5 queer-owned fashion labels to shop from this Pride month (and all year long)

Over the past few years, gender-fluid fashion and brands owned by the queer community have been on the rise, thanks to a more accepting audience that is open to experimenting and wants to give LGBTQ+ creators their due. So, don’t be surprised to find that several queer labels are giving their own spin to fashion through playful patterns and gender-agnostic outfits. They aren’t afraid to throw societal norms of fashion out the window, as is evident in their fresh collections.

If you are looking to add something out-of-the-box to your wardrobe, or want to support more LGBTQ+ brands, then discover below five queer-owned home-grown labels that deserve a spot in your fashion closet!

Bobo Calcutta

Artist and designer Ayushman Mitra’s work is widely featured in exhibitions for its overt visual language that challenges gender segregation. Inspired by surrealist expression and Bengali artist Jamini Roy, Mitra uses the split-face motif in a lip lock on his clothing to advocate for equality in love. Often clothing becomes a canvas for his art; he uses paint, embroidery and prints to create one-off pieces that resemble abstract portraiture. The Kolkata-based brand’s most recent collection is rooted in folklore and celebrates queer identities through vivid natural expanses.

Gagged

Hailing from Ghaziabad, Ruraksh Rawat, founded Gagged in 2022 to make fashion free from gender and sexual orientation. This designer takes most of his inspiration from the lush colours of nature and the aesthetics of romance, this is also unique in that each piece is custom-made and painted making every style a true exception of art. From canvas, tote bags with expansive palm trees or button-down shirts reminding one of the seaside, sun and waters.

Vulgar

Enthralled by the powerful visuals and movement of fabrics, designer Akshay Sharma began their clothing label Vulgar at the end of 2021. It aims to challenge preconceived notions of what it means to be vulgar. The neutral clothing includes bodycon dresses with detachable gloved sleeves, technicolour shirts printed with orgasm-inspired artwork, euphoric cut-out denim jeans and hot pink leather thongs. Irrespective of their style or normative gender association, the pieces at Vulgar are shot on diverse models and can be made to measure, emphasising its focus on inclusion.

Param Sahib

Nostalgia, maximalism and unadulterated quirk come together in Delhi-based designer Param Sahib’s eponymous fashion label. Sequin-studded sunglasses paired with tiered organza skirts, 90s-inspired Coca-Cola shirts and technicolour-printed kurta sets make up the diverse collections at this brand. A celebrity favourite—worn by actress Taapsee Pannu and content creators like Dolly Singh—Param Sahib’s clothing is for those who enjoy basking in grandeur and glamour.

Rainbow Monkey 

Doing justice to its name, Rainbow Monkey’s collections are an ode to the vibrant hues of a rainbow. The Ahmedabad-based brand founded by designer Priyal Thakkar puts colours and fun, mismatched prints front and centre in its midi dresses, oversized button-down shirts, co-ord sets, and flowy pants. Their bright and bold fits will bring a smile to your face, and they are gender-neutral to boot!

Lead image: Bobo Calcutta