Factory Tours
Raw Meat & Repair Co.
In a tidy studio below Raffael Flores-Contreras’ Bushwick apartment, Raw Meat & Repair Co. is fighting against fashion industry’s ‘new is best’ mentality with a commitment to upcycling, garment repair, and vintage remakes. Founded by Raffael, this unique business breathes new life into old garments, focusing on premium materials like selvedge denim (with finished edges that do not fray), leather, and waxed cotton. Raw Meat & Repair Co. works on iconic brands such as Barbour, Belstaff, Drake’s, Ralph Lauren, Filson, and Levi’s, bringing meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail to every project.
“Whether it’s breathing new life into a cherished leather jacket or creating a one-of-a-kind piece from a vintage find, our goal is to elevate your wardrobe to a whole new level,” Raffael says. “Think of us as your personal garment upgrade specialist. We’ll not only repair and restore, but also reimagine your favorite pieces, transforming them into a 2.0 version that’s both functional and stylish.”
Raffael’s journey in the fashion industry is rooted in design and a keen eye for quality. “I’ve always been passionate about fashion and design,” Raffael shares. “My experiences working with high-end brands and seeing the impact of fast fashion on the environment led me to start Raw Meat & Repair Co. I wanted to create a business that values longevity and artistry in clothing.”
Although many people still see second-hand clothing as less valuable, Raffael is determined to show that with the right care and creativity, those pieces can have a new lease on life. “I hope that through our work, we can inspire others to think differently about fashion,” he says. “We want to encourage more people to embrace the value of repair and upcycling, and to see the beauty in giving garments a second chance.”
Raw Meat & Repair Co.’s dedication to quality is evident in their range of services, which include restoration, repairs, alterations, leather reconditioning, and tailor customization. Their skilled artisans use original restoration techniques, including a signature reweaving method developed by their head seamstress. “Our team is incredibly talented,” Raffael says. “Their expertise allows us to handle even the most intricate repairs and customizations with precision.”
In addition to their restoration work, Raw Meat & Repair Co. also offers one-of-a-kind vintage customizations that stand out for their creativity and craftsmanship. “We love taking vintage pieces and turning them into something completely unique,” Raffael says. “It’s all about making sure each piece tells a story and reflects the personality of its owner.”
As Raw Meat & Repair Co. grows, Raffael’s vision remains clear: to revolutionize the fashion industry by demonstrating that upcycling and repair can be as fashionable and desirable as new clothing. “Our mission is to prove that sustainability and style can go hand in hand,” he says. “We want to be at the forefront of this change and inspire others to join us in making fashion more sustainable.”
If you’ve got some vintage garments that could use some fine tuning, head to Raw Meat Repair Co.‘s website.