With a career spanning over two decades across India and Qatar, Sonali Raman is the founder and creative force behind SR by Sonali Raman, a brand rooted in sustainability, traditional Indian crafts, and modern, inclusive design. Sara Naveed got the chance to speak to Sonali about her journey, her commitment to slow fashion, and why seasonless design is the future.
QH: How does sustainability and artisan collaboration shape the DNA of SR by Sonali Raman?
Raman: SR by Sonali Raman stands for slow, responsible, and inclusive fashion. At its core, the brand is a tribute to Indian crafts and textile traditions that are on the brink of disappearing. Everything we create is intrinsically linked to India’s rich craft heritage.
We consciously work with hand-spun and handwoven fabrics made from natural, biodegradable fibres. Our jewellery draws from ancient techniques like zardozi, traditionally used in textile embroidery for centuries.
Inclusivity is non-negotiable for us. Our apparel is designed for every woman, regardless of shape, size, or colour. We don’t believe in restrictive, bodycon silhouettes. Instead, our silhouettes are anti-fit yet sleek. Flared, yet fitted. Comfortable, yet fashionable. Flowing, yet draping.
Sustainability also means responsibility toward people. We reduce waste through zero-waste products and by using discarded leather for our jewellery. We employ underprivileged women, train them in hand-finishing and embellishment, and help them gain marketable skills. We work directly with small weavers and traditional craftsmen, especially zardozi artisans, supporting them so they can continue their craft with dignity.
QH: What inspires your approach to seasonless fashion and working with natural fibres?
Raman: I spent 17 years in the mainstream fashion industry, and it taught me that quality matters far more than quantity. I realized I didn’t want to be part of an industry race that was harming the planet.
If I wanted people to make sustainable choices, I needed to offer them that option myself. That’s why I started my brand; to create ethical, sustainable products I would be proud to own and wear. Working with natural fibres was an obvious choice, and I personally stopped wearing synthetics once I launched SR.
Chasing short lived trends is what is polluting the planet and so I chose to design seasonless styles that work for years and years.
QH: How do you ensure inclusivity and ethical values remain central as the brand evolves?
Raman: That philosophy is deeply embedded in the brand’s foundation, as I’ve shared earlier. It’s not something we add later; it’s how we function every day.
