Barnaby Street

Barnaby Street began a long time ago, before we had a logo, a name or started selling products. It began when we first found Shweshwe. We fell in love with the 100% cotton fabric from the start, even when the only colors available were indigo, chocolate and red. Their dream was to turn this fabric into a range of gorgeous items.

Shweshwe, originally was produced in Europe and India and had to be shipped down to South Africa, starched to protect it during the long journey. But in 1982, Da Gama Textiles bought the sole rights to Shweshwe. Now it is exclusively produced in Zwelitsha in the Eastern Cape. Traditionally it is still starched, which gives it a distinctive smell and stiff feel. Before using it, we wash it to reveal a soft fabric.

In Easter 2015, they were able to realise theirr dream. Barnaby Street launched its range, mainly using Shweshwe but also incorporating denim and other fabrics. When we started we were excited to find that Da Gama had broadened its colour range to include pinks, greens, yellows and many others. There were also new designs and patterns.