FOReT, founded by Supriya Shirsat Satam, is a homegrown brand offering a range of refined fashion accessories known for their versatility and crafted with earth-friendly materials. The brand’s strategy focuses on design, emphasising plant-based materials and sustainable metals to create consumer-centric products.
FOReT’s collections are primarily crafted using banana bark and cork and include the Ilkal Handloom Cotton for the lining of some of the bags within its collections. It also utilises plant seeds, ceramic stones, recycled and sustainable metals within its product range.
“We harness the potential of the bark of the banana tree, collecting and sorting it meticulously. Afterwards, it undergoes a series of eco-friendly processes, eventually transforming into durable twines. These twines form the foundation of our bags, embodying the essence of sustainability,” Supriya Shirsat Satam, Founder, CEO and Creative Director of FOReT said.
The brand offers a diverse product range tailored to various demographics, including kids, women and men. For men, the brand features wallets and bracelets made from vegan cork leather, with cork belts soon to be added. Its women’s range includes bags crafted ingeniously from Banana Bark, including slings and laptop bags and wallets made from cork. The women’s collection also includes cork jewellery like necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.
FOReT’s pricing reflects accessibility and diversity, with women’s jewellery starting at Rs. 800 and going up to Rs. 6000, while the Banana Bark Collection ranges from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 15,000. Women’s cork wallets range from Rs. 6800 to Rs. 7000, showcasing the brand’s focus on quality and sustainability whilst men’s bracelets start at Rs. 1300 and wallets are priced between Rs. 3000 and Rs. 4000.
“A notable aspect of our product line is the collaboration with rural artisans, as seen in offerings like the banana bark collection. In this collaborative process, a portion of the production takes place within their skilled hands. Afterwards, the products make their way to our studio, where they receive their final touches, reflecting the distinct FOReT appeal that defines our brand,” Supriya said.
FOReT also highlights the involvement of women artisans within its production processes and support for local crafts. At the same time, the brand contributes to their empowerment through its products. At present, FOReT has formed a partnership with a collective of 300 skilled women artisans who play a pivotal role in crafting its Banana Bark bags.
Commenting on the same, Supriya said, “Our production not only offers these artisans economic opportunities but also bolsters their social standing within the community, contributing to their overall well-being. Moreover, our commitment to preserving traditional crafts extends to the integration of textiles like the Ilkal Handloom cotton.”
The brand sources its raw materials from both India and overseas locations. On the international front, Europe stands as the primary sourcing destination whilst within India, the material sourcing network extends to diverse regions across the country, with a strong focus on Jaipur and the South of India.