HELLO, I AM NEHA RAO!
I am a sustainable textile designer having national and international experience while working for various textile companies and designers from India and United kingdom. My area of expertise is my understanding of textile material and technique, good managerial, and organizational skills.
connectwithneharao@gmail.com
sootbyneharao@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/neharaoooo/
Experience
Founder SOOT
Oct 2017 - Present
” Soot” is a common air pollutant emitted from industries and factories and trapped in filters installed in the chimneys to prevent contamination of the atmospheric air This waste by product was analyzed and a textile colorant was developed . The aim was to look at colorants with a new perspective of converting waste into a useful resource as well as a development of a new texture.
Textile Developer, ASAI, London
Jan - Feb 2017
The development of the textile aspect of the collection “TAKE-AWAY “involving textile surface development was executed using Interlocking and printing technique.This collection was showcased at the London fashion week - (A/W 17) on 18 th february 2017 by UK-based designer Asai.
Head of Hemp Fabric Lab, BOHECO - Mumbai
Aug 2018 - Present
Hemp Fabric Lab is the fabric division of Bombay Hemp Company Pvt Ltd (BOHECO). Hemp Fabric Lab is a one-stop-shop for procurement of hemp fabric by creators and innovators. My role as the head of the division involves looking after the product development and curation of the collection, client relationship, sales, branding,digital marketing and communication with the aim to grow the business exponentially in the sustainability space and connect with like minded people.
Junior Designer, Anavila, Mumbai
Feb - Aug 2016
Designed linen fabrics with prints and weaves for sari collections which were showcased at Amazon Fashion Week (Delhi) & Lakme Fashion Week (Mumbai) - 2016.My job profile included managing the studio space and administration,catering to retail clients and developing promotional graphic designs and branding.
Visiting Faculty
2018 - Present
Conducted workshops and talks on sustainable fashion and entrepreneurship at the following Institutes: 1) Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Jaipur 2) Pearl Academy, Mumbai 3) Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai 4) Shree Gattu Vidhayala, Ankaleshwar, Gujarat 5) Lemark University, Mumbai 6) Sophia College, Mumbai
Junior Textile Designer, Weaver’s Studio, Kolkata
Feb - Aug 2015
Weaver's Studio
Three different collections were completed as a part of the graduation project at Weavers Studio, Kolkata, India.
1)A collection of unique and high end range of garments for the domestic market for spring/summer 2016 using applique and machine embroidery techniques to enhance the surface.
2)Classic, antique , unfinished and exquisite fabrics with a unique surface were curated by incorporating different textile technique for lampshades.This was showcased in the exhibition”BATI”displaying artefacts using scrap metal held by Narayan Sinha a noted artist of Kolkata 3)Stoles and fabrics for autumn winter 2015 - 2016 collection using Jamdani technique along with textures to enhance the surface quality for the Japanese market
Head of Product Development - Reciprocal Ventures, London
Sep 2017 - Feb 2018
Product Development for a range of sustainable belts for a Uk based start-up.
Internship, Ethicus, Tamil Nadu
Apr - May 2014
Worked on a collection of scarves for the international market with jacquard weaving technique with organic cotton.
Education
Fellowship, The Unschool of Disruptive Design, Cape Town, SA
May 2018
The UnSchool of Disruptive Design is a global experimental knowledge lab for all types of changemakers – designers, artists, educators, innovators, activists, social entrepreneurs and purpose-driven professionals who are interested in activating their careers for positive social and environmental change.
Masters of Textile Design, Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of Arts London, UK
2016 - 2017
M.A in textile design from Chelsea College of Art and Design,University of Arts London UK.The postgraduate diploma project SOOT was centered on sustainability .It involved converting a common air pollutant into a useful resource for the textile industry .It was a pioneering work in this segment and one of its kind .For details sootcol
Bachelor of Design (textiles), National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
2011 - 2015
Bachelor of Design with specialization in Textiles from National Institute of Design Ahmedabad India -a premier Design institute of India .
During B.des had ample opportunity to interact and learn from national and international stalwarts which has resulted in a solid foundation
.As part of international student exchange program attended one semester (sept 2014 to Dec 2014) at Heriot Watt university School of Art &design Scotland.
Completed Craft documentation on Toda tribe of Tamil Nadu India.
Summer internship -at Ethicus ,Pollachi ,Coimbotore,India.
Degree project at Weavers Studio,Kolkata,India
Exchange Program, Heriot-Watt University,Scotland,UK
Sept - Dec 2014
The curriculum included research based approach to print,wear and knitwear.
Online Course, UAL, UK
Fashion Buying and Merchandising,
Awards & Nominations
AWARD
India’s Best Design Project 2017 -for project ‘SOOT’ by Indipool magazine Pune ,Maharashtra,India
NOMINATED
Details of lexus needed Lexus Design Award - Textile Design - 2020 for project - ‘SOOT’ in India
NOMINATED
Mead Fellowship 2017, London, UK
NOMINATED
Forbes 30 under 30 - 2018 in India
Volunteering
Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development, London, UK
Mar - May 2017
TRAID is a charity working to reduce the environmental ill effects of discarded clothes by converting waste clothes into useful resources.
Chal Rang De, Mumbai, India
Aug 2018
Chal Rang De was a social initiative by Mpower to create art work at macro level to talk about mental health and its stigmas and spread awareness through the medium of art.
Story of Space - Are we here?, Goa, India
Nov 2017
Artists, scientists, researchers, educators, and philosophers from around the globe joined hands to turn Panaji city into a learning playground for various aspects of Design for 10 days,
Steam School, Mumbai, India
Sept 2018
STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student’s inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Conducting workshop to interact with students and come up with creative problem solving.