Kaross™ is the embodiment of a passion for colour, for the tactile and for the culture of its people. Kaross™ is about the work of South African hands that are driven to succeed and be recognised. Kaross™ is about creating a new world of colour, form and line - a new world where people are willing to work together.

Kaross™ is proudly South African and it has chosen to operate far beyond the notion of empowerment and upliftment. Kaross™ re-thinks the work of the hands of Shangaan people and what it produces can only be described as breathtaking… Embroidery of the highest quality - unique in its design and desirably beautiful.

...Kaross™ today provides a good living for no fewer than a thousand Tsonga and Shangaan woman...

Kaross™ is an embroidery initiative started in 1989 with a few (five) Shangaan embroiders and Irma van Rooyen, a visual artist, as creative director and founder. Sitting on a Kaross™ (blanket) the ladies started creating works of art own to themselves and their cultural background. The objective was to create pieces of excellent quality, and a fresh approach to handwork. Over the past 18 years Kaross™ became the voice of 1000+ Shangaan people and their communities in the Letsitele/Giyani area of the Limpopo Province. Kaross™ is re-writing a culture by exploring its heritage and re-applying it to modern, marketable products and artworks.

Kaross™’s incentive is to create jobs and opportunities for mainly, rural woman to make a living by being creative within the realm of their own tradition background. The job-creation and upliftment aspect of the project remains a driving force and is key to all developmental and business decisions in Kaross™. A strengthened cultural awareness followed and formed the basis of many Shangaan people’s perception of themselves within the context of South Africa and the rest of the world. This awareness of being yourself within a more global environment is an important concept in terms of sustainable development and the upliftment of people.  There exist a need for woman in the rural areas of South Africa, and specifically the Limpopo Province in this regard, to acknowledge and explore their own capacity to take part in making a difference in their communities and South Africa as a whole. Kaross™ believes to play a part in realizing these peoples potential.

...The final result is something of extraordinary beauty, combined with durable quality and fade-free wash ability.


Kaross™ creates tableware, homeware, artpieces, wallhangings ,bedlinen and now fashion accessories, every piece 100% handmade. Kaross™ became a sought after South African gift over the past 18 years, due to the excellent quality and signature design.