mann

SAND by Shirin Mann’s latest summer 2023 collection, FAÉ–which translates to ‘dance in the air’–is inspired from the thought that our souls derive energy from our surroundings, the earth, and its cosmos, which have the power to move our bodies and minds freely.  

The brand recently launched its first menswear line—SAND Man. The womenswear range includes flowy metallic linen co-ords, textured cotton jumpsuits, overlays, and dresses. 

The brand’s novel designs and silhouettes promote the idea of genderless fashion, with its clientele choosing pieces from either menswear or womenswear that cater to their style. 

Price: Rs 3,990 onwards  

Where to buy: www.sandbyshirin.com

Funky Maharani by Hansika Jethnani and Stevie Jhangiani

Another jewellery brand that has bridged the boundaries between genders is Funky Maharani, which combines heritage and contemporary design to create everyday pieces. 

The brand’s maang tikkas are particularly popular and can be worn by anyone for a date, a brunch, a party, or a wedding. As the brand believes in sustainability, its pieces are made from 80% recycled brass, in small batches, by Gujarat-based artisans. 

Price: Rs 1,900 onwards for maang tikkas

Where to buy: www.funkymaharani.com