Love Handlooms? Head to Metaphor Racha for a modern update of this versatile textile. Local designers: Chandrasekhar MV and Ravi Kiran work with handspun and handwoven materials produced in Karnataka. The fabrics (slightly coarser than the usual handlooms) are dyed in beautiful colours and unusual prints (think florals and animals) and interesting details are added to the garments to enhance texture and modern detailing. Think kurtas, dresses, shirts, jackets, and tunics along with dupattas, stoles, and sarees. A line of relaxed pants and organic cotton wear for infants are also available here.
While the apparel comes with interesting design elements such as quirky necklines, pockets or piping, it is the label’s versatile saree blouses that ought to catch your attention. The fit is relaxed, the fabric used is their signature prints and weaves with an eyelet detailing at the back, and wooden buttons in front. Plus you can wear them as crop tops! Metaphor Racha's stoles are great for styling up regular work wear, or even for a holiday look with dresses and tunics.
Saree lovers find gorgeous sarees with Madras checks and the Gamcha patterns in vibrant colours such as teal, indigo, vermilion, and buttery yellow. Each saree comes with a contrast blouse piece, which we think is an added bonus without us having to break our heads over what fabric to match. The sarees here are comfortable and wearable; the drapes are form-flattering and not stiff as one would associate with handlooms typically. Prices here start at INR 1,500 for stoles, INR 2,500 upwards for sarees, and INR 1,000 upwards for apparel. Hit up their website for their entire collection and get shopping.