Our Core Principles

“When I started BANJAARA six years ago, I made three heartfelt promises: that our trade would directly uplift the hands that craft our garments, that we would honour and share their stories, and that every decision we made would tread lightly on the planet.” Ruby, founder

Empowerment

At the heart of BANJAARA is a deep commitment to financially empower rural, marginalised women - not just as artisans, but as mothers, daughters, and changemakers in their communities. We serve as a bridge between these incredible women and the global slow fashion world, creating ethical garments that carry meaning, beauty, and impact.

The wages earned through our partnerships don’t just support their craft; they help fund school fees, put food on tables, and provide access to healthcare. As a female founder, this is what fuels me every day. Knowing that growing BANJAARA means growing opportunity, dignity, and possibility for so many others.

We make regular trips to walk alongside the people who bring our garments to life, witnessing first-hand the care, skill, and ethical practices behind every piece. These visits keep us grounded, accountable, and deeply connected to both the artisans we work with and the community who supports us.

Storytelling

Storytelling is import to us. We believe that slow fashion can have a transformative impact for our craftswomen. We want to show this by amplifying their voices, highlighting their stories of empowerment and progress. The fashion value chain should uplift everyone involved, from the producer through to the consumer. We want to make the women behind our clothes visible and feel that they can share their voice. Our handmade clothes are not just garments – they are craft, artisanship, cultural heritage, empowerment.

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Planet

We use the softest, highest grade cottons, wool and recycled fabrics for our garments which are made in small batches to significantly reduce waste. Our colours are all made from plant-based dyes. We make every effort to preserve ancient manufacturing techniques that use less energy than modern approaches. For example, our block print patterns are created individually using ancient wooden block printing techniques; hand carved, hand printed. Our unique designs are timeless, meaning they will look beautiful for many years to come, avoiding the environmentally damaging impact of seasonal trends.