At Evolution, every process is rooted in story, craft, and care. Our pieces begin with months of research in archives, libraries, and herbariums, before being reimagined into textiles that carry the narratives of nature, heritage, and place.
From there, our designs come to life through non-toxic pigment printing, intricate embroidery, and carefully scaled jacquards, all crafted in collaboration with South Africa’s remaining mills, factories, and artisans. Every piece is finished by hand, whether through dyeing that lends each product its own subtle variations or the final touches applied in our studio.
By honouring natural fibres, local craftsmanship and timeless design, we create pieces that are rooted in story and built to last. In doing so, we support local creation and industry, ensuring that the hands and skills behind our textiles continue to thrive.
Raw Materials
We work primarily with natural fibres — linen and cotton form the base for our embroidery, wall art, and printed textiles. These materials reflect our commitment to sustainability wherever possible, and they age gracefully over time, enhancing the story of each product.
Printing
Our textiles are brought to life through a non-toxic pigment printing process, carried out locally with minimal environmental impact.
On natural fibres, the prints are absorbed into the cloth rather than sitting on the surface, creating a finish that feels both timeless and integral to the fabric itself.
Jacquards
For more than 10 years, we’ve worked with our weaving partners to develop complex jacquard textiles. Using cotton, linen, and bamboo fibres, our designs are carefully scaled for colour, texture, and impact, optimising the artistry of the weaving process. After weaving, a gentle tumble finish enhances softness, texture, and the tactile quality that makes our jacquards distinct.
Embroidery
Embroidery has been part of our design language for over a decade. Many of our earliest patterns remain part of our collections today, celebrated for their timelessness and ability to transcend trends. We collaborate with one of South Africa’s few embroidery factories capable of scaling intricate designs, while also incorporating hand-stitched details from our Johannesburg studio team.
Every stitch is carefully considered, ensuring each piece holds the beauty of craft.
Wall Art
Our wall art panels are statement pieces - bespoke textiles that bring South African narratives into homes, lodges, and hotels. Offered looped for hanging or framed in wood or metal, these works are designed to create presence in a room.
Each art panel begins with 12–18 months of research - often in archives, libraries, or herbariums — to uncover visuals and stories that carry cultural and ecological significance. Once selected, the imagery is reinterpreted through our design lens — adapted for scale, colour, and depth before becoming part of a finished textile artwork, then finished with our signature hand embroidery in the studio.
Dyeing
Colour at Evolution is a meticulous art. Our dye master, Khulekani, has led the process for over five years, hand-dyeing each order with patience and care.
Variations in cloth, water, and technique mean that every dye lot carries subtle differences - a hallmark of handmade authenticity and craftsmanship.