When I first started Yarnh, I knew I wanted to create something different. Not just another menswear brand, but something with a bit of soul, something that was creative, fun, and deeply rooted in the place I call home: Cape Town. I’m an adventurous person by nature. I love discovering new places, meeting new people, and finding alternative ways of doing things. That same spirit is what drives me to seek out the incredible local artisans who have become the heart of Yarnh.
The fashion industry often talks about partnerships, but for me, it’s never been about business transactions. It’s about human connections. It’s about recognizing that behind every exceptional garment is a person with decades of skill, passion, and stories to tell. When I walk through the streets of Cape Town, I’m constantly amazed by the talent that exists here. There’s a richness to our creative scene that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, and I’ve made it my mission to tap into that energy.
For me, designing a new collection isn’t just about sketching out ideas. It’s about connection. It’s about getting out there and finding those hidden gems, the skilled hands that bring our garments to life. This process has become almost ritualistic for me. I’ll spend days, sometimes weeks, exploring different neighborhoods, talking to people, following leads that might take me to a small workshop tucked away in an industrial area or a home studio where magic happens.
It’s a journey that has led me to some truly inspiring collaborations. Take, for instance, our work with Vuya Knitwear. The first time I met the team there, I was blown away by their dedication to their craft. The rich textures and incredible comfort of our knitwear are a direct result of their generations of expertise. They don’t just knit; they understand the soul of the yarn, how it wants to move, how it responds to different techniques. Working with them has taught me so much about patience, about allowing the material to guide the design rather than forcing it into predetermined shapes.
Then there’s Lynn in Waverley, whose meticulous attention to detail is simply unmatched. I remember the first piece she worked on for us – a simple shirt that became anything but simple under her hands. Every seam was perfect, every button placement considered with the kind of care you rarely see in today’s fast-fashion world. These aren’t just suppliers; they’re partners, co-creators who pour their skill and their stories into every piece.
What strikes me most about these relationships is how they’ve changed my approach to design. In the beginning, I thought I knew what I wanted to create. But working with these artisans has taught me to listen, to be open to their suggestions, to understand that their expertise can elevate a design in ways I never imagined. It’s a collaborative process that requires humility and trust, but the results speak for themselves.
These relationships are what make Yarnh products feel so unique. They’re imbued with a spirit that you just can’t find in mass-produced clothing. It’s the human element, the shared passion, that transforms a garment into something more. It becomes a piece of a larger narrative, a testament to the vibrant creative scene we have here in South Africa. When someone puts on a Yarnh shirt, they’re not just wearing cotton and thread; they’re wearing the story of the hands that crafted it, the tradition that informed it, and the community that made it possible.
One of my proudest moments was our collaboration with Cape Town-born artist Chris Auret on the Yarnh-Auret artist jacket. This project perfectly encapsulated what I believe partnership should be. Chris brought his artistic vision, his understanding of color and form, while we contributed our knowledge of garment construction and wearability. We created a limited run of these jackets, and they were a true fusion of fashion and art. Each piece was unique, carrying Chris’s artistic signature while maintaining the quality and comfort that Yarnh is known for.
Seeing them sell out at Kamers markets was incredible, but the real validation came from unexpected places. When I heard that Trevor Noah had bought one of our jackets, it was a moment that truly highlighted the power of authentic, collaborative design. Here was someone who could afford any designer piece in the world, choosing something that was born from a genuine partnership between local talents. It reinforced my belief that authenticity resonates, that people can sense when something is made with genuine care and collaboration.
Of course, building these partnerships takes time and dedication. It’s not always the easiest path. There are challenges – communication barriers, different working styles, the need to balance creative vision with practical constraints. But I believe it’s the only way to create something truly meaningful. It’s about mutual respect, a shared commitment to quality, and a belief that we can make a difference through our craft.
The process of finding these partners has become one of my favorite aspects of running Yarnh. I love the detective work involved, following recommendations, exploring new areas of the city, meeting people who might lead me to the next great collaboration. It’s unpredictable and sometimes frustrating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Each new partnership brings fresh perspectives, new techniques, and new stories to our brand.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the partnerships we’re building and the ones yet to come. The artisan community in Cape Town is vast and diverse, and I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. There are textile artists working with traditional techniques, innovative designers experimenting with sustainable materials, and craftspeople preserving skills that have been passed down through generations. Each represents an opportunity to create something unique, something that honors both tradition and innovation.
When you wear a Yarnh garment, you’re not just wearing a piece of clothing. You’re wearing a piece of a story, a connection to a community of talented artisans, and a shared belief in the power of partnership. You’re supporting a network of creators who pour their hearts into their work, who take pride in their craft, and who believe that fashion can be a force for good in the world.
And that’s a story I’m incredibly proud to tell. It’s a story that will continue to evolve as we find new partners, explore new techniques, and push the boundaries of what collaborative design can achieve. Because at the end of the day, the power of partnership isn’t just about creating better products – it’s about building a better industry, one relationship at a time.
