The story behind one of Cape Town’s most sustainable fashion labels

Clothes that are made to last, by staff that gets paid fairly

Last updated: 27 August 2024 

We've lost touch with the human aspect of the things we buy. We just see the item; we don't see the journey of the product, says Jakob Slabbert, founder of Sage & Sunday. In a time of fast fashion and greenwashing, his slow fashion brand of cork leather sandals, recycled PET felt bags, and hemp linen clothes isn’t just about sustainability. 

His clothes are made to last for decades, come with a lifetime guarantee, and are made by craftsmen who earn triple minimum wage. You can go see it all for yourself when you visit his atelier in Woodstock.

Founder Jakob Slabbert. Image: Sage & Sunday

INSPIRED BY HMONG TRIBE IN VIETNAM

Before he founded Sage and Sunday, Jakob lived with the Hmong tribe in Vietnam, whose “entire production process happens in their backyard”. 

“They plant hemp, process it into fibre, spin it into yarn, loom it into fabric, and grow indigo to dye the fabric,” says Jakob. 

When he came back to Cape Town, he couldn’t find any ethical clothes of a similar quality. “So I made them myself,” says Jakob, who spent Sundays burning sage and sewing dresses (which then morphed into Sage & Sunday).

Jakob is always on standby to give people tours of the atelier. Image: Sage & Sunday

FOLLOWING FAIR LABOUR PRACTICES   

Sage & Sunday is both an online store and an atelier. Inside the calming store of light wood and mint green interiors you’ll see craftsmen at work. And Jakob is always on standby to give people tours of the space. 

“I want people to walk by and see that my team is in a safe environment, that they’re not being exploited. I’ve upskilled 70% of my staff; my lowest-paid employee makes triple the minimum wage.” 

This level of transparency is the first of its kind in the country. “Even if people don’t buy something, I’d like them to think, ‘How are the people who make my clothes being treated?’ My staff can go home at night knowing that they've constructed a whole dress, from inception to completion. That’s such a special thing to offer a human being.” 

Sage & Sunday uses ethical production practices that don’t exploit their staff. Image: Sage & Sunday

HEMP LINEN, VEGAN CORK, RECYCLED PET FELT   

This sustainable mindset applies to the materials too. Sage & Sunday uses hemp linen, which has a far lower environmental impact than anything you’d find on the shelf at Zara or H&M. 

“Hemp uses a third of the water that cotton does. And it can grow in so many different environments that sometimes you don't even need to water it. Hemp also has a natural pesticide pheromone in it, so you don't need to use pesticides.” 

Other materials include cork leather (the world's only naturally water-resistant and biodegradable material) and recycled PET felt (the kind of hard plastic that Coca-Cola bottles are made from). The recycled plastic is melted down to create threads. 

The hemp linen pieces are classic and will outlast any trend cycle. Image: Sage & Sunday

WHAT ABOUT THE PRICE?  

Of course, producing clothing in this way increases the cost of it. But the current prices of fast fashion, Jakob says, are not a “normal” price. 

“Somebody somewhere got screwed over in the production process. Whether it’s a cheap nasty chemical that was used, or a factory worker being abused or exploited. Yes, our clothes are more expensive, but they are what clothes should cost with fair production principles.”

While it’s true that you could buy a cheaper shirt, which would last a year or two, Sage & Sunday’s pieces are an investment. 

“Clothing shouldn’t be a disposable trend or something that you wear for a season. Our pieces are meant to last 20 or 30 years and we have a lifetime ‘fix it’ guarantee, for free.”

The prices reflect the healthy, safe working conditions of the Sage & Sunday team. Image: Sage & Sunday

JAKOB’S RECOMMENDATIONS   

Sage & Sunday’s pieces are classic wardrobe capsules, meant to last a lifetime and live beyond any cyclical clothing trend. If Jakob could recommend one piece, it would be the recycled PET felt clogs. “I wear mine 24/7, seven days a week. They're the most comfortable and are super easy to slip on and off.” 

The hemp jerseys are lovely and soft. And if you’re looking for an easy gift, the beleka crossbody is ideal. “You can wear it as a handbag, a crossbody, or old school moonbag style. It’s very versatile and a lot fits in it.”

The beleka crossbody bag. Image: Sage & Sunday

VISIT THE ATELIER   

The atelier (on Albert Road, in the Woodstock Exchange building) is a wonderful physical representation of Sage & Sunday’s values. 

Starting in September, the atelier will be open from Monday to Saturday. You can also browse online via the Sage & Sunday website. 

And you can wear the pieces with pride, knowing that it’s not just a dress or pair of pants, but a symbol of integrity and respect for our world and its inhabitants.

The atelier is calm with lots of natural light and sage green colours. Image: Sage & Sunday

VISIT SAGE & SUNDAY 

Sage & Sunday’s atelier is open: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am to 3pm
Find the atelier: 66 Albert Road, Woodstock
Or find them online: Via the Sage & Sunday website
Contact on: siba@sageandsunday.com; Whatsapp; @sage.and.sunday

By Julia Rowley 

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EXPLORE MORE IN CAPE TOWN 

Shop more sustainably at these Cape Town thrift stores.

Or browse old stock (and grab some deals) at these 20 factory shops.

Make plans using our guide to 7+ things to do this week(end).

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