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JADEtribe

JADEtribe has always been one of our favorite boho brands - we love the cool artisanal design and the glamorous spirit of travel that this collection evokes. We recently caught up with JADEtribe designer and ultimate globetrotter, Kimberly Hartman, and asked her to share the story behind the label.

Describe JADEtribe.

The spirit of joy. The spirit of travel. The spirit of an endless summer. The JADEtribe woman is a glamorous nomad who always knows how to find the best party at the next oasis.

What are some of your endless inspirations?

Often moments rather than things inspire me. It could be saturated colors on walls or the ceramics found in the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech. A Buddhist monk playing with his pet monkey at a temple in Laos or the colorful pompoms and tasssels adorning a camel on safari in Jaisalmer. I love the EPIC colors in a double-rainbow over the ocean in Tulum and girls dancing at sunrise on the top of the Robot Heart bus at Burning Man. Inspiration is all around.

How does travel inspire your collection?

Travel IS JADEtribe.

I call the West Village of NYC home, but I thrive on discovering new cultures and I am curious how people all over the world live and express themselves artistically. Last year I traveled to Thailand, Laos, Cape Town, Marrakech, Paris, London, Tulum, Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas, Austin and Houston Texas, Ibiza, Formentera and Black Rock City for Burning Man. Exploring new people, culture, food and scenery inspire me.

Tell us about the artisans and craftspeople that you work with?

I work with villages in SE Asia that organically dye and hand weave textiles for JADEtribe. I also source hand embroidered textiles from remote villages and refashion them into bags of my design. I have a beautiful network of women that sew from their homes, so they can work at their pace and still have time to take care of their families while having financial independence.

The dyes comes from indigo plants, seeds and berries that grow in their local fields and all the textiles are either hand loomed or passed down from previous generations. The clutches are made from hand embroidered textiles created from women that express their artistic individuality and are originally worn as their traditional dress. I feel their spirit lives on in JADEtribe.

Your collection continues to grow, what creative endeavors are on the horizon?

We will be launching JADEtribe tees for Resort 2015!

What makes your style unique?

My eye for mixing patterns and colors make my brand unique, I also insist on impeccable quality of construction. I have a wonderful leather worker that hand braids our unique handles. Some of the fabrics have lasted a generation, and I feel my bags should too. JADEtribe quality stands out above any other brands trying to imitate our style.

Which three words describe your SS15 collection best?

Must. Have. It.

What type of person do you design for?

Everyone. Everyone?s invited to join the tribe!

Globetrotter Stats

Souk or Department Store? I love exploring a souk but I prefer to buy shoes at Barney?s

DIY or Concierge Service? I like to do things myself based on referrals from friends.

Buy Everything or Buy Nothing? All or nothing ? that is usually the case.

Camping or 5-Star Hotel? 5 Star Hotel ? except for my RV at Burning Man

Drive or be Driven? I LOVE to drive, even on the ?wrong? side of the road.

Room Service or Street Food? I?m a bit hesitant on street food - I prefer to find the local?s favorite restaurants

Lots of Luggage or Carry-on Bag? Lots of Luggage? I am maximum capacity luggage traveler.