Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Reduces the environmental impact
Created using handcrafted methods
Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources
Recycles resources
Made out of responsible materials
Avoids use of chemicals or toxic materials
Biodegradable or environment friendly
In 2013, Sanjay and Dipa co-founded 'Frills and Falls,' a grassroots initiative committed to empowering Bengal artisans. Their aim is to liberate these artisans from exploitation and poverty, enabling them to achieve financial independence through the sale of their handcrafted products. Positioned as a sustainable brand, Frills and Falls specializes in creating premium-quality, fashionable clothing using organic cotton, linen, and silk. The materials are meticulously hand-dyed with natural, lead-free Azo dyes, steering clear of harsh chemicals. With a dedication to preserving traditional, time-honored skills, Frills and Falls serves as a platform for rural craftspeople. Their vision is to establish a world where both the consumer and the creator are equally valued.
Purpose
At the core of their belief lies the understanding that the enchantment of craftsmanship extends beyond the tangible creation to the narratives woven into each piece. The founders harbor a genuine curiosity about the inspiration that fuels individuals and the profound sentiment associated with crafting something meaningful out of nothing. Central to their mission is a commitment to enlightening patrons and customers about the origins of thier products, emphasizing the profound impact on both the artisans’ sustainable livelihoods and the planet.
Driven by this mission, the brand is passionate about fostering awareness and transparency. They strive to make the entire journey, from creation to consumption, a narrative of ethical and sustainable practices. By unraveling the stories behind each creation, they aim to forge a deeper connection between patrons and the artisans, advocating for a more conscious and responsible approach to crafting and consuming goods.
People
The brand engages with individuals aged 18 and above, compensating them above prevailing market standards. Additionally, they collaborate with farmers during non-farming seasons, augmenting their income. A commitment to transparency and traceability characterizes their supply chain practices, with a preference for partnering with small-scale marginalized artisans and craftspeople. The focus is on ensuring fair wages, appreciation, and recognition for these artisans. All dresses produced by the organization are meticulously crafted from handloom fabrics, hand-dyed, and handwoven by skilled weaver clusters throughout Bengal. The natural dye hand block printing involves collaboration with experienced block printers from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Emphasizing their commitment to upcycling, the organization collaborates with elderly Kantha embroidery artisans from Bengal and tribal artisans from Odisha, contributing to the continuation of the traditional craft of Dokra metal casting for home decor and designer jewelry.
Planet
Frills and Falls advocates for a plastic-free, fair, and minimal-waste world. Their sustainable clothing, crafted from organic cotton, linen, and silk, features natural, lead-free Azo dyes, ensuring minimal carbon impact. Packaging is minimalistic, using recycled newspapers and cloth bags, encouraging reuse. Adopting a 'make-to-order' model and standardized sizing (S, M, L) reduces excess inventory and dead stock. Wooden, mother of pearl, or metal buttons are preferred over PVC for environmental consciousness. Leaving garment margins allows easy self or local alterations. Embracing upcycling, Frills and Falls collaborates with elderly artisans to repurpose leftover fabrics and old discarded sarees into quilts and small bags, contributing to zero wastage.
