Raw Mango Chattarpur, Satbari
It’s the skill and hard work of over 150 expert craftsmen working on 100 looms that create the magical experience named Raw Mango. Conceived by designer Sanjay Garg in 2008, the label is known for its collection of saris, stoles and fabrics made from Indian hand-woven textiles such as Banarasi and Chanderi silks, Gujarati Mashru et al. According to Garg, pop tints, quirky motifs and hand-woven fabrics best describe his label. Raw Mango is known for its unusual combinations of yarns such as imported Merino wool and silk. Garg’s use of techniques to enhance traditional fabrics such as ‘de-gumming’ (to take away the stiffness from chanderi), inlay weavings and extra weft strike a chord with Delhi customers.
“I am from Rajasthan but Delhi has given me the space where I can exercise my creativity. Delhi is an extremely fashionable city.” Sanjay Garg, Founder
Loom Mool Hauz Khas Village
Loom Mool is more than meets the eye. Set up by Sewa Bharat, a 40-year-old association that represents 1.6 million female workers, it is here for a good cause. The union works with artisans directly, eliminating middle men and traders, and assists them in creating commercially viable weaves. Seventy per cent of the profit goes back to the artisans. The store retails sarees, crop tops, skirts and stoles in colour-block weaves, contemporary designs, geometric patterns and fabrics such as Bhagalpur silk, khadi and cotton. Recently, Loom Mool started retailing cushion covers, kerchiefs, pouches and diaries in pouches in fun prints and neon colours.
“People in Delhi understand the need to give back to artisans. Through Loom Mool, they ensure responsible sourcing and production.” Meera Saxena, Creative Director
Bhane Meharchand Market soon
Bhane started with an experiment. The online clothing label’s advertising campaign was unique; not models, but regular people—photographers, fashion designers, students and Spanish teachers—posed against the most underwhelming backdrop, the street. The ‘real people-real fashion’ did the trick. Today Bhane is synonymous with trendiest ‘streetwear’ for both men and women. Its everyday fashion line (shirts, trousers, jeans, tops, tees, dresses, shoes, hats, sunglasses, jewellery etc) is created by designers who have worked with some of the world’s most prominent international brands. The special concept ‘Bhane Love’ puts together trunk shows for other designers, especially of jewellery and accessories. Its first store will open in Meharchand Market this May.
“Delhi has taken over as the fashion capital of India. Fashion might have looked a little forced in the beginning but now it’s much more natural.” Anand Ahuja, Founder