Brand Journey

Explore the inspiring journey of Nesavaali, from its roots in Tamil heritage to becoming a leader in sustainable luxury fashion. Discover our commitment to ethical practices and artisanal craftsmanship.

The Birth of Nesavaali

Nesavaali, meaning "Weaver" in Tamil, represents more than a clothing label—it is the embodiment of a journey rooted in heritage, culture, and an unshakable purpose. The story of Nesavaali began in the heart of India, where its founder, Shangami Muthumani, grew up amidst the vivid colors, intricate patterns, and rich textures of traditional sarees. These were not just garments but pieces of art woven into everyday life, inspiring a deep respect for Indian textiles from an early age.

From Inspiration to Inception

Shangami’s connection to textiles went beyond admiration—it was her life’s calling. After pursuing education in Textiles & Knitwear Technology in Chennai and refining her business acumen with a master's in Fashion Business Management at Nottingham Trent University, she realized a profound mission: to honor the art of weaving that was slowly fading into obscurity. With a deep-seated respect for rural artisans and the skills passed down through generations, Shangami envisioned a brand that would preserve these age-old traditions while appealing to the modern global woman. In 2012, that dream started taking shape as Nesavaali.

Nesavaali officially launched in 2018, after years of planning and collaboration with artisans across India. From the outset, the brand wasn’t just about creating beautiful clothing—it was about creating a platform to celebrate Indian craftsmanship while meeting the desires of a fashion-conscious, worldly woman. By fusing Eastern heritage with Western fashion, Shangami was determined to make Indian textiles not only relevant but sought-after in modern fashion.

A Brand Shaped by Its Journey

Nesavaali's journey has been one of perseverance and vision, with Shangami facing initial rejections in 2013 due to the challenges of educating the industry about sustainable practices and working with local artisans. Her bold vision of fusing Indian craftsmanship with modern fashion was ahead of its time, and the concept of sustainability was still in its early stages. Customers, too, were just beginning to warm up to the idea of fusion fashion.

However, these early challenges only strengthened her resolve. Shangami learned that educating others about your vision is just as important as creating it. Those rejections weren't a reflection of her talent, but rather of the boldness of her ideas—pushing boundaries by championing sustainability and giving a global platform to rural artisans when the industry wasn’t quite ready to embrace them.

Now, she hopes to pass this wisdom on to future designers, urging them to stay true to their purpose, even when the path seems difficult. Her journey underscores the importance of authenticity—designing not to follow trends, but to create something meaningful, deeply rooted in culture and craftsmanship.

The journey has also been about celebrating culture. By tapping into the rich heritage of Indian fabrics—from the intricate weaves of Kanchipuram, Madurai Sungudi, Chanderi and Banarasi Brocade to the delicate Hand Block prints of Jaipur—Nesavaali keeps the spirit of India alive in every collection. These fabrics are carefully selected, reimagined, and crafted into pieces that resonate with the modern woman while paying homage to their traditional roots.

Cultural Embrace in Fashion

Nesavaali's journey is one of seamlessly blending the vibrant heritage of Indian textiles with modern Western aesthetics, a true cultural embrace that resonates across borders. This fusion of cultures quickly found its footing in the international market, with Nesavaali debuting in ASOS and New Look, where it was celebrated worldwide for its unique, bold, and modern designs. Shangami Muthumani realized early on that connecting diverse cultural stories through fashion was key to resonating with a customer who seeks not just style but authenticity. Today, Nesavaali bridges tradition and modernity, creating garments that allow women to express their individuality with global flair.

Drawing Inspiration from the Heart of Indian Culture

For Shangami Muthumani, founder of Nesavaali, inspiration comes from the vibrant, multifaceted world of Indian culture that she grew up immersed in. Every element of India's rich heritage informs her designs—fromthe ancient art of ‘weaving’ to the intricate ‘paintings on temple architecture’, each stitch and pattern is a tribute to the country’s deep-rooted traditions. Shangami draws heavily from the ‘handloomed textiles’ crafted by rural artisans, weaving these age-old techniques into modern silhouettes. The ‘jewellery’ her grandmother once wore, with its delicate craftsmanship and ornate details, finds its way into her collections through subtle embellishments and modern interpretations of those time-honored motifs.

Festivals like ‘Deepavali’ and ‘Pongal’, with their riot of colors, lights, and joy, inspire her use of bold, vibrant hues,while ‘customs and rituals’ rooted in spirituality and community fuel her deep respect for cultural expression. Even the everyday ‘ground roots’ of Indian life—local markets, traditional dress, and the simple beauty of rural landscapes—become a source of creativity for Shangami. But what truly makes ‘Nesavaali’ unique is its ability to take these cultural treasures and seamlessly weave them into ‘global fashion’, creating pieces that resonate with the ‘modern woman worldwide’—one who appreciates the fusion of tradition and innovation. Through her collections, Shangami offers global women a chance to wear a ‘handcrafted luxury’, reimagined as a ‘timeless piece of art’ in clothing.

Art of Indian Regional Weaving

Temples & Its Rich History, the architecture

I love my grandmum's jewellery, her grace & traditions

Elephants, Peacock, Parrots - We love them

Traditional Flowers & Nature

Rich Cultural Cities

Festivals, Celebrations & People

The Purpose Behind the Brand

Nesavaali's vision is to create timeless fusion clothing that brings Indian heritage and art to fashion lovers around the world, empowering modern women to make bold statements with their unique style. The brand's mission is singular and powerful: to uplift rural women by providing them with the skills needed to achieve financial independence, fostering a global community of empowered women. Through their stories, work, and personal journeys, these women are the heart and soul of Nesavaali. The brand is committed to showcasing their realities—their joy, creativity, and the authentic happiness that comes from their contributions to this unique fusion of tradition and innovation.

Looking Ahead: A Future Sewn with Purpose

As Nesavaali looks to the future, the vision remains clear. Shangami dreams of expanding the brand’s footprint, not just in clothing but across accessories, bags, and shoes. The goal is not only to grow the brand but to continue uplifting artisans, preserving traditional craftsmanship for future generations. With a commitment to sustainability and a global outlook, Nesavaali is leading the way in fusion fashion, creating garments that transcend borders and time, all while staying true to its core values of empowerment and cultural connection.

The story of Nesavaali is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance. From the humble beginnings rooted in Indian heritage to an international brand that empowers rural artisans, Nesavaali is a celebration of life, creativity, and the threads that connect us all. It’s more than just fashion—it’s a global movement towards empowerment, sustainability, and timeless beauty.

The Weaver's Dream