JADEtribe: Where Culture Meets Fashion

I love learning more about the process behind a designer’s line — all the work that goes into it and how sustainability is incorporated. It’s certainly not an easy feat, which is why I imagine most designers don’t do it!

I was pumped to have the opportunity to meet with Kimberly Hartman, designer of JADEtribe, at her SoHo showroom not too long ago and have her personally walk me through her designs. The showroom is packed with gorgeous bags of all styles, jewelry and home décor, all with a unique flare that could only come from an equally as unique design process. Kimberly creates everything to be recycled, earth-conscious and sustainable with textiles and other elements from countries such as Laos, China, Afghanistan and Thailand.

My favorite thing about Kimberly’s designs is that she reconciles the expert craftsmanship and artistic creations of other worlds with wearable and modern fashion. She finds inspiration all around the world and values buying textiles and services at a fair price from the talented artisans. I feel like I got a serious education in under an hour!

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There is so much interesting stuff going on in the JADEtribe showroom, like, way too much to write in one post, but I’ll sum up some amazing stuff for you.

A great example of Kimberly’s process comes from South China. Women here, handcraft gorgeous baby carriers from even before they are married as an important part of motherhood and culture. It’s an intricate craft, each piece is one-of-a-kind and there’s so much symbolism within each carrier that when Kimberly turns one into a bag, she is injecting a story into her work. Check out some images above of these detailed fabrics that end up as JADEtribe bags (the first four photos).

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Many of JADEtribe’s bags, and my personal favorite line – seriously, I love every single one and even featured a messenger in this weekly roundup – is made in Laos by female artisans who are masters at their craft. Kimberly traveled to their village, met the artisans, experienced the natural dyeing and looming process and even gotten her hands dirty personally, before becoming totally inspired to hire these same women and start her own line of bags. The women work on huge looms that are in their homes and hand create each and every piece, which then gets turned into a JADEtribe bag. I am obsessed with these! There are darker versions for fall and winter and lighter ones for spring and summer but both color schemes are fabulous.  How cool are the photos, above, of the scenery and the whole dyeing, looming process?

There are seriously styles for every season and also every taste. Personally, I love the tribal-inspired patterns that add a little pizzazz to your look but are really versatile too. If you’re more of a blingin’ lady, you’ll find something that suits you and if you love one-of-a-kind pieces that are conversation starters, look no further.

The best part is that while JADEtribe items don’t come cheap, the purchase of one supports local economies in less fortunate regions of the world as well as independent fashion, which is so much more interesting than buying mass produced designer bags. Am I right, or what?

So, now that you’re totally in love with JADEtribe, want to win one of their bags? I thought you might! Stay tuned and I’ll announce a giveaway this afternoon. Woot! If you really can’t wait, check out their stockists here.

Thanks to Kimberly for showing me around and for the adorable bracelet!

Love and appreciation,

Zanna

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