In the bustling heart of Mumbai, where art and survival often intertwine, a quiet revolution has been unfolding since 2017. Chamar Studio, founded by artist and activist Sudheer Rajbhar, is more than a fashion label. It is a movement that blends design, sustainability, and social justice while challenging deeply rooted caste prejudices.
Sudheer’s journey began in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, before his family moved to the slums of Mumbai. Growing up amidst hardship, he pursued a degree in Fine Arts and developed a strong belief that art should not only inspire but also bring social change. The turning point came after the 2015 beef ban, when thousands of Dalit leather workers lost their livelihoods. Witnessing their struggles, Sudheer realized the need for a platform that could revive their craft without depending on animal leather. With that vision, Chamar Studio was born.
The name itself carries a powerful story. For generations, the word “Chamar” was used as a slur, an insult meant to diminish people from Dalit communities. Rajbhar decided to reclaim the word, turning it into a symbol of pride and resistance. What once carried stigma now represents creativity, resilience, and empowerment.
Chamar Studio is built on the principles of sustainability. Instead of leather, its products are crafted from recycled rubber and canvas mesh—materials that are vegan, durable, waterproof, and environmentally responsible. From sleek bags to minimalist accessories and functional furniture, the brand’s collections stand out for their simplicity and innovation. Yet behind every design lies a deeper mission: to prove that fashion can be ethical and conscious.
At the heart of the brand are the artisans who craft these products. Many of them once depended on the leather industry but were pushed to the margins of society. Chamar Studio not only brought them back to work but also restored their dignity by adopting a profit-sharing model that gives nearly half of the revenue directly to them. For these artisans, the brand is more than a livelihood—it is recognition that their history and craft have value.
What started in the lanes of Mumbai has now captured global attention. In December 2024, the world witnessed Chamar Studio’s rise when international icon Rihanna was seen at Design Miami seated on its Flap Chair, while NFL player Stefon Diggs was spotted on its Baldric Chair. That moment sent a strong message: Indian sustainable design had entered the global stage with confidence and purpose.
Sudheer Rajbhar continues to expand his vision with initiatives such as the Haveli Chamar Project in Rajasthan, a collaborative space where artisans work together to design products that meet international standards while preserving their heritage. His philosophy remains simple yet profound—identity should not be limited to caste but should be defined by ideas, creativity, and craft.
Chamar Studio is not just a brand; it is a story of resistance, resilience, and reinvention. It challenges the past, empowers the present, and reimagines the future. In Rajbhar’s hands, the word “Chamar” has transformed from a symbol of exclusion into the name of a revolution.
