About The Designer - Mrunalini Rao
I have always enjoyed art and craft. Growing up, all my work had an element of design in it.. My love for playing dress-up as a kid propelled the creative person in me to actively dabble and sketch fashion illustrations and elaborate gowns. In school, I was also very intrigued by the human anatomy and its physiology. I believed that my interest in science must be pursued professionally. I was in a constant tussle between my passion for design and my interest in science. However, I followed my intuition to learn design and pursued my undergraduate studies in Design at NIFT. And that was it! The four years at NIFT transformed by understanding of design! I thoroughly enjoyed learning and loved the growing sense of belonging in the school of Design. I mastered several crafts during my undergraduation and I was duly recognised as “best academic performer”. It was an honour receiving an award from an eminent Indian designer, JJ Valaya
About the Brand
Let me introduce my pret label, URI was launched in the year 2021, it is my commitment made to the lives of my makers, the sustenance of craft and livelihoods, and a responsibility towards a thoughtful garment. Designed around conscious choices, this pret line is tinged with ethos of zero waste production, biodegradability, and ethical employment. I’ve designed this collection by thinking about muses of all ages – a mother, a grandmother and a grandchild can all feel the same way by resting the numbers that define their style. Timeless garments never age.
With our soft, rested hues and deeper colours, a pattern so effortless, light but at the same time a statement in itself is rooted in our core. Emphasising on a ‘benefit-for-all’ nature of this project, with our faith vested in our hand craftspeople, weavers and embroiderers—we wish to provide more
employment as well as uplift our already existing employees. Our vision is to make an art piece for your wardrobe that builds many lives.
With this prêt line, we seek to bring comfort in every cloth adorned. Our products are handmade giving it a personal story—a precious human touch whose irregularities are its perfections. In a world of shifting paradigms and neglected lives, a promise is made to provide. There is a culture of
belongingness, with a place for everyone.