Classic

What makes Raro designs stand out is the superb craftsmanship in evidence. From the beginning, the sisters conceived a brand that would not only be designed by them, but which would be made to the same rigorous standards seen in antique furniture in the great country houses of England or the palaces of France. To this end, they put together a team of Muslim artisans with skills and techniques handed down over generations traceable to the Mughal rule of sixteenth century India who could achieve the meticulous finishing they required, and set up their own dedicated workshop in their home city of Delhi.

The fact that every piece is made under one roof means that quality control is high at every stage of the making process. From the first, Rajeeta and Rolly envisioned Raro London as a luxury brand that would be synonymous with quality and craftsmanship of a truly superb level, aiming not only to create furniture editions of note, but ones that would withstand the test of time and become legacy pieces to be handed down through future generations.

So intense is the making process that some designs may require ten-twelve different craft skills to take them from conception to completion.

These include intricate wood carving; metalwork in brass, silver or gold; nacre or horn marquetry; gilding, and precious stones set into jewelled detailing. Indeed, one master craftsperson may be responsible for a limited-edition piece in its entirety over the five or six months it takes to make, because the individual sense of artistry required to produce such complex patterns with precision cannot be replicated by another, no matter how skilled. This engenders a very intense and human connection to the furniture pieces, which imbues Raro designs with a sense of soul.