Flipping back a few pages
Behind the Brand
Samir Shah - Managing Director, Alkey & Neel Raga
Neel Raga is a Bharatiya art brand specializing in a unique blue aesthetic of the Indigo dyes, offering both timeless classics and contemporary designs.
Samir Shah, founder and director of Neel Raga, is a textile industrialist heading one of the largest Manufacturer-Exporter companies of fine quality yarns across the Global Markets, ALKEY. Creating a legacy of over 4 decades and 3 generations, Samir decided to follow his passion for design and denim. His primary vision is to put light on the pride India holds in celebrating its heritage, the Blue Gold, and making one-of-a-kind art pieces.
From Roots to Runway
In the heart of Neel Raga lies a remarkable journey that began in the rich, sun-kissed fields of rural farmland, when our founder, Ratilal Bhai, was born in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The son of a humble farmer in our homeland, he dedicated his early years to nurturing the earth and cultivating crops too. With a deep respect for nature and an unwavering work ethic, he grew not only fruits and vegetables but also a vision for a future in textiles.
It was during these formative years, surrounded by the beauty of nature and inspired by the intricate patterns of life on the farm, that he recognized the potential for innovation within the textile industry. Fueled by his passion for craftsmanship and a desire to bring quality to clothing, he made the bold decision to transition from farming to fabric production. With an unyielding spirit, he established a textile workshop in Mumbai along with his brothers, focusing on creating materials that echoed the simplicity and purity of farm life.
As his textile business flourished, it became a beacon of quality and timely production, attracting the attention of consumers and designers. The community soon started to look up to him as an inspiration, and in a few years his small workshop expanded into a full-fledged textile industry, ALKEY in 1979, known for its commitments and premium fabrics. This was a labor of love, built on years of dedication and a profound understanding of the relationship between nature and the textiles it can yield.
With the passing of the torch, his son, Samir, stepped into the family legacy, armed with a fresh vision and an innate affinity for denim. Growing up amidst the looms and spools of fabric, he had inherited not only his father’s passion for textiles but also an insatiable curiosity for innovation. He recognized the potential in the denim market by creating his own proprietary fabric—a blend that combined the rugged denim with a luxurious feel, perfect for the modern consumer.
Under his leadership, the brand underwent a transformation creating a sister company to ALKEY, seamlessly merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. He infused the company with youthful energy and a commitment to pushing boundaries, all while remaining true to the foundational values instilled by his father. With an eye for detail and a flair for design, he introduced a line of clothing that spoke to a new generation, celebrating individuality and self-expression, Neel Raga.
Samir’s vision doesn’t stop at just creating exceptional fabrics; he also prioritizes exclusivity and one-of-a-kind surfacing techniques. He, along with his niece and fashion designer, Rashi, sought out fabrics and materials, implemented sourcing strategies, and ensured fair labor practices throughout the supply chain.
Today, Neel Raga brand stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of hard work, creativity, and a deep connection with our motherland, India. Each collection we produce reflects the journey from roots to runway, weaving together the threads of tradition and innovation. We celebrate the artistry of textile creation, various embroidery techniques, and the resilience of our heritage.
Neel Raga is not just about clothing; it’s about telling a story—a story of passion, dedication, and the evolution of a dream. As we look to the future, we remain committed to honoring our roots while embracing new possibilities, ensuring that every piece we create not only embodies style but also carries the spirit of our journey from roots to runway.
Neel Raga
Neel Raga is evocative of all that is our deep-rooted heritage. A conscious art brand, fostering culture & passion to create an enthusiastic community that wholeheartedly embraces our roots. We believe in the power of being blue and bold. The brainchild of Samir Shah, ‘Neel Raga’ offers a unique signature style that is new, contemporary, and inspired by the Blue Gold of India, Indigo.
The color of the sea and the sky, Indigo has forever been attached with the country of its origin, and Neel Raga has embodied the old-world traditions and symbolizes, “a rooted day for the modern free-spirited being.” As a brand, we bestow a breath of fresh air to the classic art and mold them in contemporary frames – by giving back to our source of inspiration through exquisite pieces of indigo dyed clothing.
Behind the Brand
Samir Shah - Managing Director, Alkey & Neel Raga
Neel Raga is a Bharatiya art brand specializing in a unique blue aesthetic of the Indigo dyes, offering both timeless classics and contemporary designs.
Samir Shah, founder and director of Neel Raga, is a textile industrialist heading one of the largest Manufacturer-Exporter companies of fine quality yarns across the Global Markets, ALKEY. Creating a legacy of over 4 decades and 3 generations, Samir decided to follow his passion for design and denim. His primary vision is to put light on the pride India holds in celebrating its heritage, the Blue Gold, and making one-of-a-kind art pieces.
From Roots to Runway
In the heart of Neel Raga lies a remarkable journey that began in the rich, sun-kissed fields of rural farmland, when our founder, Ratilal Bhai, was born in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The son of a humble farmer in our homeland, he dedicated his early years to nurturing the earth and cultivating crops too. With a deep respect for nature and an unwavering work ethic, he grew not only fruits and vegetables but also a vision for a future in textiles.
It was during these formative years, surrounded by the beauty of nature and inspired by the intricate patterns of life on the farm, that he recognized the potential for innovation within the textile industry. Fueled by his passion for craftsmanship and a desire to bring quality to clothing, he made the bold decision to transition from farming to fabric production. With an unyielding spirit, he established a textile workshop in Mumbai along with his brothers, focusing on creating materials that echoed the simplicity and purity of farm life.
As his textile business flourished, it became a beacon of quality and timely production, attracting the attention of consumers and designers. The community soon started to look up to him as an inspiration, and in a few years his small workshop expanded into a full-fledged textile industry, ALKEY in 1979, known for its commitments and premium fabrics. This was a labor of love, built on years of dedication and a profound understanding of the relationship between nature and the textiles it can yield.
With the passing of the torch, his son, Samir, stepped into the family legacy, armed with a fresh vision and an innate affinity for denim. Growing up amidst the looms and spools of fabric, he had inherited not only his father’s passion for textiles but also an insatiable curiosity for innovation. He recognized the potential in the denim market by creating his own proprietary fabric—a blend that combined the rugged denim with a luxurious feel, perfect for the modern consumer.
Under his leadership, the brand underwent a transformation creating a sister company to ALKEY, seamlessly merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. He infused the company with youthful energy and a commitment to pushing boundaries, all while remaining true to the foundational values instilled by his father. With an eye for detail and a flair for design, he introduced a line of clothing that spoke to a new generation, celebrating individuality and self-expression, Neel Raga.
Samir’s vision doesn’t stop at just creating exceptional fabrics; he also prioritizes exclusivity and one-of-a-kind surfacing techniques. He, along with his niece and fashion designer, Rashi, sought out fabrics and materials, implemented sourcing strategies, and ensured fair labor practices throughout the supply chain.
Today, Neel Raga brand stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of hard work, creativity, and a deep connection with our motherland, India. Each collection we produce reflects the journey from roots to runway, weaving together the threads of tradition and innovation. We celebrate the artistry of textile creation, various embroidery techniques, and the resilience of our heritage.
Neel Raga is not just about clothing; it’s about telling a story—a story of passion, dedication, and the evolution of a dream. As we look to the future, we remain committed to honoring our roots while embracing new possibilities, ensuring that every piece we create not only embodies style but also carries the spirit of our journey from roots to runway.
Neel Raga
Neel Raga is evocative of all that is our deep-rooted heritage. A conscious art brand, fostering culture & passion to create an enthusiastic community that wholeheartedly embraces our roots. We believe in the power of being blue and bold. The brainchild of Samir Shah, ‘Neel Raga’ offers a unique signature style that is new, contemporary, and inspired by the Blue Gold of India, Indigo.
The color of the sea and the sky, Indigo has forever been attached with the country of its origin, and Neel Raga has embodied the old-world traditions and symbolizes, “a rooted day for the modern free-spirited being.” As a brand, we bestow a breath of fresh air to the classic art and mold them in contemporary frames – by giving back to our source of inspiration through exquisite pieces of indigo dyed clothing.