BALDRIC CHAIR: CHAMAR STUDIOS
Mumbai-based Chamar Studio, the accessories and design brand known for empowering Dalit artisans, has made global headlines following its recent collaboration with contemporary design gallery QUO. The brand’s first foray into furniture design captured the attention of the international design world when none other than Rihanna was spotted trying out their striking blue chair at Design Miami 2024. The moment quickly went viral — but behind the headlines lies a much deeper story of resilience, craftsmanship, and creative defiance.
Founded by artist and activist Aaditya Rajbhar, Chamar Studio is rooted in the mission of creating opportunities for members of India’s Dalit community — historically ostracised under the country’s caste system. The word Chamar itself refers to a Dalit caste traditionally associated with leather work, though often subjected to deep social discrimination. Rajbhar and his team have reclaimed the term, turning it into a symbol of pride, craftsmanship, and social change.
“I was only supposed to make a single blue chair,” explains Rajbhar, reflecting on the project that took on a life of its own. “But it evolved into a solo show and an opportunity to tell our story on a global stage.” That single chair became the catalyst for a much larger conversation about design, sustainability, and social justice — and its appearance at one of the world’s leading design fairs marked a powerful statement from a community often excluded from such platforms.
Chamar Studio operates as a Circular Design House, weaving together craft, activism, and sustainability. The studio creates fashion accessories, furniture, and objects that celebrate both traditional techniques and modern design, all while promoting social equity. Every item produced — from bags to chairs — is made using waste materials, giving discarded resources a new purpose and reducing environmental impact.
For the artisans behind the work, Chamar Studio is more than just a brand — it is a united creative outlet for courageous people who defy societal conventions. It offers skill development, financial independence, and a space to share their stories with the world. The studio’s products not only support individual livelihoods but also spark global conversations around caste, exclusion, and the role of design as a tool for empowerment.
As their reputation grows, so too does their influence within the international design community. The viral success of their Design Miami 2024 debut — amplified by Rihanna’s interest — has drawn well-deserved attention to Chamar Studio’s mission and the remarkable craftsmanship of its artisans.
From statement furniture to ethical accessories, every piece created by Chamar Studio is designed for a lifetime of use — a tangible expression of resilience, creativity, and the power of design to create social change.
Explore more about their work and discover the collection at chamar.com.
