OUR STORY

Raas is an artisanal handloom clothing and textile brand that began its journey in 2014
with humble roots and a deep commitment to crafting exclusive and timeless pieces,
steeped in rich craftsmanship emanating elegance and authenticity, while
empowering our weavers and artisans.

Rooted in the timeless heritage of Odisha handloom, Raas is a heartfelt tribute to the region’s artistry and craftsmanship. Born from founder Rashmi Mohapatra’s deep passion and reverence for this legacy, Raas is a conscious endeavour to celebrate and elevate the work of our weavers through thoughtfully curated, exclusive designs. Every piece is lovingly handwoven and handcrafted by our local Indian artisans who represent a lineage of creators, bringing their expertise to our innovative and distinctive designs that seamlessly blend the ethnic with the contemporary. The weavers’ meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication result in truly unique pieces that celebrate both the purity of craft and the evolving spirit of Indian design.

For the love of handloom and empowering artisans

At its core, Raas champions the well-being of local weavers and strives to nurture and uplift the vibrant weaving communities of Odisha and India at large. Starting with just one weaver, the label today employs almost 50 weavers and 20 craftsmen and artisans across Odisha and Gujarat. It is by virtue of its distinctiveness in both design and craftsmanship that, since inception, Raas has rightfully grown into a clothing brand to be reckoned with. We are grateful for our ever-growing community of loyal customers and patrons who continue to support and inspire our journey.

Raas has showcased at events such as Who’s Next, Paris (Paris Market Week), Pure London Fashion Trade Show, FDCI’s Odisha Parba in New Delhi & Bangalore Fashion Week.

Raas is a brand with a singular ambition of delivering premium art in the form of sustainable fashion that highlights the indigenous weaving crafts of Odisha in ways never seen before. At the same time, it vests the extremely talented but little known Odia Ikat weaving community the global attention and resultant economic opportunities that they so truly deserve.

OUR VALUES
  • Our designs are versatile, innovative and distinctive, inspired from natural elements seamlessly blending traditional craft with contemporary aesthetics. We believe in creating timeless pieces that last.
  • We stand for slow fashion, mindful luxury, and conscious consumption – choosing purpose over pace, and meaning over mass, honouring both people and the planet.
  • Raas reflects the spirit of today’s women and men –  dynamic, diverse, authentic and ever-evolving.
  • We are a sustainable fashion brand rooted in timeless design, lasting quality, and ethical sourcing using pure and natural textiles while supporting the livelihoods of skilled artisans.

Raas weaves cultural stories into every thread

Raas, a term deeply rooted in Indian culture, holds a multifaceted significance in the country’s rich tapestry of traditions. Derived from Sanskrit, the word “Raas” encapsulates the essence of joyful and vibrant celebrations, especially associated with Lord Krishna, the epitome of love and divine playfulness.

In the realm of textile arts, the Indian word “Raas” takes on a profound meaning, symbolizing the intricate dance of threads and the harmonious rhythm of the loom. The art of weaving, deeply rooted in India’s cultural heritage, is a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of its artisans. Much like the divine Raas Leela, where Lord Krishna and Radha dance in perfect synchrony, the weavers’ hands move with precision, weaving together a tapestry of colors, patterns, and textures.