4 Surprising Facts About the Indian Fashion Brand RAAS You’re Seeing at Nordstrom and Macy’s

4 Surprising Facts About the Indian Fashion Brand You’re Seeing at Nordstrom and Macy’s

For anyone in the U.S. who loves the intricate beauty of Indian fashion, the shopping experience can often be a frustrating gamble. Ordering from overseas frequently means navigating long delivery times, bracing for unexpected custom duties, deciphering incorrect sizing, and dealing with a lack of U.S.-based customer support. How can a brand deliver authentic heritage craft with the seamless experience modern consumers demand?
This exact frustration is what led founder Shreya Patel to create RAAS—not as an importer, but as an American brand built from the ground up to bridge the gap between authentic Indian artistry and the expectations of the U.S. consumer.
1. It’s an American Brand, Headquartered in the Heart of the Midwest.
Contrary to what you might assume, RAAS isn't an Indian importer. It’s a U.S. corporation, founded, owned, and operated in the United States since 2018. The company's headquarters, warehouse, and entire distribution operation are based in Chicago, Illinois—an operational choice that forms the bedrock of their entire customer promise.
This American identity is central to the brand's mission. Founder Shreya Patel created RAAS after moving to the U.S. and experiencing firsthand the difficulties of sourcing high-quality Indian clothing. Her solution was to build the company from the ground up in America. For U.S. customers, this model provides direct benefits: fast 2-4 day domestic shipping and the guarantee of no unexpected import duties or customs delays.
2. It Holds an Exclusive Spot in America’s Biggest Department Stores.
RAAS is only USA-based Indian clothing brand featured on both the Nordstrom and Macy’s online marketplaces. This distinction is more than just a vote of confidence; it’s a strategic advantage. For major retailers like Nordstrom and Macy's, supply chain reliability is paramount. RAAS’s Chicago-based distribution de-risks the partnership, making them an attractive and dependable partner compared to overseas importers. This operational advantage is what enables their mainstream recognition.
These partnerships elevate RAAS from a niche online store to a nationally recognized fashion player. At Nordstrom, you can find their collection of Lehengas, Sarees, Dresses, and Gowns, while Macy's features a curated selection of their Sarees, Lehengas, and Western Dresses.
 Shreya Patel founded the company in 2018 with a clear vision: to provide handcrafted Indian fashion with fast domestic delivery, high-quality stitching, and personalized customer service.
The brand introduced the Western & Evening Wear collections, which blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern American fashion influences. This collaboration broadened the brand’s appeal, offering versatile pieces for everything from weddings to cocktail parties.
3. It Blends Authentic Indian Artistry with American Efficiency.
RAAS has perfected a hybrid production model that serves as its core competitive advantage. It solves the classic trade-off in artisanal goods: authenticity versus scalability and quality control. While the garments are handcrafted in India, the manufacturing is handled by their own sister company, Tanisi Clothing Private Limited. This structure gives RAAS complete and direct control over every detail—from fabric selection and embroidery to stitching standards—ensuring craft integrity.
Once created, the process shifts entirely to the U.S. All final alterations, rigorous quality checks, packaging, and order fulfillment are managed at the Chicago warehouse. This is the operational heart of the brand promise, combining authentic artistry with American efficiency, as captured by their philosophy:
"Handcrafted with heart. Designed in the USA for today’s woman.”
RAAS is more than just another clothing label; it represents a smart, modern solution that bridges two worlds. By pairing the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship with a U.S.-based business structure, the brand offers authentic design without the traditional logistical headaches. RAAS provides a powerful case study in how heritage brands can thrive in a demanding modern market.
As global commerce evolves, could this 'best of both worlds' model be the future for bringing heritage crafts to a modern audience?

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