Big Shop Tote - R.T.S. CO-195SF

Big Shop Tote - R.T.S. CO-195SFInspired by a vintage newspaper bag, our Big Shop Tote has enough space for all your belongings. Featuring a thick shoulder strap, loop tie, internal compartments and made from a naturally dyed 100% organic cotton. The Sun Faded Capsule One of the things weve always loved about vintage is the way garments fade after years of wear in the sun. Sometimes brands recreate that look with chemicals or artificial processes (some of the better ones use lasers,

Inspired by a vintage newspaper bag, our Big Shop Tote has enough space for all your belongings. Featuring a thick shoulder strap, loop-tie, internal compartments and made from a naturally dyed 100% organic cotton.

The Sun Faded Capsule

One of the things we’ve always loved about vintage is the way garments fade after years of wear in the sun. Sometimes brands recreate that look with chemicals or artificial processes (some of the better ones use lasers, which is very Star Trek). Natural dyes naturally fade (or, in some cases, darken (tan)) over time with exposure to the sun, making them more beautiful every day they’re worn. We don’t - we use the sun (also this is a reminder to always wear sunscreen).

The Sun Faded Capsule is a little slice of our R.T.S. line where we pre-fade items a little to get them started. They look gorgeous and vintage but their story isn’t finished. It's on to you to wear and love them to keep developing them. We’re releasing this in batches, and they’re quite time and labour-intensive so grab one if you like it because we aren’t sure when we can get more out in the sun.

Katy really wanted me to flag that this bag is more "sun kissed" than sun faded. Why? Because, honestly, the dye is too good. Fading in the sun is usually something undesirable, so our partners have spent decades working on formulas, processes, and even a little superstition to create dyes that aren't so sensitive to it. The bag is still beautiful and will continue to patina - it's just a little less obviously faded than some of the other pieces in this drop.

CO-195SF

These pieces started life dyed with madder, the same plant that once gave old British military uniforms their colour. Back then it was chosen because it was thought better if blood was less visible on the battlefield. I bring that up only because it kind of gives you an idea of the richness of tone (and because "boring" natural dye factoids is "Saeed style").

To fade them, as you might have guessed, we place them in the sun. It’s an homage to the sun-faded vintage we love. Again, to get this effect anywhere else you’d use chemicals or, in the most up-to-date wash houses, maybe lasers. Nevertheless, we prefer the sun. It will continue to fade and change as you wear and love it, but this gives it a good nudge in a beautiful direction.

Speaking of, when me and Katy were abroad once, we overheard someone in a vegan cafe post-yoga telling some other westerners about the power of walking outside naked in the morning light to “absorb the divine masculine” via your genitals. She was really passionate about it. I don’t think we finished our toast, but that really stuck with me, so in an effort to let go, I’m passing it on to you.

*Each piece features a unique fade, making every piece one of a kind. Fades will vary, and we’re unable to accommodate specific requests.