When Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar launched NorBlack NorWhite over a decade ago, their mission was clear: celebrate Indian craft, colour, and identity through clothing that doesn’t play by the rules. Fast forward 15 years, and the duo is making history as the first Indian designers to collaborate with Nike globally. Introducing Nike x NorBlack NorWhite. This isn’t your standard streetwear story. It’s one rooted in movement, ancestral knowledge, and women owning space.
The collection, which launches globally on June 11 via nike.com and select Nike stores. Inspired by the spirit of India’s bandhani technique, the pieces are bold yet wearable. Cropped tees, tanks, hoodies, two bra options, a 5-inch short and a 7/8-length tight. The cross-body bag? Essential. There’s also not one, but four footwear styles to flex in: the Nike Air Max Craze, Motiva, Pegasus 41 and Calm slide — all designed with movement and intention in mind.
“Our NorBlack NorWhite journey started with a deep admiration for the crafts practices of India and the people who bring them to life,” Mriga says. “This collection shines a light on the rigor, dedication and ancestral knowledge that’s rooted in Indian culture, and we hope each piece inspires women to draw into their own athletic mindset while navigating everyday life in India and around the world.”
And that’s exactly what this collab does. It’s less about performance gear and more about presence. Being comfortable in your own skin, feeling rooted in heritage, and expressing your full spectrum of energy. “We want women to feel cool and collected through the colours, and to be ready to take on challenges and build strength and resilience through the patterns,” says Amrit. “Women who wear these pieces should have fun and own the spectrum of hues — all knowing that we, as women, aren’t here to play.”
The campaign, too, hits different. Featuring Indian wrestler Anshu Malik, sprinter Priya Mohan, and cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma, the visuals are kinetic and unapologetic. “What really hits different from other campaigns is that this collaboration is designed right here in India by a local collective that gets our vibe,” says Jemimah. “Wearing Nike that’s laced with Indian culture is a flex. It’s bold, rooted and ours. As a woman in a sport that’s often seen through a male lens, being part of a campaign like this is my way of saying, ‘We’re not just showing up, we’re here to take over, win big and look fab while doing it.’”
That, in essence, is the spirit of this drop. It’s movement-meets-memory. Streetwear that carries stories. Sportswear designed not just for performance, but for pride.
Nike x NorBlack NorWhite – shop here.