MAGIC MUD by Zandi

In 2001, I trekked to Timbuktu (Yes, there really is one!) in Mali, West Africa. 

There I discovered a fabric called "Mali Mudcloth."

Enroute, we spent several days going up and down the Dogon Escarpment, meeting these wonderful tribal people who grow the cotton that is then taken to villages to be hand-spun and woven into small pieces on a back-strap loom.  The pieces are then sewn together by hand into larger pieces.  Then they are dyed with a variety of colorful muds from the Niger River. My love for these earthy textiles became a passion when I saw the gorgeous designs made by the women at Pama Sinitao's shop in Djenne (home of the world-famous mud-Mosque)




The earth-tones and strong geometric designs inspire me (Zandi) to make one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn coats, tops, pants and skirts.
For me, working with the fabric is like working with stone is for a sculptor.  The fabric "tells me" what it wants to be.  Then, like clay, I mold it into shape and hand-stitch it to stay.  (It's a challenge to keep the fabric from "un-weaving," once cut.)

Mud-cloth Coat Dresses by Zandi  

The shapes are always somewhat free-form, as I don't use a pattern. Making these pieces is time-consuming, each coat taking at least 10 hours or longer. 
Each garment is designed especially for an individual, on a commission basis.  Prices are from $150 to $550.
The garments are cold water hand-wash and wear, no ironing.

Available from my Zandi Design Studio in Taos, NM   Call 505-751-1882 or email zandi@taosnet.com