caring for your garments
We carefully select each fabric that we use by considering quality, texture, ‘handfeel’ and of course how the fabric treats your skin. Here is a list of the fabrics that we currently use and why we have chosen them.
Linen/Rayon Blend
Medium weight fabric made from a balanced blend of Linen and Rayon: 55% Linen 45% Rayon
Why we chose it - This linen/rayon blend was selected because it is a balanced fabric that combines the structure of linen with the silky drape of rayon. As it is worn and washed, the fabric gets softer and more textured. Made from natural fibres this fabric allows your skin to breathe.
How to care for it: Machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. Do not tumble dry. Iron on medium. Some colour loss can occur on first wash.
Rayon/Linen Blend - Paloma
Fabric composition: 80% Rayon 20% Linen
This fabric is soft and luxurious to touch and has an incredible weight that makes it drape beautifully. But the texture in the fabric does make it slightly delicate and it needs to be carefully looked after to make sure that it lasts - please follow the care instructions carefully. It is breathable and absorbent, and temperature regulating, however it does crease. Please be aware that it requires ironing.
Washing: Hand wash in cold water. You can machine wash on a very gentle cycle in a “handwash bag” on cold (not 20 or 30 degrees). No soaking. Do not tumble dry. Do not dry clean. Ironing required - medium temperature.
100% Rayon
Our 100% Rayon is produced from a wood pulp cellulose treated to create a delicate weave that ensures soft handling and a beautiful drape.
Why we chose it - Rayon has the benefits of being plant based with the technical advantages of a synthetic process. This is how we are left with a fabric that can allow your skin to breathe, but have the complete regularity of a continuous fibre.
How to care for it - Wash in cold water (completely cold! not even 30 degrees) All our Rayon has been pre-shrunk, but because it is a filament fibre further shrinking or stretching is always a possibility. Do not Tumble dry. Iron garment inside out.
Butter Soft Washed 100% Linen
100% Linen derived from the flax plant.
Linen has amazing properties. It is breathable, absorbent and temperature regulating, however it does crease. This linen has been butter soft washed to set in a crushed look that helps reduce the appearance of strong creasing. In order to keep this look, wash on a cold gentle cycle with a softener and then tumble dry. You can also hang up your garments on a hanger to dry. Ironing is optional, but it will affect the appearance of the texture created by the butter soft wash.
Washing: Machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Hang dry on a hanger not over line. Ironing optional.
100% Crisp Linen
100% Linen derived from the flax plant.
Linen has amazing properties. It is breathable and absorbent, and temperature regulating, however it does crease. Please be aware that crisp linen requires ironing.
Washing: Machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Do not tumble dry. Do not dry clean. Ironing required.
Tencel
Tencel is a sustainable fabric made from Eucalyptus trees and has been pre-shrunk for your convenience.
Why we chose it - We love this fabric because it has the ability to mimic silk and rayon, but is by far the most sustainable as it uses less energy and water in its production. This medium weight fabric allows your skin to breathe, has a luxurious lustre and drapes beautifully over the body.
How to care for it - Machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Iron inside out on low heat. Do not tumble dry
Tencel Linen
Fabric composition: 70% Tencel 30% Linen.
Why we chose it - We love this fabric because it has the silky smoothness of Tencel, but the texture and stability of linen - a winning combination.
We have garment washed this fabric so it should not shrink when washed, but the fibres will tighten when wet and then loosen out if ironed
How to care for it - Machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Iron inside out on low heat. Do not tumble dry. Do not hang in direct sunlight.
Modal Linen
Fabric composition: 60% Modal 40% Linen
Modal is a fabric derived from natural beechwood fibres, known for its exceptional softness and luxurious feel. We chose it because of its combination of comfort, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties.
The blend of the Modals silky-smooth texture and Linen’s rustic slub combined with their ability to efficiently absorb and evaporate moisture, this fabric keeps the wearer dry and fresh even in warm climates.
Please be aware that for a crisp look after washing requires ironing.
Washing: Machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. Do not tumble dry. Do not dry clean. Ironing required.
Viscose
Our 100% Viscose is produced and woven in Spain from a wood pulp cellulose treated to create a delicate weave that ensures soft handling and a beautiful drape. Viscose has been developed over the years to now be a very versatile, breathable and comfortable fabric that falls and feels silky smooth.
Why we chose it - Viscose has the benefits of being plant based with the technical advantages of a synthetic process. This is how we are left with a fabric that can allow your skin to breathe, but have the complete regularity of a continuous fibre.
How to care for it: Hand wash in cold water using a bleach free natural detergent. If washed in the machine, do a gentle, quick, cold cycle using bleach free detergent, on a low spin cycle and no longer than 45 minute cycle. Do not rub while washing. Avoid drying in direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry. Some colour loss can occur on first wash. Iron on the reverse side on medium heat.
Viscose Linen Blend
Medium weight fabric made from a balanced blend of Viscose and Linen: 84% Viscose 16% Linen
Why we chose it - This viscose/linen blend was selected because it is a balanced fabric that combines the structure of linen with the silky drape of viscose. As it is worn and washed, the fabric gets softer and more textured. Made from natural fibres this fabric allows your skin to breathe.
How to care for it: Hand wash in cold water using a bleach free natural detergent. If washed in the machine, do a gentle, quick, cold cycle using bleach free detergent, on a low spin cycle and no longer than 45 minute cycle. Do not rub while washing. Avoid drying in direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry. Some colour loss can occur on first wash. Iron on the reverse side on medium heat.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an extremely eco-friendly plant that is able to regenerate naturally without depleting the soil, while keeping the air clean at the same time. This bamboo knit is a stretchy and soft knitted fabric that is lightweight and luxurious.
Why we chose it: Mostly for its silky soft feel on the skin with a sumptuous look. Bamboo fibres wick moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and Cool! They also have the added benefit of being a natural repellant for odours, are hypoallergenic and antibacterial. As well as being biodegradable. Winning...
How to care for it: Gentle Hand wash in cold water, preferably with a natural detergent. Air dry flat. Cool iron if needed and fold flat rather than hanging up as the shape may distort. Machine washable with a cold, gentle cycle that doesn’t spin the garments too aggressively - ideally in a washing bag.
Cotton Twill
100% Cotton Twill - Twill has a slanted lined surface texture. It is a +-240 gm fabric which is a heavier weight used for jackets and pants.
Why we chose it - This cotton twill is nice and structured and is warm for cooler months.
How to care for it: Machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. Do not tumble dry. Iron on medium. Do not wring, rub or soak the garment. Some colour loss can occur on first wash.
100% Cotton Single Jersey Knit
Fabric composition: 100% Cotton Single Jersey Knit 260gm
Why we chose it - We love this fabric because it is a breathable, thick and soft cotton that doesn’t warp - and it feels great on your skin.
We have not garment washed this fabric so it could shrink 2% when washed.
How to care for it - Hand wash in cold water. Machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle, garment must be turned inside out. Iron inside out on low heat. Do not tumble dry. Do not hang in direct sunlight. Dry laying flat.
Rayon Rich Ponti
Medium to heavy weight (310gm) knitted fabric made from 75% Rayon 20% Nylon and 5% Spandex
Why we chose it - We love this fabric because it is heavy and thick, but still breathable because it is made from plant cellulose. It has a stretch to it so it can mould around your body. This fabric embodies easy wear and easy care.
How to care for it: Machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. Do not tumble dry. Iron on low heat. Some colour loss can occur on first wash.
Microfibre (Swimwear)
Microfibre fabric comprises of 87% Nylon and 13% Spandex
Why we chose it - We love this fabric because it is soft, luxurious and feels great on the skin!
How to care for it: Rinse in fresh water thoroughly after each use, wash in cold water with a bleach free detergent, do not keep your swimwear rolled up in a wet towel or bag, line dry in shade, do not bleach, do not iron and do not tumble dry.
Mohair
It’s called the noble fibre, and sometimes the diamond fibre. Lustrous, resilient and offering exceptional colour reflection, mohair has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. South Africa is the biggest global producer of mohair, producing approximately 50% of the world’s mohair. Most of South Africa’s Angora goats are farmed in the Karoo area of the Eastern Cape.
Why we chose it - Mohair fabric is luxuriously lightweight and renowned for its versatility, staying cool in summer and warm in winter. Mohair breathes naturally, absorbing and releasing atmospheric moisture and controlling its own ‘climate’ to ensure optimal comfort.
How to care for it - Do not keep knitted mohair garments on hangers. Fold and store on a shelf. Your mohair item can be cleaned by a reputable dry cleaner or you can wash it yourself by following these simple steps. Soak in tepid water using mild detergent recommended for washing wool, or even hair shampoo. Very gently agitate by hand to dislodge dirt particles. Do not agitate unduly. Rinse in clean, cool water. A small amount of fabric softener can be used if desired. Lay flat to dry (mohair dries quite quickly). When dry, a brisk shake or brush (with a stiff hair brush) will restore the pile. Gentle coaxing, rather than firm strokes, is advised to ease out tangles and create the downy pile for which Mohair is renowned. Do not tumble dry.
Cashmere
100% cashmere - machine knitted in Mauritius
Why we chose it - Cashmere is luxuriously lightweight and renowned for its warmth and softness. Cashmere breathes naturally, absorbing and releasing atmospheric moisture and controlling its own ‘climate’ to ensure optimal comfort.
How to care for it - Your cashmere item can be cleaned by a reputable dry cleaner or you can wash it yourself by following these simple steps. Wet in tepid water using mild detergent recommended for washing wool, or even hair shampoo. Very gently agitate by hand to dislodge dirt particles. Do not agitate unduly. Rinse in clean, cool water. Do not wring water out of the jersey - rather scrunch into a ball to get rid of excess water. Lay flat to dry (cashmere dries quite quickly). Do not tumble dry.
How to care for your leather products
Leather is unique in the way that it improves with age and gets more character. However, if you want it to last it should be properly cared for. Brush your shoes lightly with a shoe brush to remove dirt regularly. Once clean, rub the shoes with a leather balm to keep the leather moist and nourished. If you scuff your shoe you can polish the shoe with the appropriate colour polish to lightly cover the scuff.
All our shoes are handmade with love, but occasionally we make a mistake and if this happens please don’t hesitate to contact us. If your heel comes off or if your sole loosens we will happily fix it for you.
We work very hard to find quality suppliers, but we cannot control when that quality drops unexpectedly. Sometimes the dye of the black lining has not been sealed properly by our suppliers and it can come off on your feet - if this happens you can easily scotch guard the inside of your shoes at home. If you are unable to do this yourself please contact us and we will do it for you. We unfortunately cannot do it to all of our shoes as scotch guard is very poisonous to humans in bulk and we cannot put our employees lungs and lives in danger.