At Metaphor Racha, every stitch and pattern tells a story of dedication and craftsmanship. My journey into fashion and pattern-making has been shaped not by formal training but by a blend of personal experiences, the wisdom of mentors, and a continuous learning process.
One significant chapter in this journey involves Sanju, a tailor crucial in my early days of custom tailoring in Bengaluru. Although Sanju passed away 13 years ago, his influence on my craft remains profound. He began as a helper, but his keen understanding of form, shape, and proportion quickly elevated him to a tailor and eventually a pattern master.
Sanju's skills were honed under the guidance of his father, a self-taught tailor who had once made bralette tops and shorts for bar dancers in the 1980s. His intricate handiwork, decorated with stones, glitters, and tassels, was renowned for making the scantily clad dancers look elegant rather than vulgar. His artistry was noticed, and he became a sought-after name in the industry. This influence of his father's work on Sanju's craft was profound, shaping his understanding of form, shape, and proportion.
However, the ban on bar dancing abruptly ended his career. Yet, Sanju's father turned this setback into an opportunity. Embracing spirituality, he transitioned to creating miniature hand-sewn garments for gods and goddesses. This transition was not easy, but it was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. His meticulous work, now adorned with semi-precious stones, became highly esteemed, especially among temples and affluent families. Despite the changes, his principles of meticulous craftsmanship and dedication remained unchanged.
Sanju's father's story is a testament to the idea that adversity can be transformed into opportunity through unwavering principles and dedication. Though I have never directly experienced his approach to work, it has deeply influenced my own practices. Each pattern and garment I create at Metaphor Racha is a reflection of his legacy—an embodiment of craftsmanship that values precision and respect for the art, a legacy that I deeply appreciate and respect.
In the handmade industry, where every product is crafted with the hands, this story is a powerful reminder of the artistry and dedication behind each piece. It prompts us to reflect on the importance of learning from the past and the transformative power of dedication and principles in craftsmanship. I continue to learn and grow, honouring the lessons passed down by those who have shaped my understanding of craft and pattern-making.
"Craftsmanship is not just about skill; it's about transforming challenges into opportunities through unwavering dedication."
At Metaphor Racha, every creation is a tribute to the timeless principles of craftsmanship inspired by the stories and experiences of those who have come before us.
