Farak by label Rias Jaipur highlights the struggles of the farmers, while simultaneously providing them with a solution. Hidden in the title of the collection itself, ‘humein farak padta hai’ is their underlying message behind this project. It’s a line of sweatshirts and joggers made from 100% local cotton, cultivated, hand-knitted and woven by farmers and craftspeople from Vidarbha and Wardha regions of Maharashtra, and Murshidabad in West Bengal.
Fashion For A Cause
In an attempt to amplify the conversation about the current situation of the farmers, each garment from this collection comes with a scannable QR Code. The platform will be used to spread awareness among wearers about the underlying issues of society, while paving the way for the unsung heroes. Speaking to ELLE about why they are doing what they are doing, founder, Avishek Mandal shares, “This is about how we can make a difference. 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.”
It’s All In The Detail
While the overarching aim behind this presentation was to shed light on the farmers and provide them with long-term aid, the brand has managed to intelligently integrate other issues in its design philosophy. Every single piece comes with an important story etched to it.
For instance, a particular sweatshirt design pays tribute to the 16,912 farmers who committed suicide between 2001-2018 in the Vidarbha region because of the unsustainable modern farming practices.
A jumper was created to highlight a catastrophic event that marks a dark day in fashion. In 2013, Rana Plaza, a building that housed multiple garment factories collapsed, killing around 1100 people trapped inside.
The design for a pullover was influenced by the historic story of indigo planters and their struggle for freedom from slavery in the 20th century. Farmers of India were lured, and then forced to cultivate indigo for centuries, by Europeans in 5/20th of their lands, later reduced to 3/20th popularly called Teen–kathia system. The system did not allow them to grow crops for their own consumption.
The label’s initiative not only supports fair trade, it promotes slow fashion, while giving street-wear an Indian flavour through the choice of fabric and innovation of design. You can now buy this collection from their website and help the cause.
