NBNW are made up of Amrit and Mriga and together, they’re rewriting the rules of streetwear. You might have seen their pieces without knowing it’s them - you will now. They talk to us about friendship, Goan samosas and their tailor, Mohammed Ji.
“We’re always inspired by the streets in India. We just got back from 72 hours in Bombay, with a load of energy to keep us inspired”
What’s your favourite thing to wear?
Amrit: Our Eastern Horizon Frock! We first discovered this handwoven textile masterpiece from Assam years ago during our travels and it’s become that special piece which journeys with us on every travel since! The weaving process of the Matix Xaa l(Matix means earth, Xaal means loom) by the women of the Mising Tribe, is a cherished tradition passed down through generations.
What is your street snack of choice?
Amrit: I love me a good ol’ Samosa. I prefer the ones from Goa which have a thin, crispy outer and you can find them filled with ground meat or a spicy potato filling.
Mriga: In Bombay, it would be the quintessential Vada Pav or Pani Puri. In Delhi, it’s a samosa, extra crispy. Everything accompanied with chai, of course. Extra ginger, extra hot.
What is your tailer Mohammed Ji’s fav piece?
Amrit: He’s been rocking the Keep it Classic Embroidered Shirt this winter with his yellow Nikes. We met way back, in our tiny studio flat that we lived and worked out of in Bombay. He would come post finishing up his day at a full time gig to our spot in the evening. We would drink chai and chat design. We’d give him our sketches, textiles, he would then pack them up in his backpack and be off. He’d come a few days later with the samples all stitched up for us.
What was the last thing you were inspired by?
Amrit: Streets, always the streets in India. We just got back from 72 hours in Bombay, with a load of energy to keep inspired until the next adventure.
Mriga: A retrospective art show that shared the work of Pacita Abad’s lifelong incredible art journey through tapestry, sculpture, painting, ceramic and community work rooted in hi-lighting women and justice through a whole lot of colour and craftsmanship.
What role does friendship play in your brand?
Mriga: Friendship through curiosity and adventure is really what started NBNW. Things happened very naturally and then we kept it going from there. Even though we started as friends we are more like cousin sisters at this point. Our families have become close and we can sit in long periods of silence for hours without feeling awkward. We know what buttons to push to really feel the feels.
