5 Women-Led Handloom Brands in Odisha Preserving Traditional Textile Heritage

Odisha's rich textile heritage, spanning centuries of exquisite handloom traditions, finds new life through the vision of enterprising women entrepreneurs. From the intricate ikat patterns of Sambalpuri sarees to the delicate zardozi embroidery, these women-led brands are not merely preserving ancient crafts—they're reimagining them for contemporary audiences whilst ensuring artisan communities thrive. Through innovative designs, sustainable practices, and a deep respect for traditional techniques, these five remarkable brands are weaving together heritage and modernity, creating a tapestry of cultural preservation and economic empowerment that extends far beyond Odisha's borders.

1. Reemly's Design Studio

Reemly Mohanty has established herself as a visionary designer celebrated for her innovative use of Odisha's traditional handloom, transforming her Bhubaneswar-based studio into a beacon of contemporary ethnic fashion. Specialising in Indian ethnic wear with a contemporary twist, Reemly's Design Studio has become synonymous with bespoke craftsmanship that honours Odisha's textile legacy whilst appealing to modern sensibilities. The brand's signature approach involves seamlessly blending traditional Odishan weaves with contemporary silhouettes, creating pieces that are both timeless and thoroughly modern.

Reemly's work has gained national recognition, with her 'Kalavati – Treasure of Odisha' collection being showcased at prestigious fashion weeks. Her commitment to sustainable fashion and promoting Odisha's artistic heritage has earned her opportunities to represent the state on international platforms. The studio's custom-made approach ensures each piece tells a unique story, incorporating traditional motifs and techniques such as fine zardozi work alongside vibrant Odishan handloom fabrics. Through her work, Reemly has successfully created a bridge between traditional artisans and contemporary fashion enthusiasts, ensuring that age-old techniques continue to find relevance in today's market.

Products: Custom bridal wear, contemporary ethnic wear, traditional sarees with modern cuts, Indo-western fusion wear, ceremonial outfits

Price Range: Rs. 8,000 - Rs. 50,000

2. RAAS

RAAS stands as a distinguished name in preserving and promoting Odisha's handloom heritage, with a focus on exclusive Odisha handloom sarees and contemporary textiles featuring traditional ikat and innovative design motifs. Founded in 2014 by Rashmi Mohapatra, the brand has carved a niche for itself by maintaining the authenticity of traditional weaving techniques whilst ensuring contemporary appeal. RAAS is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rich handloom legacy of Odisha, working directly with local artisan communities to preserve traditional weaving methods that have been passed down through generations.

The brand's commitment extends beyond mere commerce; it represents a cultural mission to ensure that Odisha's textile traditions remain vibrant and relevant. RAAS collections feature an extensive range of handloom sarees and contemporary pieces that showcase the state's diverse weaving traditions, from traditional ikat patterns to modernised Khandua sarees. Each piece reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of skilled artisans who have inherited these techniques from their ancestors. The brand's emphasis on authenticity means that every saree is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, whilst its contemporary presentation ensures these traditional crafts find appreciation among modern consumers who value both heritage and quality.

Products: Traditional ikat sarees, contemporary handloom textiles, Khandua sarees, co-ord sets, scarves and stoles, modern ikat designs

Price Range: Rs. 7,600 - Rs. 23,800

3. Utkalamrita

Utkalamrita, co-founded by Dr. Anita Sabat and Amrita Sabat as part of Sabat Exports Private Limited, was incorporated on 11th May 2015, emerging as a comprehensive platform for Odisha's handloom and handicraft traditions. The sister duo has created a brand that serves as a one-stop shop for the finest Sambalpuri, Khandua, Dongria, Kotpad, Pattachitra, and Gopalpur Tussar varieties of Odisha handloom sarees, ikat fabrics, and dupattas. Their vision extends beyond textiles to encompass the entire spectrum of Odishan craftsmanship, including silver filigree work, Pipli applique, and Jagannath crafts.

The brand's strength lies in its comprehensive approach to preserving Odisha's cultural heritage through commercial viability. Utkalamrita has successfully created a bridge between traditional artisans and global consumers, ensuring that authentic handloom products reach appreciative audiences worldwide. Their commitment to quality and authenticity has made them a trusted name among connoisseurs of handloom textiles. The brand's online presence has been instrumental in taking Odisha's rich textile heritage to a global audience, whilst their fair trade practices ensure that the artisan communities receive adequate compensation for their skilled work. Through Utkalamrita, the founders have demonstrated how traditional crafts can be preserved and promoted through modern business practices and digital platforms.

Products: Sambalpuri sarees, Khandua silk sarees, Dongria cotton sarees, Kotpad natural dye textiles, Pattachitra painted fabrics, silver filigree jewellery, Pipli applique work

Price Range: Rs. 2,500 - Rs. 40,000

4. Shephalee

Shephalee represents the new generation of Odishan textile brands that seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities. Whilst specific founder details remain unavailable, the brand has established itself as a notable presence in Odisha's handloom sector, focusing on creating pieces that appeal to modern consumers whilst respecting traditional weaving techniques. The brand's approach reflects a deep understanding of both heritage crafts and contemporary fashion requirements, resulting in collections that successfully bridge the gap between traditional and modern aesthetics.

The brand's philosophy appears to centre around making traditional Odishan textiles accessible and relevant to younger generations who appreciate heritage but seek contemporary styling. Shephalee's collections typically feature traditional handloom fabrics reimagined through modern cuts and silhouettes, making them suitable for various occasions from casual wear to formal events. The brand's commitment to supporting local artisan communities whilst creating commercially viable products demonstrates the successful model of social entrepreneurship that many Odishan textile brands have adopted. Through its work, Shephalee contributes to the ongoing narrative of how traditional crafts can evolve and adapt whilst maintaining their essential character and cultural significance.

Products: Contemporary handloom wear, modern ethnic designs, fusion garments, traditional textiles with contemporary styling

Price Range: Rs. 3,000 - Rs. 20,000

5. Boito

Boito distinguishes itself through its focus on creating contemporary high-fashion garments suitable for urban audiences using Odisha's intricate textile traditions, whilst keeping unique patterns and motifs alive. The brand represents a sophisticated approach to heritage textile preservation, targeting discerning consumers who appreciate luxury fashion with cultural depth. Boito has collaborated with numerous weaving communities in Odisha to preserve their handloom traditions and has begun exhibiting garments made through these partnerships, demonstrating a commitment to both cultural preservation and community empowerment.

The brand's 'conscientious luxury' philosophy sets it apart in the competitive textile market, offering products that combine ethical sourcing with high-end fashion appeal. Boito's collections showcase how traditional Odishan textiles can be transformed into sophisticated contemporary wear without losing their cultural essence. The brand's partnership approach with weaving communities ensures that traditional techniques are preserved whilst providing sustainable livelihoods for artisans. Through its emphasis on quality, authenticity, and contemporary appeal, Boito has successfully positioned itself as a premium brand that celebrates Odisha's textile heritage whilst meeting the expectations of luxury fashion consumers. The brand's work demonstrates how traditional crafts can be elevated to luxury status through thoughtful design and ethical practices.

Products: Luxury handloom garments, contemporary high-fashion pieces, premium traditional textiles, designer ethnic wear

Price Range: Rs. 8,000 - Rs. 60,000