About Haathse

Crafted by Hand, Inspired by Heritage.

The HaathSe Story

A Legacy of the Human Touch

The name HaathSe translates literally to "By Hand," but to us, it represents a sacred philosophy of touch, intention, and human connection. Our story is deeply rooted in the historic heart of Lucknow—a city where every alleyway echoes with the rhythmic click of needles and the timeless heritage of the artisanal spirit.

HaathSe was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to transform traditional Indian craftsmanship into a modern, artisanal expression that celebrates the "imperfectly perfect" nature of things made by hand. We believe that in a world of automated machines and mass production, there is an irreplaceable soul in a garment that has been touched, stitched, and dreamt into existence by another human being.

Empowering the Community: One Thread at a Time

At its core, HaathSe is a celebration of collaboration and social transformation. We believe that fashion should be a vehicle for dignity, not just decoration. Our brand serves as a bridge between incredible, untapped talent and a modern aesthetic.

We are dedicated to providing sustainable livelihoods for underprivileged women and young girls in our community. Our process begins with education; we identify women who have the spark of creativity but lack the platform to shine. By teaching them specialized skills—from the delicate geometry of macramé to the intricate shadows of Chikankari—we are shifting the narrative from domestic labor to skilled artistry. When you wear HaathSe, you are wearing the handiwork of a woman who is reclaiming her financial independence and rewriting her own story.

A Kaleidoscope of Artistry: The Katran Philosophy

Our aesthetic is a vibrant dialogue between diverse textiles and soulful design. We work with a rich canvas of fabrics—from the structured, honest touch of linen and denim to the ethereal flow of muslin, silk, and chiffon.

Each HaathSe creation is a tapestry of unique patchwork, hand-embroidery, and meticulous embellishments like handmade buttons, beads, and sequins. For us, sustainability is a lifelong habit, not a marketing trend. We follow a "katran" philosophy, meticulously reusing every fragment of fabric scrap to create artisanal textures and accessories. This ensures that the life of the textile is honored and that our footprint on the earth remains as light as a hand-stitch.

Redefining the Fit: Hand-Tailored for Every Silhouette

For too long, the experience of shopping as a plus-size woman in India has been disheartening—a cycle of limited options, poor fits, and silhouettes that often feel more like a compromise than a celebration. HaathSe was created to bridge this gap with empathy and elegance.

We specialize in custom-made, one-of-a-kind dresses designed specifically to flatter all body types. We don't believe in "standard" sizes because no two souls are standard. By producing in very small lots—never more than 5 or 6 pieces per design—and tailoring each garment to your exact measurements, we ensure that your clothing is as unique and exclusive as your own thumbprint.

Founder's Note

Hello,

I'm Surabhi Singh, the founder of HaathSe, and for me, this brand is a dream that waited a lifetime to be born.

My connection to design began as a little girl, making tiny dresses for my dolls and dreaming of the day I would see my own creations come to life. However, life often has a way of testing our resolve. After the untimely loss of my father, those childhood dreams were forced to a halt. For the sake of survival, I stepped away from the sketchbook and into the classroom, becoming a teacher. I found deep fulfillment in shaping young minds, yet in the quiet moments, that creative spark never truly went out.

The true turning point came with the birth of my daughter. From the moment she arrived, the designer in me—the one I thought I had lost—suddenly woke up. I began designing her entire world, from intricate full outfits to tiny shoes and matching accessories, all crafted from the leftover "katran" of her dresses. It was in those hours of creating for her that I realized I had always been a designer; I didn't need a design degree to validate my purpose, I only needed my passion and my hands.

Today, my classroom has evolved. I now teach the young girls and women who work alongside me, turning my childhood love into a movement of empowerment. I've seen firsthand how a girl who once looked for domestic work can become a master of macramé, changing the trajectory of her life through her own talent.

In five years, I envision HaathSe as a household name—not just for our unique, custom-made dresses, but for the story of resilience and mission backing every stitch. We are starting with clothing, but our hands are already busy planning a future filled with handmade jewelry, home decor, and crochet—always staying true to the beauty of things made by hand.

Surabhi Singh

Founder, HaathSe