October 2026: Some journeys leave a mark. The best ones change you. That idea sits at the heart of DUST, the latest sneaker from Rare’Z, the premium footwear label from The House of Rare, and its first collaboration with a sportsperson. For the launch, The House of Rare has partnered with mountaineer Arjun Vajpai – bringing together two very different journeys, connected by the same instinct: to keep moving, keep pushing and go beyond what came before.
Arjun has built his story at some of the highest points on earth. The youngest person to climb Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse, a Guinness World Record holder and the first Indian to summit eight 8,000-metre peaks, he has spent much of his life going where few have gone before. He is also the author of On Top of the World.
DUST approaches that same idea of movement from a different world.
Inspired by the visual language of sport, the sneaker is designed around the belief that some things become more meaningful through use. Its name comes from the marks, movement and memories that collect when something has been lived in. Rather than treating wear as something to avoid, DUST makes it part of the story.
That makes Arjun a natural fit for the collaboration. His journey is defined not by staying within the lines, but by repeatedly moving beyond them. DUST takes that same attitude and translates it into something you wear.
Arjun Vajpai said: “Every climb leaves something with you – the experience, the challenges, the memories – and those things become part of the journey. That is what I connected with in DUST. It takes the idea of sport, movement and everything that comes with it, and turns it into something that becomes more personal with time. In many ways, DUST feels like a meeting point between their journey, mine and the idea of always going beyond.”
The collaboration also carries a piece of The House of Rare’s own journey. The House of Rare began in 2014, and that year finds its way into DUST as a subtle signature – a nod to where the house started, even as Rare’Z continues to explore new territory.
For Mr. Manish Poddar, Founder & Creative Director, The House of Rare & Rare’Z, the collaboration is an extension of the idea behind the sneaker:
“When we thought about DUST and what it represents, Arjun felt like a very natural person to bring into that story. His journey has always been about going beyond – pushing himself further, respecting the mountains and everything that came before him, while still wanting to see what lies beyond. That is very much what DUST is about too. It carries a sense of history, but it is not looking backwards. We wanted this collaboration to bring those two worlds together in a way that felt genuine to both Arjun and Rare’Z.”
DUST carries that story through its design, bringing together cracked, milled and smooth leather across the silhouette. A Japanese-print lining, a sole referencing 2014 and a Rare’Z medal add further details, while the collection comes in two expressions – a contrast-toe leather sneaker and a retro-racer sneaker.
Available in Dark Navy, Black, Dusky Purple, Green, Sky Blue and White, DUST comes in India/UK sizes 6–11 (EU 40–45).
Love it. Age it. Go beyond.
About The House of Rare
Established in 2015 under the Radhamani Textiles umbrella, led by Mr. Manish Poddar – Founder, The House of Rare; and Mrs. Akshika Poddar – Co-Founder, The House of Rare, has bloomed into a multifaceted fashion powerhouse. Housing both Rareism, a womenswear line that embraces contemporary design for the modern woman, and Rare Rabbit, a menswear brand celebrated for defying traditional masculinity through its clothing. Both brands have a thriving E-Commerce presence, establishing themselves as leading forces in the representation of Western fashion within the Indian market. Boasting over 1100+ retail touchpoints across Exclusive Brand Stores, Large Format Retail, and Multi-Brand outlet, The House of Rare remains firmly committed to its core principles, driving its continued growth and success. In 2024, the House of Rare launched Rare Ones, a kidswear line catering to boys aged 04-14, and Rare’Z by Rare Rabbit – a footwear line that carries forward the brand’s contemporary aesthetic into footwear, combining sleek design, refined craftsmanship, and everyday versatility.
In 2025, the House of Rare launched a cultural platform called RareFore. It celebrates India’s creative spirit through culture, music, food, art, and storytelling – spotlighting those who stay true to their craft. Rooted in detail and emotion, RareFore offers layered experiences that honour the depth of Indian heritage as it travels across the country.
