Our Journey

From Ekas and Harpreet To You

Sanzaar was borne with the dream to blend Eastern artistry with the styles and sensibilities of the West. We sought fabrics and traditional artisanal techniques that compliment Western designs, creating a mix of cultures that represents our unique experiences. Using traditional Indian craftsmanship techniques such as embroidery, block printing and Phulkari, we imbue our pieces with a sense of history, while being attuned to modern lifestyles.

But how did we get here? Born and raised in Amritsar, the capital city of Punjab, India, Ekas and Harpreet were constantly surrounded by a lively culture fuelled by music, food, and fashion. One that emphasized history and tradition, but was also met with a youthful, free-spirited generation.

Then, at age 14, Ekas moved to Toronto, Canada. With the move came an entirely new set of norms, conventions and trends. In this new culture, Ekas expressed her Punjabi self at South-Asian events, but that self-expression lacked in her western wardrobe. Her career took her into digital product design, but the dream of finding ways to represent her culture through fashion lingered.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, Ekas 'Massi ('Aunt' in Punjabi) Harpreet was the do-it-all fashion expert honing her craft. Teaching fashion design for over 20 years, she became the go-to source for fashion advice in the family, helping others execute their ideas and providing invaluable feedback. She had vast knowledge, talent and expertise, but lacked the right partner to start something of her own...

On a day like any other, Ekas was struck with an image: a flowing dress, bustling with subtle touches and embellishments. She knew she was onto something special, so naturally she reached out to the expert: Harpreet. Before long they had a sketchbook full of fresh designs that represented their collective roots.

And so, Sanzaar was born. Designed and expertly tailored in a unique partnership between Toronto and Amritsar, Sanzaar is the combination of two seemingly different cultures, brought together to show how they can coalesce into one.  

Our Sustainable Promise

Advocating for ethical and slow fashion is very important to us. Each and every garment we produce is handmade with love, care and passion by our expert tailors. We ensure ethical working conditions, fair hours and compensation, and most importantly, we want our team to take pride in their work. 

Each piece is also shipped with sustainable drawstring bags. Made of cotton, they can be reused for garments, travel, or anything you can think of!