Have you ever wondered about the story behind the clothes you wear? In a world where fast fashion brands like Zara, H&M rule our wardrobes. Where trends change every other day, we're often disconnected from the origins of our fashion. But there's a growing movement of homegrown brands that are bringing us closer to the roots of our attire.
Let me introduce you to five amazing Indian handloom brands that are doing more than just making beautiful clothes - they're weaving tales of tradition, sustainability, and human connection.
These brands aren't just about fabric and fashion. They're about the hands that craft each piece, the communities that are uplifted, and the age-old techniques that are kept alive. From the bustling streets of Ranchi to the quiet villages of Gujarat, these brands are making waves in the fashion world while staying true to their roots.
So, grab a cup of chai, get comfortable, and let's dive into the colorful world of these five handloom brands. Trust me, by the end of this, you'll see your wardrobe in a whole new light!
The Burlap People: Conscious Living Through Eco-Friendly Textiles
The Burlap People is more than just a brand; it's a movement towards sustainable and conscious living. This impact-driven lifestyle brand collaborates with local artisans to create products using eco-friendly textiles like jute and cotton, along with ethically sourced leathers.
Their commitment to circular design and zero-waste practices ensures that their products are upcycled, recycled, and repurposed. By partnering with NGOs, The Burlap People also creates job opportunities and provides vocational training, reinforcing their dedication to social and environmental responsibility.
Johargram: Bringing Jharkhand's Crafts to the World
Founded on November 15, 2020, by NIFT graduate Ashish Satyavrat Sahu, Johargram is an ethical sustainable streetwear brand that showcases the rich textiles and crafts of Jharkhand. Based in Ranchi, this brand creates a modern yet traditional Indian way of dressing while providing a platform for marketing indigenous handloom and handicraft articles.
Johargram not only endorses the culture and way of living of ethnic minorities and tribal communities but also works towards keeping these traditions alive for future generations. Through their innovative approach, they're also addressing the financial and social empowerment of Jharkhand's artisans.
AVO Clothing: Sustainable Fashion Made Affordable
AVO Clothing bridges the gap between fast fashion and high-end sustainable labels by offering customizable, tailored clothing made from sustainable, natural fabrics.
Vrajal Shah, the founder is passionate about providing elegant, easy-to-style pieces that are both eco-friendly and affordable. AVO Clothing proves that it's possible to create high-quality, sustainable, and trendy garments without breaking the bank. Their commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that every piece reflects their values and caters to those who appreciate personalized fashion with a responsible approach.
Okhai: Empowering Rural Artisans Across India
What started as a small initiative with a handful of artisans from Gujarat has grown into a powerful movement under the Okhai brand. Today, Okhai founded by Manorath Dhillon works with 30,000 artisans skilled in various crafts from across the country. Their mission is clear: to empower rural artisans, especially women, revive traditional crafts, and make them accessible worldwide.
Okhai offers a range of fashion and lifestyle products that are 100% authentic and handcrafted using sustainable and ethical processes. From hand embroidery to handloom, basketry to block printing, each Okhai product tells a unique story and helps move the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future.
Fabric Pandit: Celebrating India's Rich Textile Heritage
Fabric Pandit founded by Sakshi Agarwal is an e-commerce D2C textile design house that brings the richness of Indian textiles to the digital age. With a team of in-house textile designers, they create unique and premium fabrics using the finest natural yarns like cotton and linen.
Their offerings range from finely woven Jamdani unstitched suit sets to authentic hand-block printed kurta sets, created by skilled artisans from small villages like Bagru, Akola, and Ajrakhpur. Fabric Pandit not only celebrates India's rich textile crafts but also creates a new vocabulary for luxury, elegance, comfort, and design in Indian fashion.
These five brands prove that it's possible to create beautiful, sustainable products while preserving traditional crafts and empowering artisan communities. By choosing to support such brands, we can play a part in promoting a more ethical and environmentally conscious fashion industry. Each purchase becomes more than just a transaction – it's a step towards preserving cultural heritage, supporting local artisans, and contributing to a more sustainable future.
