Bhubaneswar label Raas showcases pan-Indian handloom weaves at Aaroh exhibition
The exhibition featured indigenous weaves from across India alongside signature Odisha Ikat designs by the artisanal brand Raas.
The Bhubaneswar-based artisanal handloom label Raas recently held its exhibition, Aaroh, in the city to showcase a variety of handloom traditions from across the country. According to The New Indian Express, the event brought together indigenous pan-Indian weaves for the first time.
The collection included Banarasi, Chanderi, Patan Patola and Paithani sarees. Raas founder Rashmi Mohapatra said the goal was to provide local customers a single view of the distinct character of each weave during the festive and wedding season.
Mohapatra stated that the designs are created in coordination with designer Pritam Panda and her daughter Ritika. She explained that the brand produces its own fabric from scratch and handles everything from design to production, including customised bridal wear.
The exhibition featured sarees priced between Rs 27,000 and over Rs 40,000. Other items included Ikat clutches priced around Rs 6,000-Rs 7,000, mini tote bags from Rs 10,000 to Rs 11,000, Chanderi dupattas, suit pieces and fusion blouses.
To source the non-Odisha collection, the brand collaborated with artisans and designers from Baroda and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Banaras in Uttar Pradesh and Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh. Raas currently works with artisans from Nuapatna, Barpali, Sambalpur, Gopalpur and Pipili.
The brand has been based in Bhubaneswar since 2014. Its team consists of approximately 50 people and operates around eight to 10 looms, with saree production taking between two to three weeks and up to six months.