Oorja

Oorja is an internationally inspired, smart casual apparel boutique that offers handmade, elegant and timeless apparel for women in natural fabrics. Oorja means energy and vitality in Hindi and it’s our vision to create women’s apparel that not only empowers rural artisans in India but also energises traditional handloom into modern yet enduring outfits. 

Materials
Oorja exudes character by bringing together the magic of timeless Indian weaves of Jamdani, Ikkat, Mangalgiri and Khadi with the weightless embrace of gossamer cottons, soft luxury of silk, the chic drape of linen and innovative textures of hemp. 

We source our fabric from artisan clusters or cooperatives, who have been involved in the craft for generations, designing, producing and retailing it themselves. 

We’re not only reinventing the way people approach traditional fabrics but also looking after people’s and the planet's well being. 

People
Though Oorja is still a nascent business, we are an equal opportunity employer.  We believe in the strength of diversity and do not tolerate discrimination in any form in our operations.

Product
Oorja is not about fast fashion. For starters we work with co-operatives and buy fabric that has already been produced including run offs. 

We use natural handmade fabrics  which support the livelihood of rural weavers and promote the use of heritage crafts

Our  product is produced only in small batches and most of our dress fabrics are unique to one size.

Our plus sizes are made to order, and every style can be made to measure. This means that every woman can access Oorja without overproduction.

We give new life to surplus fabric from our collections, by repurposing it into reusable bags, blouses and scrunchies.

Packaging
At Oorja, we package our  product in biodegradable bio-plastic bags and reusable cloth bags made from our waste fabrics, as well as in recycled paper bags. 

Our cloth bags are fabricated by a group of underprivileged women, thus providing them livelihood. We also encourage our customers to bring their own bags when they visit us for exhibitions

Planet
Oorja  sources natural surplus materials that are easy on the planet, like hemp, linen, cotton and silk. We use every piece of surplus fabric, making it into reusable cloth bags, scrunchies, ice pack holders and blouses. 

All our buttons are either wood, coconut shell, natural mother of pearl or fabric. Our labels and tags are attached with metallic pins and yarn whereas our tags are made of recycled paper. 

We have opted to be trend-free and create only lasting designs in the best possible quality so that our  clients do not need to buy as often but get more wear out of each garment bought from us.

Principles
Oorja aims for every woman to have access to sustainable clothing, thus we do a lot of custom fits for clients who do not fit into standard sizes. That being said, our sizing is more generous , consciously catering to more mature body shapes. 

We are committed to supporting causes in India relating to empowering women and welfare of street animals. This ties together our passion of looking good while making responsible choices that benefit our planet, our people as well as the animal welfare.

Our plantable labels

Repurposing surplus fabric and fabric scraps:

Firdaus and her daughters-in-law are our repurposing heroes

Luxurious scrunchies- all proceeds go to welfare of street animals in India

Blouses from our surplus fabric. All proceeds from their sales fund welfare of street animals in India.

Our packaging materials

• Reusable carry bags from surplus fabric
• Reusable jewellery bags from fabric
• Plantable tags
• Recycled paper gift bags
• Bio-degardable bio not-plastic bags for an additional protective layer for home-delivery
• Gift card designed by a local child artist (@ayancartforconservation). 
• Recycled paper pad for goodwill