Kikoi Cloth

The Kikoi Cloth was discovered when the Zieglers travelled to Kenya for their first safari in 1984. They made shirts and skirts out of the bright colorful fabric and the versatile wrap was featured in the Spring and Summer 1985 (and 86) catalogue: “These brightly striped cotton cloths are hand-loomed in Kenya, where they are worn sarong-style by the equatorial coastlanders – an exotic mixture of Arabs, Portuguese, and Bantu. But, in fact, their uses are limited only by your imagination. We’ve found ways to drape them as sundresses, blouses, and wraps, and to belt them with skirts. A Kikoi can also be folded into a carryall or baby sling; used as a wallhanging, tablecloth, or furniture throw. Distinguished by their intricately woven designs and fringed borders, Kikois evoke the vibrant, earthy hues of the African landscape. The range of colors and patterns is too rich to enumerate — all are delightful…”

This 1984 employee newsletter educates salespeople on the versatility and myriad uses of the Kikoi cloth. Interestingly, the Kikoi cloths did not appear until the Spring 1985 catalogue, so they may have been in stores earlier? The illustrations were drawn by production artist Mike Madrid.

This example was bought in an assortment of BR scarves and bandanas. It bears a faint stamp in one corner that looks like a “Discovered By Banana Republic” stamp. Other information from people who had these say they came with the paper “Discovered By…” tag attached.

UPDATE: New pics came in from collector Wendy Joffe of the Kikoi cloth stamp, which clearly says MADE IN KENYA across it. Marvelous!