Fashion meets functionality in each piece crafted by this contemporary fashion label. Founded by designer Ankit Duggal, Back Alley Bodega is a blend of modern aesthetics and everyday function. The label offers both menswear and womenswear, made to order. With a focus on creating clothes for daily use, Back Alley Bodega explores intentional silhouettes, where every detail is carefully considered to make the piece a staple for everyday wear.
Despite having no formal training in fashion, Ankit Duggal founded Back Alley Bodega in 2022. It took Ankit a while to understand his relationship with fashion growing up, although he grew up around fabrics and design. However, it still took some time for Ankit to understand what style and fashion meant to him. ‘It wasn’t until I started developing my sense of style that I truly began to appreciate fashion on a deeper level. For me, style means effortlessness — something instinctive and personal rather than performative.’ Drawn to Japanese and modern American style, Ankit drew inspiration from designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Chitose Abe, Aaron Levine, and Martine Rose, incorporating their subtlety and attention to detail into his work.
The name of the label, Back Alley Bodega, comes from Ankit’s time in New York: ‘independent, slightly hidden, and always personal.’ "Back Alley" refers to the underground nature of the clothing, independent and detached from the monotony of the mainstream. "Bodega" refers to a sense of accessibility and everyday purpose, like the small, functional stores scattered across New York, integral to the fabric of the city. Together, it speaks to something that feels both intentional and unpolished — like a quiet corner that holds its own.’
Besides the meaning behind the brand name, every collection has a story behind it. Hours upon hours of research is how Ankit finds his inspiration to design. ‘For me, it all starts with research. I dive deep until I find an idea, a mood, or a narrative that resonates and sticks.’ Once he finds the foundation for his idea, he works on translating that emotion into silhouettes that align with the label. His latest collection drew inspiration from a similar source, drawing on clothing and style from the history books. ‘I’d read about immigrant railroad workers in the American West and had a feeling there must be an Indian presence there, and there was. I came across records of Sikh lumber and railroad workers from that era.’ Having found the personal connection he wanted, Ankit looked at how the clothing from that time was shaped by the working environment for the Sikh workers. Seeing how function and form came together in a time of necessity, Ankit developed Field Notes.
Back Alley Bodega’s Field Notes continues the blend of form and function, combining utility and style to create aesthetically pleasing daily workwear. Every aspect of the design for each piece featured keeps function in mind. The pieces are crafted with durable fabrics like cotton canvas, which ensures that the pieces are sustainable and will not wear out. The field jacket is equipped with multiple pockets, some visible and some hidden, to store anything from tools to a phone. Trousers include extra buttons that allow the wearer to adjust the length of the pants depending on the environment. Even shirts include subtle loops for pens or glasses. ‘Every piece in the collection began with function in mind. These are garments designed to do more, if you know how to use them.’ Ankit’s favourite piece from the collection is the Field Jacket, a versatile canvas jacket which he describes as a faithful reimagination of a vintage piece found by a friend. ‘I love the weight of the canvas, how it softens and ages over time, and the hidden details that make it more than just a jacket. It’s utilitarian, timeless, and versatile.’
With each collection, Back Alley Bodega works to create useful yet beautiful pieces which are timeless, not bound by any passing trend, but rather clothing which remains relevant over the years. ‘The idea is to blur the line between style and function.’
Words Harita Odedara
19.06.2025
