About RAAS
OUR STORY
RAAS is an artisanal handloom clothing brand which started its journey from humble beginnings in 2014 to create timeless pieces of handloom with rich craftsmanship emanating elegance and grace.
For the love of handloom & the upliftment of skilled weavers
Inspired by the rich heritage of Odisha Handloom, RAAS was born out of pure passion and love for the art and purity of our craftsmanship. RAAS is a conscious effort by the founder Rashmi Mohapatra to add value to the richness of the skilled artistry of our weavers and artisans with 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 designs that are ethnic yet contemporary. The weavers work with the utmost dedication and meticulous attention to detail resulting in the most unique and exclusive pieces.
Raas dedicates itself to the well-being of local weavers and to develop the weaving community of Odisha.
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 have a consistent and ever expanding loyal base of customers and patrons who we are grateful for.
Raas has showcased at events such as Who’s Next, Paris (Paris Market Week), Pure London Fashion Trade Show, FDCI’s Odisha Parba & 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.
THE NAME
Raas embodies the cultural stories woven into the fabric
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 weaver’s hands move with precision, weaving together a tapestry of colors, patterns, and textures.
