Fashion is self-expression. It’s one of the reasons why we love to people watch, and one of the reasons whystreet stylehas become one of the defining photographic genres of our time. Few things are as inspiring as seeing the way people dress in their everyday lives (just ask Matthieu Blazy, who continually cites “the streets” as inspiration for his celebrated vision atBottega Veneta).
Which is why we launched a street-style series that looks at what people are wearing in the coolest neighbourhoods in countries around the world – beyond the confines of fashion week. So far we’ve checked out theRoma neighborhood in Mexico City,Fort Greene in Brooklyn,Harajuku in Tokyo, andEl Rastro in Madrid. And we’re kicking off our global tour this year with a visit to Central and South Delhi in India with 31-year-old photographer Naveli Choyal, who’s originally from Asjmer, Rajasthan. Here’s what she had to say about it:
All these neighbourhoods in Central and South Delhi – Humanyur, Shahpur Jat, Lodhi Art District, Janpat – have been around for years, and over time they’ve become cultural hotspots for young people. Their history is what makes them special for me; like how you’ll be walking around the streets of Shahpur Jat trying to get to one of the many hole-in-the-wall cafes or shops, only to unexpectedly reach the ruins of an old monument. You’ll see people from all walks of life, which gives these areas personality and character; it’s almost like the neighbourhoods are people in a way. It’s my favourite thing about them – the energy and movement/co-existence of different lives!
Nyapi Ngomdir, 23, Arunachal Pradesh
“Everything I’m wearing today is either thrifted or handmade by me. I made this bag out of an ugly thrifted vest and now it’s my favourite piece in my closet. It gives me joy every time I wear it out and it elevates every outfit.”
Video by Naveli Choyal
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Gurjeet Singh, 29, Chandirgarh
“The liberty of choosing my clothes and mismatching them irreverently is my favourite part [of getting dressed].”
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Video by Naveli Choyal
Khup Hangsing, 28, Lamka, Manipur
“I’m wearing a silk and raffia fringe dress that I hand-knitted with a white shirt that I designed, a plaid silk tie I got as a souvenir from a fashion show I walked in last fall, a traditional red wrap-around woven cloth that in my Paite dialect we call ‘puan,’ and red stockings underneath the dress, paired with these preppy loafers.”
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Saif Ali, 19, born in Bihar, currently living in Delhi
“Today, I'm exploring this neighbourhood for potential dance spots.”
Video by Naveli Choyal
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Awoka Awomi, 27, Dimapur, Nagaland
“I find myself drawn to this place often because the streets here are incredibly inspiring. From the diverse food vendors to the way local workers dress, there’s so much character everywhere you look. It’s like a vibrant tapestry of different stories and cultures woven together.”
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Maongkala Imsong, 23, Mokokchung, Nagaland
“Sometimes, the setting is what makes the outfit. I think I matched with the market’s bright colours and the cold, windy weather by chance. I like how I look like I’m at the right place at the wrong time!”
Video by Naveli Choyal
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Rahul Munda, 27, Ranchi Jharkhand
“The Delhi Haat reflects the vibe of India. It’s vibrant and colourful and it showcases the craftsmanship from all Indian states.”
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Vee, 22, Lucknow
“As a trans man, I always hoped to find a common ground between finding comfort in dressing as both a masc/femme presenting person. So I started experimenting with clothing I felt comfortable in and found an in-between where I could include both those aspects in every outfit I wear. My inspiration mostly comes from just wanting to get out of my comfort zone and keep on playing with different aesthetic and styles.”
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Video by Naveli Choyal
Naveli Choyal, our street style photographer
“This is one of my favourite places to be during this season. The city blooms with flowers, and this park, especially is is known around the world for the variety of roses.”
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Rahul Rai, 30, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
“My style is cool and laid-back. I like to wear things in which feel relaxed and confident. If one has a good relationship with their clothes, then they don’t have to try so hard.”
Photographed by Naveli Choyal
Video by Naveli Choyal
