Saheli Women is a sustainable fashion social enterprise founded in 2015 by Madhu Vaishnav in rural Rajasthan, India. Working with over 100 female artisans, the brand preserves traditional techniques like handloom weaving, embroidery, and block printing, while promoting fair wages, eco-friendly materials, and upcycled textiles. By combining cultural heritage with ethical production, Saheli Women creates timeless garments that empower communities and support a more just, sustainable fashion system.

In 2015, Madhu Vaishnav founded Saheli Women through her nonprofit, IPHD, after she attended a wedding in the rural Rajasthani village of Bhikamkor. There, Madhu was first introduced to the women of Bhikamkor. Inspired by their strength, resilience and ability to support their families with little means, Madhu enrolled in University to educate herself further on sustainable development and community development initiatives.

Initially, Madhu facilitated humanitarian workshops in the village, but the women struggled to apply their learnings without jobs or financial control. Once she realised that each woman owned a sewing machine as part of her marriage dowry, Madhu identified a unique opportunity to leverage these existing skills and resources to empower the women. She began offering skills development training and livelihood opportunities.

FOUNDERS: Madhu Vaishnav & IPHD (Institute for Philanthropy and Humanitarian Development)
LOCATION: Bhikamkor & Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
MATERIALS: Upcycled Saris, Organic Cotton, Handloom Khadi, Natural Dyes, Shell & Coconut Buttons

Saheli Women is committed to empowering rural Indian women through ethical fashion and community development. The brand employs over 100 artisans who craft garments using time-honored techniques such as hand embroidery, block printing, and eco-printing. Many pieces are made from upcycled saris and locally woven khadi, dyed with botanical and AZO-free colors, reducing environmental impact while honoring India’s craft traditions.

Saheli’s materials are thoughtfully chosen: organic and rain-fed cotton supports regenerative agriculture, while recycled textiles and natural trims promote a circular approach to design. Beyond materials, Saheli Women provides holistic support—fair wages, healthcare, flexible work hours, and training programs—to foster dignity, leadership, and lasting social change. Each piece tells a story of resilience, sustainability, and handmade beauty.

Global Collaborations
The brand has collaborated with several acclaimed international fashion labels including Zazi Vintage, Fish & Gang, Kaifolk, Lekha, Devi, and Eastern Soul. These partnerships have brought the collective’s handcrafted embroidery, block printing, and eco-dyeing techniques to a global stage. Through co-designed collections and limited-edition drops, Saheli Women has become a trusted production partner in the sustainable fashion world, with features in leading fashion publications and presence in global markets.