Insights from India: Who’s behind the rise of Hip-Hop fashion in South Asia
Discover artists shaping hip-hop’s future by mixing Indian fabrics like bandhani, tie-dye, and kalamkari with global streetwear trends
Indian hip-hop has rapidly transformed from a niche cultural phenomenon into a mainstream force that shapes music and fashion. Over the years, South Asian hip-hop has introduced an exciting evolution of street style that combines hip-hop’s global influence with local cultural nuances. From oversized T-shirts to distressed jeans and traditional Indian textiles and accessories, the fashion associated with this genre reflects the blend of tradition and modernity in the region’s rapidly growing youth culture, which often addresses local issues with eccentric style.
The Soundtrack of Indian Hip-Hop Style: From Hanumankind and Pho to Shreyas Savgekar and Chaar Diwaari
As we know, music and fashion are inseparable in hip-hop culture. South Asian artists not only push boundaries with their lyrics but also redefine streetwear with every outfit they showcase. It’s a powerful form of self-expression, where their lyrics and clothing narrate stories of resilience, pride, and defiance.
Hanumankind, a rising star in the Indian hip-hop scene, exemplifies this fusion beautifully. His track “Big Dawgs” reflects his heritage while drawing from the urban street style of global hip-hop. “The culture is always in me,” he explains, highlighting how his Indian roots inform both his music and his fashion sense. His wardrobe mixes bold, traditional Indian fabrics like bandhani and tie-dye prints with the fluidity of contemporary streetwear. Oversized shirts paired with sneakers and gold chains, along with a blend of traditional and modern accessories, visually bring his music to life, showcasing a style that speaks volumes about identity and cultural fusion.
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Pho, another prominent figure in the Indian hip-hop movement, takes a similarly nuanced approach to her fashion. Pho is known for her introspective and poetic lyrics as well as for her style, which mirrors the depth of her artistry. “I wear what feels right,” Pho shares. “My style is an extension of my music, a way to show who I am without saying too much.” Her look often features distressed denim and graphic tees, but it’s the attention to detail—such as incorporating zari embroidery and delicately layering silk scarves—that connects her fashion to her South Asian heritage. Through her style, Pho serves as a powerful testament to how fashion in hip-hop can make a quiet yet impactful statement.
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For some South Asian artists, like Shreyas Savgekar, fashion is an avenue to blend traditional and modern elements in a creative expression of self. “Hip-hop is about bringing your story to the table,” says Savgekar. “It’s about mixing your history with the present, and for me, that means weaving in the traditional with the modern.” His fashion choices are a direct reflection of this philosophy, often combining garments such as kurta or dhoti with Western streetwear staples like hoodies, cargo pants, and sneakers. This harmonious juxtaposition serves as a visual metaphor for the fusion of South Asian tradition and Western influence, a recurring theme in modern brown culture hip-hop.
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Similarly, Chaar Diwaari (Garv Taneja) blends global and local influences in his fashion, adding authenticity to his grunge-inspired style by incorporating elements of traditional Indian craftsmanship. “I don’t follow trends; I make them,” says Chaar Diwaari, who regularly wears outfits adorned with kalamkari prints and bandhani patterns. His fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a reflection of the rebellion and individuality found in both his music and the broader cultural landscape.
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The Connection Between Fashion, Identity, and Music in Malayalam Rap
The uniqueness of South Asian hip-hop fashion lies in its deep connection to identity. Each artist uses fashion to tell their story, celebrate their heritage, and align themselves with the global street culture of hip-hop.
ThirumaLi (Vishnu MS) is another artist who exemplifies this integration. His style draws on the rich textile traditions of Kerala, featuring local prints and patterns woven into his outfits while also embracing the universal appeal of hip-hop’s signature urban fashion. “It’s all about where you come from and where you’re going,” ThirumaLi says. For him, fashion embodies that philosophy, serving as a visual representation of his roots and his place in the global music scene.
Reble’s Fusion of Meghalaya’s Heritage with Global Hip-Hop Fashion
For Reble (Daiaphi Lamare), fashion is an act of cultural celebration. She incorporates tribal elements into her wardrobe, mixing handmade accessories and garments from the indigenous communities of Meghalaya with hip-hop’s global fashion trends.
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“It’s about embracing your roots, no matter where you are,” says Reble. “When I perform, my style connects me to my roots, and my music connects me to the world.” This integration of traditional tribal styles with modern streetwear speaks volumes about Reble’s ability to fuse the past with the future, creating a look that is distinctly hers while speaking to a wider, more global audience.
Decoding How South Asian Hip-Hop Fashion is Shaping Global Culture Today
As the influence of South Asian hip-hop continues to rise, so does the significance of its fashion. The artists who have emerged at the forefront of this movement are not only redefining what it means to be South Asian in the hip-hop world but are also creating a unique cultural language through their style. It is a fashion born from a blend of traditional elements and modern streetwear, grounded in South Asian identity yet entirely global in its reach.
Hanumankind’s bold prints, Pho’s poetic accessories, Savgekar’s traditional-meets-modern approach, Chaar Diwaari’s grunge-infused Indian-embroidered looks, ThirumaLi’s Kerala-inspired outfits, and Reble’s fusion of indigenous tribal elements with global streetwear are all examples of how hip-hop fashion is reshaping cultural conversations. It’s no longer just about the music or the clothes; it’s about how they intersect to form an identity that is unmistakably South Asian and undeniably global.
In the world of South Asian hip-hop, music and fashion are intertwined in ways that elevate both art forms to new heights. Through their unique style, these artists are setting the stage for the next wave of hip-hop, one that unapologetically celebrates cultural nuances, identity, and the beautiful intersection of the global and the local.
“Fashion is not just about style; it’s about who you are,” Reble sums up, perfectly encapsulating the essence of what South Asian hip-hop fashion represents today.
Jagrati Mahaver
Alumna, Mumbai