Weaving together the people, the culture, & the planet
About Banai
At Banai, every thread tells a story of sustainability, culture, and community. In Urdu, Banai means to weave, a craft deeply embedded in the rich tapestry of Indian heritage. Inspired by this tradition, we are more than just a sustainable fashion brand; we are storytellers, weaving together the threads of people, culture, and planet.
At Banai, we embrace the ethos of slow fashion, cherishing the timeless beauty of craftsmanship and tradition. Each garment is created in small batches, honoring the artisan communities across India. With a profound respect and love for our planet, we prioritize the use of natural fabrics and each garment is made with a start and an end in mind, ensuring our footprint on the planet remains minimal.
Our commitment extends beyond mere production; it's about empowerment and upliftment. Collaborating with artisans and women's social enterprises, we are fostering opportunities for these communities to thrive. Every stitch is a testament to our dedication to ethical practices and social responsibility.
When you choose Banai, you're not just wearing a garment; you're embracing sustainability, culture preservation, and community empowerment. Join us in our journey to weave a brighter, more sustainable future, one thread at a time.
About the Owner
From a young age, Simony, the owner of Banai, was drawn to design, constantly envisioning outfits and experimenting with styles. Growing up in India, she developed a deep appreciation for tailor made clothes and the rich craftsmanship of traditional clothing. Her journey toward sustainability began unconsciously, as she found joy in repurposing scraps of fabric to create outfits for her Barbie doll, scavenging for materials at the local tailor shop.
Fast forward to today, her need and passion for sustainable fashion has only intensified. With Banai, she has embarked on a mission to blend her love for design with a commitment to make a difference.
The Craft
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Jamdani
Jamdani is considered one of the finest muslin textiles in the world. Handspun and handwoven, it is also woven using a supplementary weft technique, where small decorative motifs are added to the fabric during the weaving process, creating elaborate patterns. These motifs are often inspired by nature, such as flowers, leaves, and vines, and are typically woven using cotton threads.
Behind the Seams
