Bamboo

Bamboo grows quickly, often producing a large yield of material. It does not use pesticides or fertilisers, and because the roots are not pulled up during the harvesting process the soil remains stable, helping to prevent soil erosion. Due to the fact that the bamboo fabric is a natural cellulose fibre it is 100% biodegradable and does not cause any pollution during decomposition.

Bamboo fabric has a silky smooth feel. It is thermodynamic, meaning it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. It has an excellent ability to absorb moisture. It naturally provides protection against UV rays and has anti-bacterial properties which prevent bacteria from cultivating on it.

Back to top 

Soy

Soy fabric is actually made from a by-product of tofu or soybean oil production. The waste soy protein is liquefied and extruded into continuous fibres which can then be spun into cloth. Soy fabric is extremely soft and silky; some even call it vegetable cashmere!

Back to top 

Peace silk

Silk comes from the cocoons of silkworms. To extract the silk the cocoon is placed in boiling water with the silkworm/moth still inside it. The water dissolves the gummy substance holding the cocoon together so the strands of silk can be unwound, however the silkworm is killed in the process.

Peace silk allows the silkworm to complete its lifecycle and only once the moth has emerged from the cocoon is it placed in boiling water.

Back to top 

Tencel

Tencel is made of cellulose which is extracted from wood pulp. The wood is taken from managed forests and renewable plantations. Only one chemical is used to dissolve the wood pulp which can be recovered and reused again and again in the production process.

Tencel is durable, resistant to wrinkles and very soft to the touch.

Back to top 

Hemp is an extremely fast growing crop and does not require the use of pesticides and herbicides. In fact hemp produces more fibre yield per acre than any other source. The long tap roots of the hemp plant are able to reach water as well as binding and aerating soil where other plants can't. This makes them ideal for reclaiming land prone to drought or flooding. Furthermore, hemp will leave the soil in great condition for any succeeding crop.

One great advantage of hemp is that it is biodegradable. It is also very strong, durable and, due to the fibres porous nature, good at absorbing water. In addition to trapping water it can trap air making garments warm in winter but allowing them to be breathable and cool in summer. Hemp also stretches less than other natural fibres so garments will hold their shape. The more hemp is used the softer it gets - it doesn't wear out, it wears in!

Back to top 

Upcycled

Upcycling is when you take waste materials and convert them into new products.  We use end of roll fabric that is not large enough to create a mass market collection but is sufficient for us to produce a limited edition range.  The fact that their is a limited amount of fabric therefore a limited number of garments produced adds to the exclusivity of our products making them highly sought after.

Hand-dyed batiks
The batiks come from Ghana and The Gambia; most are bought directly from the dyers. They use a variety of old "Adire" techniques to create a resist before dying; these include tying, stitching and wax stamping the fabric. All fabrics are 100% cotton which is often woven locally. 

Langa Lapu is based in South Africa. It was founded by a locally born woman, Pru Bolus, who had a desire to make a difference. This small, creative enterprise provides much needed training and employment to people, most often women, from the local community.

They use eco friendly non-toxic dyes, compost old leaves and recycle whenever possible. Vegetation used in the dyeing process is sourced from garden centres and not cut straight from the bush. All fabric is 100% cotton.

Back to top

Organic

Organic means no chemicals or genetically modified seeds were used in the growing or production of the fabric.

Conventional cotton accounts for approximately 25% of the world's insecticides and 10% of the world's pesticides. These chemicals are harmful to both the wildlife and the farmers as well as contaminating the soil and water.

Organic cotton uses natural fertilisers and crop rotation to keep the soil fertile. Weeding is done by hand. Pests are controlled biologically by using other insects who are their natural enemies.

Back to top

Fairtrade

Fairtrade means that not only are the farmers and people who produce the fabric guaranteed a fair wage but their health and welfare is looked after. Fairtrade helps work towards ending exploitation and defeating/conquering poverty through trade.

Back to top