Gully Labs
For years, sneaker culture has been shaped by its ties to the West, steeped in influences and features we’ve come to recognize instantly. From culturally popular sports like Basketball to sports legends, hip-hop music to the rebellious edge of punk subculture or graffiti, these cultural touchpoints have defined its identity. However, with the Indian sneaker market projected to soar to an impressive 70.6 million pairs by 2029, brands like Gully Labs are stepping in to ask a pivotal question: Why can't India's sneaker culture draw from the country's own rich and revered heritage? In a land celebrated for its age-old handicrafts, and festivals that are a spectacle, Gully Labs sees the untapped potential. With collections that not only emulate quality and style but also draw from India’s rich cultural motifs Gully Labs is carving a space for sneaker culture that's uniquely Indian.
Founded in 2023 by Arjun Singh and Animesh Mishra, Gully Labs is shaped by deep reflections on how we understand our culture and the forces that have shaped it. The brand boldly prompts us to reflect on what we truly know about the people, events, and traditions that continue to define and shape modern India. This introspection flows into the Gully Labs ethos, captured assertively in their manifesto, which is as unapologetically honest as it is thought-provoking.
The label’s sneakers are crafted with premium thick-grain leather, reinforced with a hand-stitched and durable rubber sole. What truly distinguishes them, however, are the design elements that authentically represent India. Notable features include their branding embroidered in the Devanagari script, as well as designs like the Saaj Orange, showcasing Rangoli-inspired patterns and Gully Number 001 - Naadu featuring embroidered boat-both celebrating the Indian festive seasons Diwali and Onam respectively. Their recent collaboration, titled Thread, with Prxkhxr—a renowned Indian streetwear label—showcases camp shirts, straight-fit trousers, and sneakers adorned with ghungroo motifs. This collection pays homage to the grace and reverence of Indian classical dance forms.
A quick scroll through their Instagram reveals that storytelling lies at the very heart of Gully Labs. With professionally shot campaigns and thoughtfully curated videos, the brand redefines how we see sneakers, placing them in refreshingly unexpected settings— marking the beginnings of India’s very own sneaker culture from the ground up.
