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Itchy Clothing Labels.
You're strutting down the street, feeling like a runway model, when suddenly you sense an awkward tickle on your waist only to find a label hanging defiantly, making you look like a walking laundry advertisement.  Cut scene 2: If Dante had explored the circles of hell in search of torment, he might have overlooked the inferno residing within the confines of your collar. Armed with microscopic irritants, these razor-sharp clothing labels have mastered creating an itch that transcends the boundaries of discomfort. It's a cruel game of hide-and-seek; when you think... Read more...
Who Made My Clothes: Meet Gopal, Our Exceptional Tailor
In the bustling world of fast fashion, the question "Who made my clothes?" often lingers in the back of our minds. At Metaphor Racha, we're proud to introduce you to the talented artisan behind the seams – Gopal, a visionary tailor who has been stitching his magic with us since our inception. At a spry age of 38, Gopal is not your average tailor. Married to the lovely Jyothi and a doting father to two little girls, Manya and Rachana, Gopal is not only the backbone of our stitching department... Read more...
Master Warper Kotreshi: Warping wonders.
At Metaphor Racha, transparency is more than just a buzzword – it's a commitment to showcasing the talented individuals who bring our textile creations to life. In this spotlight, we're thrilled to introduce Kotreshi, the skilled artisan behind the scouring and warping process, at a cooperative society in the quaint village of Shirahatti, North Karnataka. Meet Kotreshi:His mother, a dedicated spinner, inspired a first-generation weaver at 52, Kotreshi's passion for weaving. His commitment to his craft is evident in his role, where he diligently manages the scouring and warping processes... Read more...
The Timeless Craft of Hand Quilting: A Tapestry of Tradition, Resilience, and Sustainability.
Introduction: In North Karnataka, a region steeped in the artistry of handmade crafts, the age-old tradition of hand quilting perseveres. The rural women of North Karnataka, the unsung heroes of this traditional craft, create these intricate quilted fabrics using their skilled hands. What is Hand Quilting? Hand quilting is not only a craft but also a labour of love. It is an intricate dance of skilled hands crafting textiles into exquisite quilted fabrics. In North Karnataka, this art form is a traditional way to create warm coverings passed down through... Read more...
Inspired by the Streets: Our Muse and Designs
As a small craft-based e-commerce business owner, I've always been fascinated by fashion and design, despite not being a trained fashion designer or apprenticed under one. My journey in creativity started with fashion magazines, fancy colour pencils, and even nature trips for inspiration. However, it was the people around me who eventually became my ultimate muse.The Search for a MuseFashion magazines and nature gave me many ideas but not the spark I sought. I learned that true inspiration often comes from ordinary people with unique styles and fashion choices. My... Read more...
From Trash to Treasure: Journey of Textile Upcycling at Metaphor Racha.
Welcome to the quirky realm of Metaphor Racha. Picture this: a heap of fabric scraps arrives every three months from the co-operatives of North Karnataka, resembling a colourful mosaic of chaos. We call it the "Trash to Treasure" operation, and here's how we do it.1. The Grand Arrival:The textile bits and pieces make a dramatic entrance, arriving by bus from North Karnataka. We buy them at a 10% markdown, and now, the majestic heap of fabric is ready for transformation.2. The Sorting Saga:Once the textile bits hit Bengaluru, it's sorting... Read more...
Our Studio Story: Crafting Without a Retail Store
Many customers from various cities and countries find themselves at our doorstep in Frazer Town, Bengaluru, expecting to walk into a Metaphor Racha retail store. We understand the confusion, as our studio address is public for transparency and regulatory compliance. However, we do not operate a traditional retail store.The Birth of Our Studio SpaceIn July 2019, we moved into our current studio space, dreaming that it might evolve into a retail outlet. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic soon changed our plans. Even before the pandemic, our business model relied heavily... Read more...
From Consciousness to Plastic Waste: A Nostalgic Journey
In the mid-80s, my teenage years were marked by a simpler, more sustainable way of life that contrasts starkly with today’s plastic-filled world. Back then, everyday items came in reusable and recyclable packaging, reflecting a mindset that prioritized minimal waste and creative reuse. The shift to our current disposable culture is a loss we must acknowledge and a change we must strive for.The Era of Reusable PackagingMilk was delivered in exchangeable glass bottles, while products like Amulspray, Dalda, and tooth powder came in metal tins. Toothpaste was stored in metal... Read more...
The Art of Aari Embroidery: Tradition Meets Modern Craft
Embroidery has adorned clothing since the dawn of human civilization. Primitive people first used thread, initially intended for joining pieces of fur, to create decorative patterns. As time progressed, colourful beads, stones, and bones expanded the vocabulary of embroidery designs. In India, Aari embroidery is a tradition that dates back to the 12th century. This ancient craft began with cobblers in western India, who adapted their hook-needle technique from footwear-making to embroidery. The method gained prominence with the support of the Mughals, becoming a favoured style in garments. 'Aari' is derived... Read more...
Sustainable Inter-Dependency: A Call to Action
Sustainability is a term that's often tossed around, evoking warm, fuzzy feelings without necessarily holding anyone accountable. It's a feel-good word, but what does it indeed mean in the context of small, independent craft businesses? At Metaphor Racha, we believe that sustainability isn't just about buzzwords but real, impactful collaboration. In this story, you are the protagonist.I encountered a remarkable weaver from Bellary district in Karnataka a while back. His work piqued my interest, and I contacted him, suggesting a potential collaboration. I'm not one to chase after partnerships where... Read more...
Kasuti Hand Embroidery: A Journey into Karnataka's Timeless Craft.
Introduction:Embark on a historical voyage into the heart of Karnataka's heritage with Kasuti, a traditional folk embroidery dating back to the Chalukya period in the 10th century. The very essence of Kasuti lies in its intricate patterns inspired by everyday objects, nature, & culture, reflecting the rich tapestry of rural life.Exploring Kasuti:Originally practised by the women of North Karnataka, Kasuti involves delicate hand embroidery. The term itself, derived from 'kai' (hand) & 'suti' (cotton), was recognized as one of the 64 arts in Karnataka. The art form's evolution is marked... Read more...
Embracing the Beauty of Imperfection
  Every handcrafted fabric tells a unique story of dedication and meticulous effort. It is a journey of threads woven together, reflecting the soul of the weaver and the history of our heritage. However, amidst the glory of these pieces, some sarees bear the marks of their creators' struggle—their blemishes.These are the injured sarees, which, despite their slight imperfections, embody a beauty that transcends the conventional standards of perfection. Surprisingly, nearly 20% of the sarees we receive carry these so-called 'wounds.' These sarees might not serve the purpose they were... Read more...