One bright sunny morning, I was rushing to catch the 9:35 am ferry. On reaching the main road, I saw there was no need to dash. Cars were lined up as far as I could see with no ferry in sight.
I know this is quite normal on Bowen, but was annoyed as I had an important appointment. I consoled myself with the thought of a cup of tea and a seat in the sun at The Snug. Walking out of the cafe, the first thing I noticed were two women chatting. One of them had perched perkily on her braided silver hair, my sweet crochet beret, that never quite suited me.
“I see you paid a visit to Miss Billies Vintage store,” I blurted out. “I did,” she said, somewhat surprised, but delighted when I told her how great it looked. Then I mentioned the little beret had quite a story, and she perked up saying “oh tell me.”
I related to her how on my last trip to India I had stayed with my friend in Kolkata, and with her went to a big Artisans fair, a little way out of town. There I was drawn to a showroom full of fashions made from jute. I spent ages trying things on and left with the beret and a sweet crochet vest.
During our conversation I found out that she was from England and on Bowen visiting her sister, who she was with. We were having such a good time chatting, that I hardly noticed the passing time and when I looked out, I could see that the ferry had come in - just over half an hour late. I left quickly, completely failing to ask my new friend her name or where she lived in England. From her accent I suspect she may have been a Londoner, like me.
I couldn’t help reflecting on the extraordinary journey of jute. West Bengal was once the main industry for this naturally growing utilitarian fibre, which was originally made into rope, sacks, or for packaging. When I was young in London, we had a big jute garbage bag in our kitchen cupboard. Then in the early Sixties, a young man fashion designer made me a jute dress, lined and dyed turquoise - decades before its use in the fashion industry. (Wish I had it now.) Later in England jute’s name became gentrified to hessian.
For several decades jute has been creeping into the fashion world. In Britain the late Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney showed jute fashion in their collections. Both lovers of the environment and concerned with animal rights, they were drawn to jute’s sustainable natural fibres which require little watering or fertilization and can be mixed with other fibres to even resemble silk. Several other eco-conscious fashion designers have started using it and it makes fabulous sandals and bags. In fact, Megan Markle had hessian gift bags at her wedding to Prince Harry, now elevating itself into royal society.
A little shout out to Erin Olsen who last November opened Miss Billies Vintage Store, in an old heritage cottage. Erin has purchased some of my cherished clothing and collectibles for her much-welcomed store. I also have to say without the ferry being late, this story would not have taken place – and I was only minutes late for my appointment.
Also I’m happy to say that this cute beret will travel to England and like me it will have resided in the three continents that I am deeply connected with.
