The origins of Bandhani, also known as Bandhej, a type of tie-dye textile art, can be traced back to the Indus Valley civilisation and remain deeply intertwined with the culture and traditions of India, particularly in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and some regions of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This labour-intensive craft involves tying fabric into tiny bindings that, when dyed, result in striking, unique patterns of dots, waves, squares and stripes. Traditionally, artisans employ natural dyes derived from indigo, turmeric or pomegranate; Bandhani has now evolved to embrace a broader colour palette with the use of synthetic dyes. Honouring this, Indian clothing brand and design studio NorBlack NorWhite partnered with American athletic footwear and apparel brand Nike for a fresh collection that brings this centuries-old craft into the realm of global athleisure, ”inviting women into sport with contemporary pieces that promote freedom of movement and expression,” as the press release notes.

The collaboration features a capsule of footwear, apparel and accessories infused with Bandhani-inspired design—visually rhythmic, richly detailed and unmistakably rooted in Indian craftsmanship. Each piece carries a modern, athletic edge while embracing the distinct irregularities and artistry of handmade textile work. Footwear highlights include vibrant reinterpretations of Nike’s Air Max Craze, Motiva, Pegasus 41 and Calm slides. These ‘sport-forward’ silhouettes incorporate rippling dot motifs, square grids as well as linear and undulating patterns in vivid shades of obsidian, dusty cactus, armory navy and dynamic turquoise.

Founded by Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar, New Delhi-based NorBlack NorWhite’s origins lie in Mumbai, and is known for bridging Indian artisan techniques with streetwear aesthetics. Two years in the making, this collaboration with Nike marks a significant moment for both brands: a rare partnership where a global sportswear giant places a homegrown brand and an Indian craft at the heart of its creative process. Designed entirely in India, the collection doesn't just reference heritage—it is rooted in it. As the press release mentions, “The collaboration transforms Nike performance and sportswear styles into symbols of cultural connection that extend NorBlack NorWhite’s commitment to Indian craftsmanship to Nike’s global audience, introducing new communities to colours and patterns steeped in Indian culture.”

“Our NorBlack NorWhite journey started with a deep admiration for the crafts practices of India and the people who bring them to life,” notes Kapadiya in the release. Born in Toronto, Kapadia and Kumar arrived in Mumbai in 2010 to delve into Indian craftsmanship techniques and traditional textiles, to reinterpret them into contemporary designs. “This collection shines a light on the rigour, dedication and ancestral knowledge that’s rooted in Indian culture,” Kapadiya adds.

While Bandhani takes centre stage in the collection, the campaign also expresses who gets to take up space in sport. “Women who wear these pieces should have fun and own the spectrum of hues…,” says Kumar. “We hope each piece inspires women to draw into their own athletic mindset while navigating everyday life in India and around the world,” implores Kapadiya. Featuring Indian athletes like wrestler Anshu Malik, sprinter Priya Mohan and cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma, the visuals offer an alternative image of strength: one that’s feminine, expressive and self-assured. It is “fashion with purpose: loud, bold and rooted in real stories,” Mohan relays.

Without leaning much into sentimentality, the collection suggests that sport, like style, is a space that women define on their own terms. As Rodrigues shares: “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. Wearing Nike that’s laced with Indian culture is a flex. It’s bold, rooted and ours.”

NorBlack NorWhite intervenes with a consistent colour palette and distinct prints to craft unique identities for some of Nike’s innovative footwear models. Here, the Nike Air Max Craze shoes come with Nike’s signature ‘Max Air’ cushioning and a wrap-around heel stabiliser for maximum comfort. The simplicity of its solid blue body and black and white accents balances the exaggerated shoe designs, featuring Bandhani-inspired patterns on the cushioning. The Motiva shoes are equipped with Nike’s ‘Comfortgroove’ technology, which effectively absorbs bumps, complemented by a rocker that helps the user propel forward. The variant comes in dark obsidian and football grey colours with bright armory navy accents highlighting the design details. Dusty cactus, armory navy and dynamic turquoise colours envelope the Calm slides, featuring a square geometry arranged in a ripple effect.

The apparel lineup is equally grounded in movement and design. The wearable designs include two sports bra options, a pair of tights and biker shorts, a tank top and the Phoenix Fleece pullover hoodie, all featuring a variety of Bandhani-inspired patterns. The shorts and sports bra feature identical designs, forming a coordinated, comfortable sportswear set, while the printed leggings and sheer top offer a more refined and layered look for outerwear. The oversized hoodie features ripple effect patterns in armory navy, using tones of blue and green with white and black elements to accentuate details.

Made globally available last month, the NorBlack NorWhite’s Nike collab layers Bandhani’s familiar visual language over everyday, contemporary activewear. The result is a collection that feels local in spirit but global in reach—anchored in Indian textile history yet future-facing in its aesthetic, form and functionality.