The Art of Craftsmanship: Behind the Scenes at Raw by Raw
In an era where fast fashion often sacrifices quality for speed, Raw by Raw stands as a beacon of traditional craftsmanship and timeless design. With a rich tailoring history spanning four generations, this Melbourne-based brand is synonymous with premium leather, refined tailoring, and innovative designs. Join us as we take you behind the scenes to explore the meticulous process and unwavering dedication that define Raw by Raw.
The story of Raw by Raw begins with the Balsim family, who immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, in 1976 from Eastern Europe. Settling in St Kilda, they brought with them a deep-rooted tradition of tailoring, initially specialising in men's leather jackets and woollen coats. From their modest family home, each generation passed down their skills, ensuring that the art of fine tailoring would continue to thrive.
In 2005, the brand Raw by Raw was born from a simple yet revolutionary idea: a ladies' raw-edged leather jacket, vest, and belt. Presented to boutiques without any marketing or imagery, the collection's innovative design and newly created 'crinkled' effect leather spoke for themselves. The capsule collection's success in boutiques led to the creation of a full collection within two months, marking the official launch of Raw by Raw Australia.
At the heart of Raw by Raw lies a commitment to using only the finest materials. Our premium leather is sourced from the finest Italian leather tanneries in Solofra, in the renowned Avelino region. These tanneries, family businesses with generations of experience, are known for tanning leather since Roman times. All tanneries are quality assured, employ ethical production principles, and have 'ISO' accreditation. Our leather, a by-product of the food industry, ensures that we maximise sustainability and reduce wastage. Combined with our expertise in refined tailoring, these materials result in garments that are not only stylish but also durable. Each piece is designed to be a timeless addition to your wardrobe, seamlessly blending leather with knits and wovens to create versatile, wardrobe-building pieces.
Raw by Raw is also renowned for its bespoke leather creations. Our custom-made, one-off masterpieces are tailored to the specific designs and requests of our clients, ensuring that each piece is as unique as the individual who wears it. This personalised approach to fashion highlights our dedication to craftsmanship and our ability to bring any vision to life.
Today, Raw by Raw is celebrated for its premium leather, refined tailoring, and timeless designs. Our collections, available at retailers across Australia and New Zealand and online, continue to uphold the tradition of quality and innovation that has been our hallmark for generations. By staying true to our roots while embracing modern techniques, Raw by Raw crafts garments that stand the test of time, making us a leader in the industry.
