Imogene+Willie

Many of the world’s best inventions were born out of making virtue of necessity. Human beings often begin repurposing an item they already own because nothing better exists. It is at this time that the spirit of enterprise overcomes one such individual, who goes on to capitalize on the potential demand for an embellished version, ad infinitum.

It is unclear when the first “bandana” was used, but there is evidence that humans have been using a cut size of cloth for a multitude of purposes for which the bandana has since become known, for centuries.

The word “bandana” comes from the Sanskrit bandhana, meaning “to tie”. It is closely related to the kerchief, which stems from the french couvre-chef, meaning “cover the head.” The handkerchief,  or “hanky” is generally a smaller piece of cloth and has it’s own rich place in cultural history.

As the words we use to describe them might suggest, the bandana likely came to America in different forms via a host of sources. There is evidence that both pirates plundering the Spaniards, and British colonists both brought with them versions of the bandana. Even Native Americans had there own. It wasn’t until Hollywood begin using bandanas in Westerns that they became synonymous with “the west” and eventually iconic to western wear.

Today bandanas are just as classic as ever, a symbol of the complexity of America and it’s vast cultural diversity and heterogeneous origins.

Made in Japan with great care, using only the best fabrics, original styling, and construction techniques, imogene+willie has aimed to make the perfect bandana. Choose between two unique prints: natural with navy ‘plus’ motif, and authentic indigo with discharge ‘plus’ print. These bandanas will improve with wear and age. Keep them with you wherever you may go.

Each i+w bandana comes it’s own hand-stamped cloth bag.

Size: 22″ x 22″

Hand Wash. Line Dry.

Available at the gas station and online.

Kathleen Whitaker is a Los Angeles-based jewelry designer and porcelain ceramicist. After studying ceramics at university and working a series of desk jobs, she decided to jump back into her roots and take some jewelry-making classes, which sparked a new hobby. “I liked the idea of sculpting something and understanding how certain types of matter can accommodate a design – sort of like what metal will let you do versus what clay will let you do,” she says.

Her namesake line—KHW—began only a few years ago and has quickly turned into a slew of simply stunning jewelry. We love mixing and matching all of the pieces, which have a Japanese minimal aesthetic and seem to look great on anyone at any age. They make for perfect everyday pieces, but still feel special, intricate and make a big impact.

imogene + willie is proud to be the first stockist in Tennessee, and to share some of Kathleen’s exquisite pieces with you. Available the gas station.