Drishti and Rashmick's association goes back almost a decade. They met at TERI School of Advanced Studies, where both had enrolled in the environmental studies and resources management course. On the very first day, a chance encounter sparked a friendship neither expected would lead to them spending nearly all their waking hours together, ultimately building Lafaani, one stitch at a time.
During their two-year program, they engaged in various research projects, exploring the environmental, economic, and societal challenges across India. From studying the sex-specific activity budget of Draco dussumieri in the Western Ghats to analyzing the economic implications of rainwater harvesting in Bhikampura, Rajasthan, their journey was marked by a shared commitment to understanding and addressing diverse issues.
Their love for indigenous crafts and textiles was sown early, nurtured by families who revered handcrafted treasures. A glimpse into their closets revealed a kaleidoscope of Indian heritage—hand block prints, Kantha, Chikankari and handloom cotton and silk—all woven with love and tradition. Over countless cups of tea at a small shop opposite the university gates, they spoke passionately about Indian crafts—prints and embroideries, textiles and trims. Their shared love for creating things from scratch in an authentic, self-expressive way laid the foundation for their future endeavours.
After completing their course, Rashmick delved into WASH projects before transitioning to the waste management sector. Drishti, meanwhile, began working on agricultural projects in Andhra Pradesh, where she developed a deep understanding of the challenges of cotton cultivation. This experience marked the first step towards envisioning a holistically sustainable fashion ecosystem. Her enthusiasm led her to work closely with immigrant artisans in Delhi NCR and pursue a formal certification in Business for Fashion from NIFT, New Delhi.
The COVID-19 pandemic gave Drishti the time to piece together her notes, presentations, and ideas, finally laying the foundation for Lafaani. With a clear framework in mind, she invited Rashmick to join her on this journey—long and arduous, but filled with the joy of doing what they had always aspired to do. Rashmick agreed without hesitation, and since then, there has been no looking back. They believe Lafaani emerged from the rich tapestry of family narratives and a tradition of resourcefulness, with a shared sense of joy and wonder for craft based learnings passed down through generations.
Their love and admiration for traditional craft knowledge systems continue through their work at Lafaani. Beyond clothing, their homes are adorned with explorations from the embroiderer’s table, which find a place on quiet walls. Each piece symbolizes personal growth and the spirit of Lafaani, serving as cherished reminders of their journey and the brand’s evolution.
