globe trotter... and other friends of fabric

A few weeks ago I was on the hunt for something to store my (rather BIG) fabric stock in. I couldn't bear the thought of having to buy monster plastic containers because they're not very sustainable (and ummm, quite ugly.)  

After trawling FaceBook marketplace, I found this beauty at Ruby's Cottage in Cape Town. It is a vintage Globe Trotter suitcase. Eeeek!

I love that you can see it's had two owners (at least - if not more) and I love that the leather handle is beautifully aged and worn but still works. The metal latches still work perfectly too!

Globe Trotter is all about the romance of a bygone era. Where time and travel was slower and more effort was put into creating items of beauty.

If you're wondering where you might have seen Globe Trotter suitcases (other than similar ones we used to take to school back in the 70's), my bet is that you've seen this gorgeous luggage on ... 

Ta Daaaaa ... James Bond movies.

To celebrate the most recently made James Bond movie, Globe Trotter has launched a No Time To Die vulcanised* fibreboard luggage collection (*more about this later). It echo's the timeless vintage style of their Deluxe Caviar range and it is conceived in the tone of all things Bond: smooth, elegant and handsome.

Globe Trotter suitcases are made out of a material that dates back to 1903. Vulcanised fibreboard, layered with paper, cotton fibre and wood pulp bonded in a zinc chloride wash, is pressed to create an innovative, one-of-a-kind material that's both extremely light and extremely strong.

And, just when you thought that the James Bond range was the most beautiful luggage ever and ever on the whole planet, I must introduce you to their Chelsea Garden Range. Comprised of Day Garden and Night Garden ranges, the suitcases are lined with THE MOST EXQUISITE patterned textiles.

The exterior colour combination of the Night Garden range below is so gorgeous and so sophisticated. 

Originally founded in 1898 in Dresden, Germany, production moved to the UK in the early 1930's. Since then, it has been associated with a British-made skill and ever-elegant aesthetic.

Globe Trotter have also collaborated with Paul Smith to create a luggage range that's aligned with the Paul Smith look-and-feel. Iconic Paul Smith stripes are used in the interior, and the corner protectors are not only functional but are all different colours - giving it a quirky but always stylish trim.

(Top  right is from the St Moritz range, Top left and bottom Paul Smith)

As if that isn't enough, Globe Trotter's St Moritz range 

makes use of a classic navy, red, cream and black palette to create a classy, chic range.

The St Moritz small case (handbag size) is devastatingly cute and I love the clean, simple lines of the interior of the St Moritz range.

                       

If you were wondering where I put the Day Garden range, I was saving it for last because I'm nuts for the vintage cream and chocolate colour combination. Can you actually handle how gorgeous this is?

Umm, yesssss! Look at the lining of this Day Garden mini-case. I can't cope.

                

Thank heavens for thrifted goods. My most treasured Liberty Lawn fabric now has a beautiful storage home and I get to look on my Globe Trotter suitcase with joy as I imagine all the adventures it must have had.

Does anyone else own a Globe Trotter suitcase?  Post a pic of it on Instagram and tag The Fabric Nerd and we'll see if Globe Trotter can date it for us!

If you want to read the full background visit the Globe Trotter website (and swoon over the luggage you see :)

Till next time nerds

xx

(Copyright of all Globe Trotter images lies with Globe Trotter, Copyright of other images lies with Li Protheroe)

simple origin...

I’m very excited about today’s post. I’ve been searching for a quiet moment to give deserving attention to an emerging local brand that’s close to my heart. I’m counting every one of my blessings during this surreal Covid19 phase – one blessing being that with less running around I have more time to write! Hurrah!

Simple Origin is a botanical dye house that specialises in natural hand dying. Using plant waste sourced from local farms, restaurants and supermarkets around South Africa, they create beautiful, sustainable fabric designs, imprinted with organic shapes and dyed natural colours. The fabrics have both a robust and ethereal quality to them and they echo the purity and simplicity of nature.

The fabrics they use are 100% plant based and no harmful chemicals are used throughout the dying and converting process. Simple Origin’s dying process is the most fabulous example of the circular economy; nothing goes to waste. All the used dye water is poured over their vegetable garden and the organic waste is converted to compost.  Waterwise: check. Earth and animal friendly: check. Sustainable: check.

Their dying process is slow, intentional and artisanal. Because of this conscious approach, the brand and their products are imbued with mindfulness.

Simple Origin works with sustainably-minded interior decorators, fashion designers and wedding decor businesses. Aaaand, the launch of their online shop is imminent. In addition to selling homeware like scatter cushions, table cloths, dish towels, napkins, they will also be selling natural, earth-friendly soaps and washing powders. 

Roxanne Hamlett is the heart, soul and hard-working hands behind Simple Origin. Like her brand, she’s local and she’s lekker. Originally hailing from Cape Town, Roxanne and her gorgeous fabric relocated to Riebeek Kasteel a few years ago and quickly settled into a slower, simpler way of life “out in the country.” 

Rox is the incredible mom to two gorgeous girls and is also a talented writer. If you’re looking for some inspirational and heartwarming reading, take a look at her blog Teaching Tara. It is both touching and inspiring.

Last but not least, Simple Origin will be launching an utterly fantastic baby and kids range - Kibaba - later in the year. God willing, and with cheeky viruses out the way, Kibaba will be the kid’s brand to watch in the very near future. Watch this space, because as soon as it’s out, I’ll be talking about it.

 Till next time nerds, stay healthy, stay strong :)

x 

(Copyright of all images belongs to Simple Origin)