Today we’d like to introduce you to Aishwarya Bobbili.
Hi Aishwarya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am an architect by profession, and I moved to San Francisco to pursue my master’s degree in architecture. After graduating, I practiced architecture for several years, which shaped my understanding of design, materials, functionality, and thoughtful creation.
Later, after becoming a mother, I intentionally chose to expand my creative career by founding R.ootd. I became increasingly conscious of how clothing for women and children is made, the fabrics and materials being used, and their impact on our lives and future generations. Having grown up in India surrounded by diverse crafts, textiles, and highly skilled artisans, I wanted to create a brand that would bring their work and stories to an international audience.
R.ootd was born from the belief that what we wear matters and that the skill, time, and human effort behind every garment deserve to be recognized. Through the brand, I aim to create beautiful, meaningful clothing while preserving traditional craftsmanship and presenting it through a thoughtful, contemporary perspective. Today, I continue my journey as both an architect and an entrepreneur, two paths connected by my passion for purposeful design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has certainly not been a completely smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape the brand and me as an entrepreneur. One of my greatest challenges has been balancing my career in architecture, motherhood, and building a business across India and the United States. Coordinating with artisans and production teams from a distance while maintaining quality, consistency, and the integrity of each craft requires patience and constant involvement.
Working with handmade textiles also comes with unique challenges. Natural dyes, handwoven fabrics, and handcrafted details can never be completely standardised, and learning to embrace those variations as part of each garment’s beauty has been an important part of the journey. As a growing independent brand, building visibility, managing limited resources, and helping customers understand the true value behind thoughtfully made clothing have also taken time.
There have been moments of uncertainty, but my purpose has kept me moving forward. I have learned to be patient, adaptable, and intentional. The journey has shown me that meaningful growth does not always happen quickly, sometimes, it is built quietly through consistency, strong relationships, and a genuine belief in what you are creating.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an architect, designer, and the founder and creative director of R.ootd, a conscious fashion label rooted in Indian craft, culture, and storytelling. As an architect, I specialize in creating thoughtful spaces with a strong focus on materiality, function, and the way people experience design. I bring that same perspective to fashion, approaching each garment with intention, from its form and construction to the story behind its materials.
R.ootd specializes in small-batch clothing created with handwoven natural fibers, plant-based dyes, traditional printing, and handcrafted details. Each collection is inspired by a place in India and explores its landscape, people, culture, and craft traditions through a contemporary lens. We are known for timeless silhouettes, subtle handcrafted details, and clothing that feels meaningful rather than trend-driven.
What sets R.ootd apart is the connection between architecture, fashion, and cultural storytelling. I do not begin with trends; I begin with a place, a material, or a story. Every design decision is considered, and we are transparent about the skill, time, and human effort that go into making each piece.
I am most proud of building a brand that gives traditional craftsmanship a contemporary voice and introduces it to a wider international audience. Beyond creating beautiful clothing, I am proud that R.ootd encourages people to look more closely at what they wear, appreciate the hands behind it, and choose pieces with greater meaning and longevity.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating with purpose and leaving something meaningful for future generations. Whether I am designing a building or a garment, I want my work to be thoughtful, responsible, and connected to the people who experience it.
As a mother, I have become especially conscious of the choices we make today and the world we are shaping for our children. This is why preserving traditional craftsmanship, choosing mindful materials, and valuing the people behind every product are central to R.ootd.
To me, success is not only about growth, it is about growing with integrity. If my work can help artisans receive greater recognition, encourage people to value how their clothing is made, and carry a piece of culture forward, then I believe I am creating something that truly matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.byrootd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.ootdclothing?stkn=OXZtbDB4a2czdGho
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwaryanaidubobbili
