Sanjay Garg
Raw Mango
Born and raised in the small Rajasthani village of Mubarikpur where he studied at a Hindi-medium school.
Sanjay Garg is a pioneer in textiles and founder of the Raw Mango brand.
After schooling, he went on to hone his skills at the Indian Institute of Craft & Design in Jaipur. Then leaving to join the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi, where he studied textile design.
Once graduated, Garg had the opportunity to work on a development programme in Madhya Pradesh, promoted by India’s ministry of textile.
The project introduced him to the world of Chanderi weavers, who had been producing fine saris within the state for centuries. The meeting, sparking his passion for heritage textile weaving and planting the seeds for the beginning of his brand; Raw Mango named for what Garg describes as an unripe and imperfect idea of beauty, that closely embodies his vision for the brand and personal journey in life.
The pieces he designs take upwards of a month to produce, they are presented in beautifully crafted wooden wardrobes lined by the jewel tones of brocade blouses and intricately embroidered saris, all arranged by colour. His unique aesthetic, solidified over time, has struck a chord with the image of the confident modern Indian man.
Raw Mango has developed a bit of a cult following across India with its unconventional handwoven saris and textiles that feature quirky motifs, bright colours, and unusual silhouettes.
In a crowded ethinic clothing market, the Delhi-based brand has carved out a niche for itself with its minimalist approach and commitment to craft. Today, the saris from its collections are worn by Bollywood celebrities as much as ordinary shoppers. “The whole interest of the brand is how to give life to the crafts and sustain them”. Since his first brush with the Chanderi weavers, he has gone on to work with as many as 400 craftspeople in Varanasi, Lucknow, and West Bengal, translating the country’s rich heritage of handwoven textiles for the modern Indian customer.