From Vijay Varma to Jim Sarbh, gender fluidity in India's contemporary fashion landscape

Gay model Rabanne Victor recently smashed gender norms by strutting down the ramp at the opening show of India Couture Week in a stunning lehenga. Rabanne is just one of the many models and labels who are increasingly adopting gender-fluid and gender-neutral fashion. Take a look - (All Photos/Instagram)

Updated On: 2023-08-13 02:34 PM IST

Compiled by : Harshita Kale

Jim Sarbh and Vijay Varma, Pics/Instagram

Gay model Rabanne Victor recently made headlines after he walked for Falguni Shane Peacock's opening show at India Couture Week 2023 in women's wear. He wore a glittering gold ensemble comprising a fishtail lehenga, a sheer veil and high heels

Jim Sarbh has been known to embrace alternative versions of masculinity. A make-up clad Sarbh looked as effortlessly debonair as ever while smashing gender norms, one piece of clothing at a time

The 'Made in Heaven' actor often makes androgynous sartorial choices and flaunts singular cuts, styles and prints in his outfits - such as this wrap-around sage green suit with a flamboyant floral print

Jim Sarbh's take on modern masculinity is also refreshing - the actor believes that one must be self-actualized and comfortable in one's own skin and displaying character and emotions, rather than conforming to social prescriptions and norms. "Sometimes I exhibit behavior that fits perfectly with common notions of masculinity. And sometimes I don’t. And it’s all just fine. I am unapologetic about this," he said in an interview with Firstpost

Several homegrown Indian labels are expanding their designs and roster of models to embrace inclusivity and diversity, keeping in pace with the changing global fashion scene. Almost Gods is a streetwear label from New Delhi, blending art with its designs. Infusing Indian heritage with a modern urban touch, it aims to revolutionize the global streetwear scene. The model almost looks like a real-like warrior from Valhalla!

Under the banner "agender is the new gender," Two Point Two, conceived by Anvita Sharma, seeks to establish a unique identity that transcends traditional binaries while encompassing both under its umbrella of fashion. This fusion indigo leather one-piece, layered with a floral-print apron styled upper garment perfectly encapsulates this idea

At Six5Six Street, elements like XXL bomber jackets, cargo pants, and oversized tees merge, challenging traditional gender norms. This homegrown label showcases quintessential street style through its silhouettes, all while embracing earthy color palettes. The boundaries between conventional masculinity and femininity are deliberately blurred - standing for both and neither

The Pot Plant, envisioned by Sanya Suri and Resham Karmchandani, offers a unique spin on gender fluidity, enveloped in sustainable fashion ideals. Advocating for reduced waste, Karmchandani notes, "We label our clothes as '100 percent human' to signify their universal appeal." The brand upholds the belief that clothing should be versatile, renewable, and beyond gender classifications or gendered norms of clothing

Moral Science presents gender-neutral, workwear-inspired attire through its simplistic and functional designs. From handcrafted adornments to spirited apparel, the brand offers a comprehensive range. This straight-cut dress with pulled up socks perfectly captures its eclectic and playful appeal

Moral Science experiments with female models as well - and this magenta and blue co-ord set is another masterpiece from the slow-fashion brand

Gender-fluid fashion in growing increasingly prominent on the Indian runway. Bobo Calcutta, established by Ayushman Mitra and Jeet Shahi, treats apparel as art pieces, marked by a vibrant, psychedelic spectrum of colors. An androgynous split-face with intertwined lips frequently characterizes the collection. Through its unconventional designs, the brand promotes self-love and unbounded expressions of affection

At 'Rishta', Arjun Saluja conveys his personal experiences and identity via gender-neutral and gender-fluid clothing. The brand pioneers in crafting distinct Indian silhouettes that cater to individuals across the gender spectrum. It specialzes in embodying the essence of 'oneness' or 'nothingness'

Advaitha Ravishankar crafts distinctive designs for his label, 'Advait' which radiate a retro-pop vibe, seamlessly merging high fashion with intricate artistry. The brand champions individuality and self-expression through its artistic and one-of-a-kind pieces

Anaam’s Sumiran Kabir Sharma’s show ‘The Last Supper’ at Lakme Fashion Week’s #GenderBender was a gender neutral take on the eponymous Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting 

Their label has several pieces of clothing that blur and transcend boundaries of gender-appropriate fashion

This floral-print suit is embodying gender fluidity at its best!

Anaam's Sumiran Kabir Sharma told Homegrown, “The models I’ve cast have struggled with their own identities as trans, androgynous, and gender fluid people. They’re misfits. So, when I thought of how to put them together as a performance art piece, I wanted them to be like a painting that was in a restoration process” 

Bollywood heartthrob Vijay Varma has also embraced gender-fluidity when it comes to styling himself for fashion events or at public forums

This stylish all-black ensemble consisting of a shirt, tie and flared skirt looks perfect on Varma

How stunning in this blush pink blazer with a plunging neckline? With their blue eyeshadow, the model also pulls off the outfit perfectly with an eclectic jagged print skirt

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