Repurposed and innovatively refashioned denim surplus, here to make your blues go away, all through the year!
What is the name of your brand and what does it stand for?
Denim Darzi- "Denim Darzi" stands for the artistry of denim tailoring, Darzi" --- from the Persian darz, meaning "to sew." In Hindi and Urdu, it stands for more than a tailor --- it's the mark of skilled hands, slow craft, and style stitched with soul---melding traditional craftsmanship with sustainable fashion.
When was it founded, and what inspired its beginning?
Founded by Rupali Mukherjee in 2025, Denim Darzi was born out of a simple insight --- preloved denims often go unused, either due to fit or fading trends. A passionate upcycler, Rupali saw potential in what others overlooked. She began crafting standout garments using denim scraps from the textile industry and worn-out jeans, reimagining old denim and re-scripting its story --- one stitch at a time. Each piece is unique, handcrafted, and proudly not mass-produced.
What makes your brand uniquely Indian?
1. Every piece is handcrafted, echoing India's artisanal culture where clothes are made with care, not churned out by machines.
2. Upcycling with Emotion
Repurposing old sarees, kurtas, and preloved denim reflects the Indian habit of treasuring old garments and giving them second lives --- a sustainable philosophy woven into Indian households for generations.
3. Fusion of Tradition & Modernity
From denim sarees to reworked jackets with Indian silhouettes, Denim Darzi merges contemporary style with traditional forms, much like Indian culture itself --- fluid, layered, and diverse.
4. Local Sourcing & Storytelling
Materials are sourced from within India --- from factory waste to household wardrobes --- making every creation a reflection of local stories and sustainability.
Who is the founder?
Rupali Mukherjee
What's your background (fashion, art, business, family tradition, etc.)?
I do not have any degree in fashion ,I have picked the techniques on job while working closely with the karigars and masterji.I left my career in IT to pursue my passion in fashion designing.
What inspired you to start this brand?
The 'Jean'trepreneur Who Turned Idle Denims into a Sustainable Fashion Brand
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Rupali Mukherjee, a Kolkata resident with Maharashtrian roots, stumbled upon an idea that would change the course of her life. As she was cleaning her closet one day, she discovered around 30 pairs of jeans and denim wear lying idle and forgotten in a corner. These garments, belonging to her, her husband, and her two kids, were either rejected or outgrown, but they sparked a brilliant thought in Rupali's mind.
Voila! Denim Darzi was born.
After several brainstorming sessions with her husband, Rupali launched her upcycled, sustainable clothing brand in December 2020. While most entrepreneurs proudly call themselves just that, Rupali prefers the unique title of a 'Jean'trepreneur -- a fitting moniker for someone who breathes new life into old and discarded denims.
Rupali also gathered information on the textile waste generated and got in touch with the local vendors who deal in this.
Textile industry waste can come in many forms like yards ,cut pieces or stained fabric cutpieces.
Rupali decided to use the cut pieces to design the products for her brand.
Do you have any personal connection to the craft, textile, or region your brand represents?
Rupali Mukherjee is a passionate upcycler who transforms old outfits and sarees into fresh, wearable designs. With a special love for denim, she finds joy in breathing new life into worn-out pieces, turning them into bold, reimagined fashion.
Can you tell us about the team behind your label?
The design department is solely headed by Rupali Mukherjee the founder. The production unit comprises 4 karigars and a tailoring supervisor who looks after the sampling and production .
What kinds of textiles does your brand use? Are the materials locally sourced or organic/natural?
We use pre-loved denim textile industry denim leftover fabrics and denim scraps. The materials are sourced locally from the vendors dealing in textile fabric scraps and waste.
How do sustainability, slow fashion, or ethical practices show up in your brand?
1. Upcycling at the Core
Denim Darzi doesn't just recycle --- it upcycles. By transforming discarded denim, old sarees, and textile industry scraps into new garments, the brand reduces textile waste and extends the life of existing materials.
2. Slow Fashion Philosophy
Each piece is handcrafted, not mass-produced. This ensures thoughtful design, higher quality, and a deeper connection between maker and wearer --- the essence of slow fashion.
3. Ethical Production
Denim Darzi works with local artisans and tailors, promoting fair wages, dignified labor, and preserving traditional skills. No exploitative fast fashion supply chains --- just conscious, community-rooted making.
4. Minimal Waste Design
Patterns are often cut to minimize leftover fabric, and even scraps are repurposed into trims, accessories, or patchwork, aligning with a zero-waste mindset.
5. Timeless Over Trendy
Instead of chasing trends, Denim Darzi creates seasonless, versatile pieces meant to last --- emotionally and physically --- promoting mindful consumption.
How do you approach production?
Made-to-order
How would you describe your design philosophy or signature style?
At Denim Darzi, design begins where denim is forgotten.
We believe every worn-out piece has a story worth retelling --- and we do it through bold, handcrafted designs that fuse Indian heritage with modern streetwear sensibilities.
Our style is defined by:
Who is the muse or ideal wearer of your designs?
How do you blend tradition with contemporary fashion?
We take classic Indian garments --- sarees, kurtas, dhotis --- and remake them using rugged denim, merging heritage with everyday wearability.
Traditional hand-stitching, embroidery, and tailoring methods meet contemporary silhouettes and streetwear-inspired details.
Our patchwork and visible mending echo old-world craftsmanship, while asymmetry and bold cuts give a fresh, edgy vibe.
The result? Pieces that honor India's rich textile legacy while fitting seamlessly into today's fashion landscape --- timeless yet trend-conscious, artisanal yet urban
What does Made in India or Born in India mean to you personally?
Made in India isn't just a label --- it's a story, a spirit, and a source of pride. For Denim Darzi, being born in India means embracing the country's rich heritage of craftsmanship, resilience, and creativity.
It means honoring the artisans and tailors who have passed down skills through generations, keeping traditions alive in every stitch.
It means tapping into the vibrant cultural tapestry where old meets new, and transforming it into something fresh, meaningful, and global.
To us, Made in India stands for authenticity, sustainability, and the power of rooted innovation --- creating fashion that respects the past while shaping the future.
What is your vision for the future of your brand?
Our vision is to redefine fashion by making upcycled, handcrafted denim synonymous with sustainable style in India and beyond. We aim to build a community that values slow fashion, creativity, and conscious living --- inspiring a shift away from fast fashion toward garments that tell stories, respect the planet, and celebrate individuality.
Any exciting launches, collaborations, or growth plans ahead?
We wish to tie-up with multi-designer stores across India in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities for stocking Denim Darzi products.