I look back on Cuba, and I think of warmth, and colour. Not only the high temperature, but the warmth of the Cubans themselves who invited us into their personal spaces and homes wherever we went.
Cubans, despite the adversity they encounter, are warm, inviting, and friendly. The buildings are crumbling, signs of a finer time, the smell of the sea invades our senses on a daily basis. Cuba is not a normal country-it stands isolated from the rest of the world-yet people seem to be resilient, and dance is everywhere.
It seemed like the perfect place to shoot Karien's brightly coloured clothes, one colour blending in with another. And one day, I know I'll go back to take better pictures, and to see some old familiar welcoming faces.
I’m sure they will still be there.
Karien Belle’s collection is beautiful and inspiring in many ways. Each one of her pieces feels like a collector’s item because of its uniqueness, handmade quality and attention to detail.
For Karien it is not just about design. She is involved in every aspect of the creation of her poetry scarves and clothing. It matters to her that her materials are sustainably sourced, and that she is caring for the people that work with her. The craftsmanship behind her collection is possible by Karien’s hiring and training of tailors and embroiderers and she has a tradition of working with widowed women that being stigmatized by society wouldn't find work otherwise. Something like a labor of love.
The story behind each piece and the community she helps and works with are part of what render her pieces so meaningful and exclusive. Karien’s scarves, which are produced in limited numbers, can also be used as throws or blankets draped on furniture, a way of adorning your home with the gentle reminder of the beauty of the hand embroidered poetry.
Karien is a South African born designer and her collection of handmade poetry scarves and clothing is sold globally. On any given day, Karien can be found in Delhi, Paris, Ibiza, the Karoo, her stunning atelier in Cape Town or in Cuba, as shown in this collaboration with Alexa Singer. Traveling is part of Karien’s DNA.
Wrapping yourself in one of Karien Belle’s scarves is like wrapping yourself in a work of art and carrying with you an inspiring message that comes from Karien’s great love of poetry.
We are delighted to share with you some of Karien’s gorgeous designs as photographed by Alexa Singer on a trip they shared to Cuba.
"The intention behind each one of a kind, hand crafted piece is that whatever airplane, hotel room, or safari tent you find yourself in will be automatically filled with joy." Karien Belle