About the designer
Irene Farjado
The Past
"Flash dance and Leotards" were the motivating attributes in the 1980s for Irene Farjardo to create - first - her own aerobic wear. Born at Lake Atilan, Guatemala, raised in Costa Rica the 23rd year old, energetic - wild soul was an aerobic instructor in desperate need of unique, femenine and sexy wear for her sports classes. Irene self-taught herself the art of seweing and indulgend in inspiration living and deepening her love for fashion in the 1990s in Italy.
Her sports brand "Tanz" ~ German for Dance ~ since its early stages empowered feminine expression, natural flow and a feel-good-in-your-skin sentiment.
The Present
Influenced by Jungle sounds nestled into the midst of the Central American Mountain Ranges and the roar of Ocean Waves - Irene produces every mold hand-made from her home workshop in Baru, Costa Rica supported by four Costa Rican mothers that finalize and adorn each piece. To reflect Irene's life journey as a designer & artist now longing to serve the feminine on a much deeper and intentional level her brand "Tanz" transitioned into "Karuna". Karuna ~ compassion; Compassion for ourselves, others and all living surrounding us. Compassion as we move through our individual cicles, month to month & throughout our lifetime as you see symbolized in Karuna's logo & the moon phases.
Made by women connected to earth for all the beautiful free spirits, warrior souls and goddesses that wander this magnificent planet. For the dancer, the healer, the medicine women, the yoga practitioner, the earth defender, the activists ~ Karuna seeks to make you feel feminine, sensual yet comfortable & cared for in your unique, stunning skin. A brand that boots versatility - many pieces can be worn in manifold ways - to travel light, playful and with a low impact on our Planet. One piece making up for many!
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The Future
"Empowerment" is what originated Tanz, now Karuna. With every piece purchased you support a Costa Rican girl or mother, dreamer of the dreams to make her future come true. Karuna employees and trains Costa Rican women in the art of sewing and fashion. In this fast-paced, fast-fashion-dominated world Irene envisions this message resonates with your spirit and together we can keep growing the program bringing you unique wear from the Jungle of Costa Rica to your doorsteps.
About The fabric
Our main fabric is made from beech tree pulp. A form of rayon, another plant-based textile - but more durable and softer. A luxurious textile thanks to its soft feel yet higher cost. Tanz boosts versatility in almost all its designs. One piece - use it manifold. Lower your impact and footprint wandering on Planet Earth.
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How is it fabricated?
A bio-based fabric that is made from spinning beech tree cellulose. A generally more eco-friendly alternative to cotton because beech tree does not require much water to grow and tehorefore the production process requires 10 to 20 times less water.
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The benefits of the fabric:
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Stretchy. The fabirc's flexibility makes it ideal for items like t-shirts and athletic wear.
Soft. It has an incredible soft touch, and is often used for bed sheets,pajamas and undergarments.
Breathable. It is great for sports clothing and everyday clothes because the fabric’s weave is very breathable.
Water absorbent. The fabricl is 50% more absorbent than cotton; micropores inside the fabric absorb any water or sweat they come into contact with.
Durable. It is very strong because of the tight weave and the long fibers and is therefore used for garments and housewares that receive regular use.
Drapes well. Similar to rayon and other silk alternatives, modal has a beautiful drape that makes it ideal for clothing and decoration.
Eco-friendly. The fabric is made from regenerative plants and there are fewer chemicals used in the production process than with other types of rayon.
Doesn’t pill. The fabric resists pilling and has a smooth finish that makes it ideal for everyday wear and use.
Color fast. The fabric absorbs dye in warm water and does not bleed dye during the laundering process.
Doesn’t shrink. Unlike most forms of rayon, it is much less likely to shrink in the wash. Biodegradable.
The textile is completely biodegradable.
Doesn’t crease. It resists wrinkles and will stay smooth with minimal ironing.
Made in Costa Rica with Love
Every piece of Karuna is hand-made and sewed by Irene or one of her four incredible seamstresses who she employs from the area of Baru, Costa Rica. Irene says "Sewing changed my life - It empowers me and it is my form of self-expression! - A true gift that I like to share with other women from Costa Rica. It creates financial independance and enhances a personal sense for self and creation!"
Karuna goes against the trend of "Fast Fashion". Our pieces are timeless, versatile to be worn in many ways to reduce the items you need in your closeth or for travel; and every piece is sewed by hand. By purchasing a piece of Karuna you directly support a Costa Rican woman & her family in building their dreams.
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Irene envisions to create a program to sponsor one Costa Rican girl per year to receive a full training with her on clothing confection, seweing and business management. You will also be able to add an extra donation to the program at the check-out of your purchase.