Rias Jaipur launches new project 'Farak' to raise awareness on social issues

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Mar 5, 2021

Apparel brand Rias Jaipur has launched a new line of 100% locally produced cotton sweatshirts and joggers named ‘Farak’ with prints designed to raise awareness on issues including farmers’ and garment workers’ struggles.

“This is about how we can make a difference,” the brand’s founder Avishek Mandal told Elle India about the new line.

“The farmers, weavers, and artisans are masters of their craft, but as designers, it is important for us to utilise our education for a larger purpose. Not only will it make a big positive change in their lives, but it will also help the fashion industry heal in hindsight.”

Each ‘Farak’ garment features a scannable QR code which is incorporated into its design. This is designed to spread awareness among wearers about the issues raised by the prints on their clothing. 
 
The collection is fabricated from cotton which is sourced, hand-knitted, and woven by farmers and artisans from the Vidarbha and Wardha regions of Maharashtra, as well as Murshidabad in West Bengal.
 
The brand has also launched a new line named ‘Re! Re: Start / Wind/ Cycle’ which has repurposed garment waste accumulated over the years and woven it into a collection summer jackets made with the technique of extra weft in handloom weaving. This first batch was woven by handloom brand Iro Iro. 
 
“Waste is not waste until we waste it,” the brand announced on Facebook. With this philosophy, the brand has also launched a line of naturally dyed 100% cotton face masks.