Once dominated by graphic tees, hype drops, and logomania, Indian streetwear is undergoing a quiet revolution. Meet Craftcore- where the boldness of streetwear meets the soul of Indian handcraft.
A New Kind of Streetwear is Rising
Globally, streetwear has always been a reflection of identity, subculture, and rebellion. But now, in India, that rebellion is taking a slower, more intentional turn. Meet Craftcore- an aesthetic and ethos that merges the visual language of streetwear (boxy fits, oversized silhouettes, utilitarian details) with India’s textile heritage: think embroidery, block printing, appliqué, kantha, tie-dye, and patchwork. It’s not just a look. It’s a stance against mass production and in favour of personal expression, cultural pride, and sustainability.
Why Handmade Is the New Hype
As global consumers become more conscious of how their clothes are made, the once industrial-chic world of streetwear is turning back to the handmade. ‘Craftcore' embraces imperfections, one-of-a-kind finishes, and the story behind each piece. For Indian streetwear designers, this is fertile ground—they’re surrounded by centuries of artisanal knowledge and regional textile traditions. The result? A new wave of streetwear that’s proudly Indian, without feeling traditional.
Brands Leading the Craftcore Movement
1. NorBlack NorWhite
Pioneers in blending global silhouettes with Indian handicrafts, NBNW’s vibrant hand-dyed silhouettes incorporate tie-dye, Bandhani, and handcrafted textiles in unexpected and cool ways. Their gender-fluid, size-inclusive drops are not just clothes, they’re statements. Their recent Nike collaboration also has Indian crafts at the centre stage, giving us a unique amalgamation of athleisure and tradition.
Image Source: Instagram/norblacknorwhite
2. Bobo Calcutta
Known for vibrant visual storytelling, Bobo fuses fashion and art with intense surface work- hand embroidery, patchwork, and appliqué- often using queer, political, and spiritual symbolism. Their androgynous silhouettes elevate craftcore to theatrical heights.
Image Source: Instagram/bobocalcutta
3. Huemn
Huemn blurs the line between luxury fashion and social commentary, creating statement streetwear that’s deeply rooted in craft and storytelling. The brand often features hand-embroidery, photo-realistic textile art, and patchwork techniques, turning everyday silhouettes into walking canvases. In the Craftcore space, Huemn stands as a powerful reminder that craftsmanship can be radical and that streetwear can speak volumes without shouting.
Image Source: Instagram/_heumn
4. Farak
True to its name, which means "difference", FARAK is a streetwear brand that challenges conventional design through a craft-led, community-first lens. With roots in Delhi and soul in the streets, FARAK fuses modern silhouettes like oversized shirts, co-ord sets, and hoodies with traditional hand-done techniques like Bagru, embroidery, and handwoven fabrics. What makes FARAK stand out is its commitment to spotlighting local artisans and young makers.
In India’s growing craftcore landscape, FARAK is the cool kid who knows their history and wears it with pride and rebellion.
Image Source: Instagram/farakwear
5. 23n69e
This rising label is redefining streetwear through a deeply rooted craft-first lens. Expect deconstructed silhouettes, earthy tones, raw hems, hand-stitching, and the star of the show- Ajrakh. Their work isn’t just about repping India, it’s about reimagining it, piece by piece.
Image Source: Instagram/23n69e
The Future is Handmade
This isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about re-contextualising Indian craft for today’s youth, who want authenticity, who care about origins, and who aren’t afraid to make a scene with what they wear. From rappers and artists to fashion-forward college kids, Craftcore is finding fans across the board.
Even the aesthetics of the movement- visible mending, asymmetry, texture-heavy design- speak to a growing comfort with individuality and imperfection. And importantly, it’s carving space for artisan communities within the cool economy of streetwear.
As the Indian fashion scene continues to push back against fast fashion and imported hype culture, Craftcore offers a more grounded, more local, and arguably more powerful way forward. It’s slow but striking. Rooted but radical.
In a world obsessed with the next drop, maybe the real flex is wearing something that was made with intention, and a whole lot of hands.