I review the quality and ethics behind the Danube Cape sold by ethical womenswear brand Jewelled Buddha . I explore the many options to wear the multi-tasking cape and see how many ways it can be sustainably styled to suit my style and wardrobe.
I think the thing that struck me the most about this cape is that it’s actually perfect for all seasons. It has no sleeves, just arm holes so it can be layered under warmer winter garments – but also worn independently throughout Spring and Summer too.
Introducing the Danube Cape by Ethical Womenswear Brand Jewelled Buddha
I’m always searching for those elusive sustainable wardrobe must-haves. For me keeping warm is always a consideration, even in summer when the sun goes down, I need something to keep the chill at bay. Enter the cape! No, not the wonder woman kind, a more sophisticated version that allows you to experiment with the ways you wear it until you find an option that feels like you.
So what special about the Danube cape?
Let’s be clear that the Danube cape is not a cape in the typical sense, it’s more of a scarf/jacket/shawl combo that offers a multitude of styling options to suit any number of occasions. Essentially it’s designed as a giant blanket with strategically placed arm holes, so if anything it’s more like a poncho. The idea behind the cape is that it can be folded, draped and styled in a multitude of ways – which means for every style aesthetic, there’s bound to be a few options to suit. I picked the Danube cape it offered the brightest colour palette options (I’m a cool winter).
Who is Jewelled Buddha?
Jewelled Buddha is an ethical and sustainable clothing brand in London, they’re slowing things down and changing the conversation around fast fashion. They source slow fashion that’s ethically made in India, their aesthetic celebrates relaxed silhouettes, indulgent textiles and handcrafted artisanal design.
Jewelled Buddha works with social enterprises and brands who practice integrity and transparency in their women’s empowerment programmes and environmental impact. Every purchase enables artisans to earn a sustainable income and live a dignified life free from poverty, and enables them to plant trees, rescues ocean plastic and offset carbon with their partner Greenspark.
7 WAYS TO WEAR THE DANUBE CAPE
Blue Pashmina Style Cape
I have to say I’ve always liked the cape concept, but hadn’t considered getting one for myself. I was kindly gifted this by Harjit the founder – and I promised to share my honest thoughts and opinions.
The colours of this particular cape are definitely more in keeping with my style. The cape has some brown in it, which is one of my stay away colours, but actually I have to say it does all come together rather nicely.
When I looked in my wardrobe, I thought to myself how am I going to make this cape work with my bright clothes and patterned prints. But then I overlooked my casual wardrobe – and boom suddenly I found all kinds of ways (5+ ways in fact!) to wear the Danube Cape.
The Danube Cape – The Versatile Wrap, Shawl, Scarf, Jacket and More!
The Blue Danube Woolen by Jewelled Buddha cape has been designed in Amsterdam and handmade in small batches. It features 6 multi-tonal blocks of colour to make coordinating outfits effortless throughout the year.
The Blue Danube Cape
Thanks to the clever positioning of its armholes, the Danube cape can be flipped to make it long or short and can be worn as a cape, poncho, wrap, shawl or jacket. This blue cape is a truly multi-functional wardrobe staple and a real contender for a #100wears piece.
The Casually Styled Handwoven Cape
REVIEWED AND RATED: THE DANUBE CAPE SOURCED BY JEWELLED BUDDHA
Overall, I have to give Harjit credit for finding artisanal fashion items that can be teamed with a modern aesthetic. I wasn’t entirely sure how this cape would work with my wardrobe, as I don’t have anything in the style of the Danube Cape. I also have to give credit to the presentation box it was very beautiful and made the experience of receiving it very special.
The only reason I’m not giving this 5 out of 5 is because I am really funny about combinations of colours used in clothes. Bright colours mixed with warm muted colours can be an interesting mix, however I felt like the Danube cape despite it being the most vibrant of them all, still felt too muted and perhaps the style felt a bit ‘old’ for me – I had to work hard to dress it up to feel more modern. Also for an hourglass body shape, the oversized fit wasn’t as flattering unless I used a belt to cinch in the waist.
If they were to make the capes in brighter colours in future, I think I would score a 5 out of 5.!
IS JEWELLED BUDDHA ETHICAL?
Jewelled Buddha puts ethics at the heart of their business. They work closely with selective social enterprises, NGO’s and sustainable designers and brands who have a good reputation and transparency in their fair trade practices. They visit their suppliers at least once a year to build lasting relationships, learn about the production and meet the artisans.
Jewelled Buddha have a detailed ethical policy on their website which outlines their business values and procedures. Also, check out my founder’s interview with Harjit over on Ethical Brand Directory for more information.
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IS JEWELLED BUDDHA SUSTAINABLE?
All Jewelled Buddha products are made entirely by hand using vintage, upcycled, hand-loomed, natural, organic or vegan materials. By only selling handcrafted products, their manufacturing process uses very little energy and has minimal impact on the environment.
Final thoughts on Jewelled Buddha and the Danube cape
I love to support brands that are giving back to those who craft things from hand – and knowing this cape has supported the livelihood of women in India makes me feel all the more special wearing it. I think this is an item that will get more wear as the years go by. It’s so practical and stylish, in an unobvious way.
I was quick to overlook how many options this one piece could offer my wardrobe. I’m slowly finding more ways to wear it, and in the summer months I will use this as a cover up when the sun goes in.
Also, I think this would make the most excellent gift for most women over 35, busy mothers, grandmothers and more. A really great, multi-functional piece. Let me know what you think!
