Garments of the Soul

I, Moon, want to tell you a story that took place in another time, ancient and long forgotten, when humans and the planet faced a threat that endangered their very essence.

At that time, shadows wandered the earth, seeking to steal the inner light of each person, that spark that defined them and connected them to their true selves.

During that era, there also lived a community of artisans in a small village in India. This was no ordinary group; they possessed ancient knowledge about how fabrics and colors could protect and preserve the human soul. Additionally, they had deep knowledge in astrology and alchemy, and a mystical understanding of natural energies, which allowed them to infuse even more power into their creations. In response to the growing threat of these shadows, the artisans dedicated themselves to a mission: to create clothing that, in addition to covering the body, protected the essence of those who wore it.

Using techniques that had been passed down from generation to generation, these artisans carefully selected natural materials, each imbued with special properties. They wove their garments entirely by hand, infusing them with symbols and intentions of protection and preservation. The colors, derived from plants and minerals, not only beautified the fabrics but also acted as powerful amulets.

Thus, the garments created in that distant village were actually shields that reminded wearers of who they really were. Those who wore them felt a renewal of their inner strength and a deeper connection to their authentic essence.

As news of these textiles spread, people from nearby regions began to arrive at the village, seeking protection and wisdom. Soon, the village became a place to seek a glimmer of hope. Those who wore these garments inspired others to remember and protect their own light, creating a chain that strengthened the community and repelled the shadows.

The village, once in danger of being consumed by darkness, flourished under the protection of its artisans. It became a living testament to the power of tradition, craftsmanship, and deep connection with our roots and our essence.

I, Moon, tell you this story to show you how the artisans of that time taught us that what we wear can also be a reminder of who we are, our heritage, and what we are capable of protecting and cultivating.

Process

At Loona, we firmly believe that fashion should be about more than just looking good: it should also do good. That’s why in our Collaboration 37, we are proud to partner with RaasLeela, a brand that celebrates traditional Indian craftsmanship in fabulous garments that are hand-sewn and free from dyes and bleaches.

Founded in 2013 by Hetal Shrivastav, a graduate of NIFT Gandhinagar, one of India’s leading fashion education institutions, this brand has been committed from the start to transforming respect for traditional crafts into a sustainable business practice, repairing, conserving, and consuming less, following environmentally friendly practices.

“What inspires me is doing meaningful things that have a positive impact on people’s lives,” says Hetal, “I want each product we create to be not only beautiful but also full of meaning and ethics.”

Every RaasLeela product is completely hand-sewn, using ancestral sewing techniques from Gujarat. This region is renowned for its rich tradition in textile crafts, featuring techniques like Kutch and Saurashtra embroidery, which involve complex patterns and often incorporate elements like mirrors and beads.

In addition to showcasing skill and artisanal detail, these methods are also a living testament to the cultural heritage of the area. At RaasLeela, these processes are carried out without the use of dyes or bleaches; thus highlighting the beauty of the materials in their purest state and maintaining the integrity of minimal environmental impact.

Using natural dyeing techniques and optimizing the use of recycled materials, this collection is a tribute to craftsmanship and a tangible commitment to the sustainability of the planet. “Each piece we design carries a story of dedication and care, celebrating tradition and innovation,” Hetal tells us about the garments in this Collaboration.

Furthermore, for the collection presented with us, the brand has adopted an innovative approach by opting to work with small remnants of Kora fabric, a raw, unprocessed cotton that retains its natural color and original texture. These fragments, which initially could not be joined to form complete fabrics due to their size and the high cost that joining and assembling them would involve, found a creative and sustainable solution.

Thanks to dyeing with Kasim, a natural dye that minimizes water waste, the brand was able to transform these fragments into more vibrant and visually attractive materials, without losing its commitment to the environment, as Hetal explains: “Dyeing with Kasim not only enhances the Kora fragments but also introduces new practices in our workshop, such as hand painting and printing. This process transforms the remnants into unique pieces, adding an aesthetic and functional dimension to the collection we present in Mexico for Loona.”

More than a decade after its foundation, the brand’s trajectory today stands out for both its challenges and successes. RaasLeela has overcome the initial market resistance and has developed an approach that values the beauty of imperfections. “We learned to be a sustainable brand; we turned our limitations into opportunities, celebrating each irregularity as a feature of distinction,” explains the founder about the creative process.

Hetal sees in her artisans bearers of stories and traditions that are reflected in every stitch. “They are my inspiration, and each garment we produce is a tribute to their skill and spirit,” she says.

Thus, from India, this Collaboration invites us to experience the joy of acquiring pieces that not only dress the body but also tell stories and preserve cultures. “What we do at RaasLeela has to be the most efficient and conscious way of producing, respecting both the art and the artisan and the environment,” says Hetal.

Finally, Hetal adds a special message about RaasLeela’s arrival in Mexico with Loona: “What the artisans enjoy most at RaasLeela is sharing their story. Although initially, they are not very open about it, once they realize that others respect and value their work, they feel really proud and happy to talk about themselves and their stories. We are very excited to share these stories with the new market in Mexico and hope that Loona’s customers deeply appreciate and value our work.”