Rajshree Upadhyaya | Jaipur | Business Remedies | April 25,2025 | Gatim Fashions was born in Kolkata on November 20, 2019, when two sisters-in-law, Aakriti Gupta and Sneha Kariwala, dared to ask a simple yet powerful question: What difference can a woman make? At a time when the world was reeling from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they saw an opportunity not just to build a fashion label, but to create meaningful work for hundreds of skilled women artisans suddenly left without income. Within weeks of launching their first studio, they began bringing these women on board, and today, over ninety percent of Gatim’s frontline workforce is female.
From the first designs, Aakriti and Sneha blended centuries-old Indian textile traditions with a fresh, modern sensibility. Their debut collection featured breathable, ethically sourced fabrics in vibrant palettes, embellished with hand-applied bandhani dots, mirror work, and delicate block prints. Instead of outfits reserved for weddings or festivals, they offered pieces designed for every day, kurta suits light enough for office hours, co-ord sets that slip easily into weekend plans, and charming mother-and-daughter combinations that celebrate family ties.
Gatim’s philosophy of “Proud Everyday Ethnicwear” quickly resonated with a growing community of women who wanted clothing that honored their heritage, expressed their individuality, and felt utterly comfortable. The brand’s inclusive sizing, stretching from XS to XXL, underscored its belief that every body deserves to feel confident and celebrated. Campaign images featured women of all shapes, ages, and backgrounds, breaking away from narrow definitions of beauty and inviting every customer to see herself in Gatim’s designs.
The name Gatim itself carries echoes of India’s past. It recalls the small boats once used to ferry khadi cloth along Bengal’s waterways, quiet vessels of resistance against colonial trade monopolies, and symbols of self-reliance. Much like those boats, Gatim Fashions navigated into a market crowded with international giants, charting its course by championing local artisans, ethical practices, and a deeply rooted sense of purpose.
In just four years, the label has grown from a single studio to thirty-six outlets across India, all while maintaining the same hands-on approach to craftsmanship and community. With an authorized share capital of Rs. 1.5 crore and paid-up capital of Rs. 89.88 lakh, the company balances sustainable growth with a commitment to reinvest in its people. More than twenty-five thousand women now consider themselves part of the Gatim family, wearing its creations as badges of pride and solidarity. Gatim’s reach extends beyond physical stores. Its online platform offers a seamless shopping experience, transparent returns, clear size guides, and styling advice that feels personal rather than transactional. Every season brings fresh narratives, whether it’s a collection inspired by Rajasthani mirror work or a series of breezy cotton dresses that nod to the ebb and flow of Bengal’s rivers.
Looking ahead, Aakriti and Sneha envision a future where Gatim’s designs fill closets in small towns as easily as they do in metropolitan apartments. Their next goals include deepening sustainable sourcing, introducing more zero-waste processes, and partnering with rural cooperatives to bring new skill sets into the fold. Yet even as the brand grows, its founders insist that its heart will remain the same: a belief in women’s power to transform tradition, livelihoods, and, ultimately, themselves.
In weaving together heritage, modern design, and a deeply held social purpose, Gatim Fashions has done more than revive ethnic silhouettes, it has created a movement. And as every new piece leaves its Kolkata studio, it carries forward the promise that style and substance can, and should, go hand-in-hand.
Written & Edited By:
Rajshree Upadhyaya
