Weaving together the people, the culture, & the planet

About Banai

The word Banai means to weave in Urdu, creating clothes that weave together the people, the culture, and the planet. We are a slow fashion brand creating clothes mindfully with the intention to preserve the culture and the craftsmanship of small communities within India. We create clothes in small batches using natural fabrics to have minimal impact on our planet. Our clothes are made ethically by artisans and women's social enterprises to empower and thrive the micro communities.

  • Rabari Bharat [Embroidery]

    Is done by nomadic group called Rabaris living in the Kutch region of Gujarat and Rajasthan, India. The embroidery skills are passed on from one generation to the next and incorporates many colors, bold embroidery inspired by Rabari mythology, and their desert habitation. 

  • Natural Dying

    Is the extraction of pigments from the natural sources like plants and minerals. Marigold, madder root, indigo, and flowers were used for the Jaana jacket for ecoprint and dyeing of the fabric. Natural dying leaves a lot of room for experimentation and manipulation of various factors to achieve a desirable shade while also admiring it's imperfections and uniqueness.

  • Kutchi Bharat [Embroidery]

    Originates from the Kutch region of Gujarat.  The embroidery is in bright colors and often inspired from romantic, architectural and human motifs, as well as Persian and Mughal art.  It is further embellished with mirrors, shells, and beads.  Mirrors [abhla] are an inherent part of many embroidery styles in Kutch, making the fabrics glisten and shine. The mirrors are believed to represent water – which is of significant value  in the desert region of Kutch. It is also believed to be useful in warding off the evil eye.

  • Handloom Weaving

    Is a heritage method of textile production, in which people intricately weave the yarn without the use of electricity using a PIT LOOM or HANDLOOM; These are the wooden machines assembled in a specific order to interlace two sets of yarns. Indian Handloom dates back to the Indus valley civilization and has survived wars, revolutions, British colonization and is now competing with fast fashion. Handloom weaving is a livelihood for many communities in rural and semi-rural regions of India and also empowering women by allowing them to work from home and be able to contribute to the family income.

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Behind the Seams