Mumbai-based Chamar Studio has become a strong example of how design, sustainability, and social justice can come together to make a global impact. The international attention grew when pop icon Rihanna was spotted sitting on the studio’s eye-catching black flap chair at Design Miami 2024. This moment carried an important Indian story to a wider audience.

Founded in 2015 by Dalit artist and designer Sudheer Rajbhar, Chamar Studio emerged from a time of change. After policy shifts and leather bans in the mid-2010s, many Dalit communities, historically linked to leather work, lost their main source of income. Instead of letting these long-held skills fade away, Rajbhar and his team decided to reinvent them.

The studio replaced animal leather with recycled rubber from discarded tyres, turning waste into high-quality bags, footwear, and modern furniture. This move addressed sustainability issues and redefined luxury through ethical design. The name “Chamar,” which has been used as a caste slur, was intentionally reclaimed, transforming it from an insult into a symbol of identity, resistance, and pride.

Today, Chamar Studio offers artisans fair wages, creative freedom, and global exposure. Its products have been featured in major international design events, highlighting India’s grassroots innovation. The studio’s efforts have also garnered political and social attention at home, including a visit from Rahul Gandhi, who praised its inclusive and empowering approach.

By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern style and sustainable materials, Chamar Studio is breaking down stereotypes and changing narratives. From its workshops in Mumbai to international design shows, it proves that creativity based on dignity and purpose can change lives and alter how the world sees Indian design.