The Dori, a Singapore-based fashion label founded by three childhood friends, brings new life to old saris by crafting them into one-of-a-kind shirts that highlight South Asian heritage and craftsmanship while appealing to a modern, inclusive audience.
- Upcycles saris into unisex shirts
- Launched debut collection New Beginnings
- Focuses on heritage and craftsmanship
What happened
The Dori, named after the Hindi word for thread, was started by Rishabh Sharma and his two childhood friends as a way to upcycle old saris into everyday unisex clothing. Sharma first experimented by turning his mother's sari into a shirt, sharing the process online, which quickly gained enthusiastic interest. Recognizing a gap in the market with most sari repurposing focusing on women's wear, Sharma set out to create garments for everyone, emphasizing androgynous styles.
The team collected nearly 140 saris donated by family and friends, narrowing down to about 100 usable pieces. They found a manufacturer in New Delhi who matched their values of slow, careful workmanship. In July 2026, The Dori launched their debut collection called New Beginnings—45 unique shirts crafted from these saris—at a packed event in Singapore, where many pieces sold out quickly.
Why it feels good
The project reconnects younger generations with the rich textures and stories woven into traditional South Asian saris, bridging cultural gaps and preserving heritage. For Sharma and his friends, it is also a personal journey to explore roots and express identity through fashion in a fresh, contemporary way.
By transforming rarely worn garments that might otherwise gather dust, The Dori celebrates sustainability and the art of upcycling. It offers a new purpose for treasured textiles, ensuring their legacy continues while making unique pieces that appeal to diverse styles and genders.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye on The Dori as they expand their collections and explore further ways to innovate with ethnic textiles, combining traditional techniques with modern design. Their success hints at growing interest in sustainable fashion that honors cultural heritage across Singapore and beyond.
For those interested, The Dori’s story is a great example of creativity meeting purpose — a promising sign for more inclusive, eco-conscious fashion ventures embracing diverse narratives and craftsmanship in the years ahead.