I have heard it is all in the name. Cape Jade is a plant from South Africa, otherwise known as the Jade plant and Lucky plant. I feel very fortunate to be able to incorporate my love of nature and preservation of the planet, love for the women who help me make Cape Jade's one-of-a-kind pieces and love for the women who wear them.
Each piece of wearable art begins with dying the cloth. Botanical dyeing is a slow process of working with the rhythms of nature. For me, the results are far more interesting, holistic and beautiful in hue than commercial dyeing. Using these ancient techniques, I have learned to slow down, be more aware and appreciative of beauty. Spending time in nature is my passion. Foraging local and medicinal plants for my prints, I connect deeply with the beauty of each individual plant. In my studio, I artfully arrange and combine the leaves with an imagination for the shapes and the colors they will become, seeking balance and harmony. I then roll them carefully into bundles. Alchemy occurs when they are put into a steamy cauldron causing the iron and the tannins of the leaves to react. The result is the eco print, immortalizing each leaf onto the silk. Just as no two women’s beauty is ever the same, each eco print’s ethereal beauty is unique unto itself.
Why kimonos? Because they are a sensual, luxurious and unique. They are designed to be heirloom pieces to be loved and cherished year after year. I want you to feel special. They are made from silk, a material so soft, it became an adjective. My kimonos are designed to be worn anywhere. I like that you can dress them up, wear them intimately or out with a pair of torn jeans and a tee. That’s the idea…the special occasion is right now…Right now I want to feel special. I want to feel sensual. These pieces are meant to ignite your sense of being divine- confident, comfortable in your skin and adorned in a way that brings out your own unique beauty so you can shine.
Wrap yourself in hand woven, botanically dyed and eco-printed prayer shawl. Each unique piece is made with the mantra Om Namah Shivaya as a love song to our deepest nature. They are imbued with a prayer for a specific quality to hold dear to your heart. Wearing a prayer shawl like a mantle can hold and support your intention in your meditation/prayer practice or bring a sense of comfort whenever you would like an added layer of warmth and beauty.
Although we will continue to make a very small stock for you to be inspired, this year we are introducing "Made To Order' in our efforts for a more sustainable future. This allows us to customize things particularly for you as well as make a smaller footprint. Please expect 8 weeks delivery.
Completing the circle of love and honoring that all beings and the planet are interconnected, 5% of all profits are given to Greenpop, a nonprofit organization planting trees and greening communities, and empowering environmental stewards across Sub-Saharan Africa. Read how you can also get involved on my page about Greenpop!
