Harsh Agarwal, founder and creative director of HARAGO, has built a fashion label from Jaipur that now sells across major global retail platforms. At 27, Harsh Agarwal runs a brand known for hand embroidery, handwoven fabrics, and a clear design identity rooted in Indian craft. His rise did not follow the usual fashion route. Instead, it came from steady work, small teams, and careful control over production.

Harsh Agarwal came into wider public focus in October 2021 after British singer Harry Styles was photographed wearing HARAGO’s carrot farm shorts. The images spread online and led to a surge in attention for the Jaipur-based label. For Agarwal, the moment confirmed that his work could connect with a global audience without changing its core.

A Non-Traditional Start in Fashion

Harsh Agarwal does not come from a fashion school background. He studied liberal arts at Symbiosis, Pune, where he majored in economics. During his college years, his interest lay in sustainable development and policy, not clothing design.

A turning point came during an internship at the United Nations headquarters in New York. There, Agarwal met people working on sustainability in fashion and textiles. These interactions helped him see fashion as a serious industry where India held deep strength through its craft traditions.

After returning to India, Agarwal decided to explore textiles and garment-making on his own terms. He did not plan a large launch or formal brand reveal. HARAGO began in 2019 as a small menswear project run from home.

Building HARAGO From Home

In its early days, HARAGO operated with limited resources. Agarwal worked with his mother and sister and one local tailor. The focus stayed on learning through practice. He spent time understanding fabric quality, stitch work, and fit.

Agarwal did not try to market HARAGO as an ethical or slow fashion brand. He felt such labels often failed to reflect the pace and pressure of the fashion industry. Instead, he chose to focus on craftsmanship and long-term work with artisans.

Over time, the team expanded to about 20 people. This includes tailors, junior designers, and a production manager. Some stitching now takes place in partner factories as order volumes have grown. Still, Agarwal keeps close control over design and material selection.

Design Approach and Production Model

HARAGO follows a limited drop model. Agarwal and his team work on samples daily, but finished collections release only when enough pieces are ready. Each drop usually includes around 100 to 105 garments.

The brand releases about four drops a year. Orders open through social media and select retail partners. This system helps manage inventory and limits excess stock.

Agarwal draws inspiration from travel, personal memory, and everyday objects. During the Covid-19 lockdown, he sorted through garments and heirloom textiles belonging to his mother and grandmother. These pieces influenced later collections, especially in fabric use and surface detail.

Textile practitioner Hema Shroff Patel has noted that Agarwal designs with clarity about who will wear the clothes. Some pieces carry playful embroidery, while others lean toward classic shapes and clean finishes. She has also pointed out his focus on maintaining long-term ties with artisans.

Entry Into Global Retail

Interest from international buyers began to grow after the lockdown period. Buyers from Europe, North America, and East Asia reached out to stock HARAGO collections. This marked a shift from direct-to-customer sales to structured retail partnerships.

Today, HARAGO retails at Matches Fashion, Ssense, LMDS Shanghai, and Boyhood in South Korea. These platforms place HARAGO alongside established global brands.

The label also gained attention from Tan France, who reached out to Agarwal after following the brand online. France later wore HARAGO designs on Netflix’s Queer Eye. He has spoken about the quality of the garments and their balance between craft and modern form.

Recent Developments

In recent updates, Harsh Agarwal confirmed that HARAGO is preparing to launch its first womenswear and bags collection. The new line will debut through Matches Fashion. This marks the brand’s first expansion beyond menswear.

The move reflects controlled growth rather than rapid scale. Agarwal has said that each category will develop at its own pace. He plans to apply the same design logic and production discipline to womenswear and accessories.

Despite wider visibility, HARAGO continues to operate from Jaipur. Agarwal prefers staying close to his production base and artisan networks. He believes proximity helps maintain quality and consistency.

A Measured Path Forward

Harsh Agarwal sees fashion as an industry shaped by change, but he also believes craft needs time. He does not chase seasonal trends or fast growth. His goal remains focused on keeping Indian textile work relevant through wearable, modern clothing.

At 27, Agarwal represents a new group of Indian fashion founders who blend global exposure with local systems. His work shows that small teams and clear processes can support global reach.

As HARAGO expands its footprint across global fashion platforms, Agarwal continues to rely on instinct, discipline, and close involvement in design. The label’s journey suggests that steady growth can hold its ground in an industry known for speed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who is Harsh Agarwal?
An Indian fashion designer and entrepreneur, founder and creative director of the Jaipur-based label HARAGO.

Q2. What is HARAGO known for?
HARAGO is known for handwoven fabrics, hand embroidery, and modern menswear rooted in Indian textile traditions.

Q3. Which celebrities have worn HARAGO designs?
British singer Harry Styles and fashion expert Tan France have worn HARAGO garments.

Q4. Where is HARAGO sold internationally?
HARAGO is available at Matches Fashion (London), Ssense (Montreal), LMDS Shanghai, and Boyhood (South Korea).