These brands are turning traditional textiles into contemporary fashion masterpieces

In biology, there is a term called mycorrhizal networks. It refers to the underground system through which trees share water and nutrients. But these networks do more than just sustain life—they allow trees to communicate. Trees send distress signals, prompting neighbouring trees to adjust their behaviour.

Just a minute, why are we talking biology in Cosmo? Well, just like trees, we’re rooted in something bigger. Our heritage grounds us, shaping us into who we are and how we guide our future generations. Remembering our roots isn’t just about tradition, it is also about carrying forward a sense of belonging, strength, and the promise to grow together.

It is our textile—that’s the very heritage we are talking about here. Now is the perfect time to shift our focus from the “next big thing” in trends and the never-ending cycle of fast fashion that is slowly choking the planet, and instead ask: What’s really worth our time? What should we treasure today, so our grandkids can look back and say, “That’s a legacy worth keeping.”

We have curated a list of brands that not only deserve your attention, but are explorations of our diverse culture. These brands’ work and mission could unlock a whole new fashion world for you in 2025.

Boito

 

Founded by: Richa Maheshwari

Launched: 2022

Insta: @boito.in

While everyone’s admiring the art, someone has to pay attention to the artist. At Boito, the creative team believes that “without the artist, there’s no art to preserve”.

This brand specialises in luxurious handmade textiles from Odisha, like Kotpad, Kapdaganda, and Pipili. Their focus on preserving these traditional crafts, combined with modern designs like trench coats and kimono jackets, seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary style.

Kiniho

 

Founded by: Iba Mallai

Launched: 2016

Insta: @kiniho_clothing

A brand born in Meghalaya, Kiniho is guided by the philosophy of “creating responsibly”. More than just weaving clothes, Kiniho weaves the stories of Meghalaya into every piece, with motifs inspired by local folktales. They use ‘Khneng’, a traditional embroidery technique that is at risk of disappearing—the brand works with the few remaining skilled artisans to keep this craft alive. In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Kiniho is dedicated to preserving heritage and practising sustainable ethics.

Khumanthem

 

Founded by: Richana Khumanthem

Launched: 2014

Insta: @khumanthem_ne

This brand brings about the feeling as if you’ve just stepped into your grandma’s closet—only with a modern twist. Expect timeless, curve-flattering pieces that are rich in colour, history, and style. It is all about slow fashion, celebrating culture, and creating standout statement pieces. The brand’s motto? Building lasting relationships with clients through high-quality designs that connect you to India’s beautiful heritage. A promise you can count on!

Lapar

 

Founded by: Patricia Zadeng

Launched: 2017

Insta: @laparartisan

This brand grabs your attention like no other. In fact, when you go through their collections, you feel like you’re seeing something familiar in a totally new light. Their fabrics hug your body just right— the clothes are comfortable, fluid, and made to fit you perfectly. Lapar’s mission is to make famous the traditional puan, Mizoram’s wrap-around skirt, while keeping the garment’s cultural roots intact. With this brand, you get the perfect mix of heritage and elegance.

Label Lêlen

 

Founded by: Rini Ralte

Launched: 2022

Insta: @label_lelen

This brand perfectly blends Gen Z vibes with traditional craft. This Mizoram-based brand reimagines the puan with eco-friendly bamboo fibre yarn and modern silhouettes. Why bamboo? It is sustainable and natural, and brings culture back home. If celebrating heritage through fashion is your thing, add this brand to your 2025 closet. You can thank us later!

Oro Bruk

 

Founded by: Tenzin Metoh

Launched: 2019

Insta: @oro_bruk

‘Timeless tradition, contemporary comfort’ is the mantra of Metoh’s brand—one that is also reimagining traditional Monpa clothing. Growing up in Arunachal Pradesh, where thick yak wool is traditionally used to craft jackets and wraps, she saw the challenge of adapting these garments to the rising temperatures caused by global warming. Instead of giving up on her heritage, Metoh reconceptualised traditional attire like khanjars (men’s jackets) and tengnakema (women’s aprons tied around waist) in lighter fabrics—a change warmly embraced by her community. Today, Oro Bruk goes beyond fashion, championing sustainability, and education.

Jobaha

 

Founded by: Puspita & Padma

Launched: 2018

Insta: @jo.baha

Love checks? So does Jobaha! Driven by a passion to preserve the rich heritage of Odisha and Jharkhand, the brand’s founders are breathing new life into traditional ‘checks’ and ‘phuta’ patterns.

From casual wear to those that are perfect for weddings, the brand’s designs seamlessly blend elegance with modernity. The founders’ mission? To make these timeless textiles accessible. By introducing ready-to-wear silhouettes in soft pastel tones, the brand is giving the new generation a stylish way to embrace the beauty and artistic traditions of the Santhals effortlessly.

Gulachin

 

Founded by: Shruti Shreshta

Launched: 2020

Insta: @gulachinofficial

Jharkhand-based brand Gulachin celebrates the rich artistry of the region’s Munda tribe. The brand’s textiles feature bold geometric patterns, nature-inspired flowers, and clean, strong lines—designs that practically make you stand out. Shreshtha works closely with the Chik Baraiks—a small, tribal weaving community from Jharkhand and neighbouring states—who are known for weaving coarse cloth.

Ura Maku

 

Founded by: Manjushree Saikia

Launched: 2018

Insta: @ura.maku

In Assamese, ‘Ura’ means ‘to fly’ and ‘Maku’ refers to the shuttle used in weaving. The label Ura Maku is trying to preserve centuries-old traditions and the weaving crafts of northeast India, especially Assam. What makes this brand stand out is their belief that “without textiles, fashion is only a fantasy.”

The fabrics made from Eri, Muga, and Mulberry silk, are all handwoven by artisans using the region’s signature extra weft technique. Every thread in Ura Maku’s creations carries culture, history, and a promise for a sustainable future. Saikia is of the belief that “Handcrafted products tell a story—woven with memories and emotions.” Well, we agree!

Bihart

 

Founded by: Sumati Jalan

Launched: 2020

Insta: @bihart.in

Bihar is often associated with Madhubani paintings and Bhagalpuri sarees. But how often do you link the state with its obscure crafts such as the traditional appliqué of Khatwa and Sujani embroidery? Bihart is a brand that’s bringing these forgotten crafts back in the spotlight—the label aims to preserve the state’s rich heritage by giving it a modern twist. Their collections strike a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

All images: The brands 

This piece originally appeared in the November- December print edition of Cosmopolitan India.

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