This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
We may not have been the most eco-conscious generation, all of us 50 plus women, but that was through ignorance rather than a reckless couldn’t-care-less attitude. However, whilst we may be late to the game we are very conscious that we must work to protect our climate and the people that inhabit it. Sustainability is a new addition to our fashion conscience and for most of us, we do try hard to avoid fast fashion. Over the past couple of years, Grace and I have often written about fashion companies that are working towards being completely sustainable. However, when we were introduced to Fifth Origins we realised the founder, Sindhu Holla, was wholeheartedly putting sustainability into practice.
“From global designers co-creating with skilled artisans, across the globe to your front door, Fifth Origins strives to make every step of the value chain sustainable & ethical. We don’t promise perfection, but we do promise integrity. And we hope our products make you feel conscious, resilient and beautiful all at the same time.”
Sindhu Holla
Fifth Origins is a small team of sustainably-minded people passionate about quality-design, kindness to the world and the careful consideration of preserving traditions.
THE INFINITY CAPE:
This cape is designed in Amsterdam’s innovative city; however, the wool is sourced from local sheep herders in the Himalayas (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), where the wool is processed, to the next stages of washing, carding, spinning and dyeing. The entire community thrives while every step is mindfully performed. The dyed yarns are then finally passed on to a skilled weaver who weaves the wool into a cape on a traditional handloom. From there, the Cape is passed on to a master tailor to stitch freestyle armholes. Finally, labels are stitched and hang tabs are attached, and the cape is despatched to the customer. This entire process requires 15 artisans to bring you one refined cape—a combination of style and sustainability.
BackPacking Granny and I had great fun modelling these capes. Both of us agreed that we would find so many uses for them. They roll up and store neatly in a bag that could easily be popped into a handbag so that the cape could be used as a cover-up if needed. BPG would use hers when travelling as she often finds she is cold on a plane especially when she wants a snooze. The cape has multiple uses — more than 15, actually! It can be worn many ways and in all seasons, and finally, is made to last.
BPG: CAPE INFINITY LITE ~ SHOP HERE
Here is a How to Wear video where the founder shows the many different ways that this cape can be worn ~
HANDMADE SOAPS
Fifth Origins also sell handmade soaps and scrubs. The Himalayas are a treasure trove of unexpected inspiration and adventure. They’re also home to naturally medicinal herbs that encompass peace, healing and strength. Fifth Origins source each and every raw ingredient in harmony with nature, in a curative and respectful way. No one’s skin welcomes harsh chemicals with a loving embrace. And you won’t find any here. Each soap and scrub is handmade by artisan women of the Kumaon region, using healing, plant-based ingredients. The combinations are so inviting-Rhododendron & Rose, Cinnamon & Apricot, Sandalwood & Patchouli. SHOP HERE
If I could I would buy all of my girlfriends one of the Fifth Origins capes however, in the meantime, I am going to buy their soaps as gifts. I am so happy to have found this website and I look forward to future products from their artisans.