Tucked away in the heart of Limpopo, where the golden sun sets over the lowveld and baobabs stand like ancient sentinels, a group of extraordinary women gathers each day to tell their stories – not with words, but with thread.
This is the world of Kaross, a South African brand that has spent over three decades transforming traditional hand embroidery into functional art. And now, the spirit of Kaross is available to travellers and locals alike through curated collections at Out of Africa stores across the country.
A celebration of culture and craft
What started with a single needle and a patch of fabric has grown into a collective of over 1 000 female rural artisans, each one contributing her unique voice to the fabric of the brand.
These aren’t mass-produced souvenirs. Each cushion cover, runner, or wall hanging is a canvas, hand-embroidered with patterns inspired by Tsonga mythology, daily village life, and the vibrant landscapes of rural South Africa. Rich, earthy threads bring scenes of grazing cattle, women dancing or local flora and fauna to life in ways that no factory could ever replicate.
When you run your fingers over a Kaross piece, you’re not just touching fabric, you’re touching a story, a livelihood, a legacy.
Empowering women
The beauty of Kaross runs deeper than design. At its core, it’s a sustainable business model that uplifts women in rural communities. These artisans are trained, mentored and paid fairly for each piece they complete, enabling them to support their families with dignity and pride.
In a country where rural unemployment remains high, Kaross has become a lifeline for many.
A story worth sharing with Out of Africa stores
Now, thanks to a long-standing partnership with Out of Africa, Kaross products are available in stores at major airports and tourist hubs nationwide. Whether you’re jetting off from OR Tambo International or Cape Town International Airport, exploring the wild wonders of the Kruger, browsing the sleek boutiques of Nelson Mandela Square, or soaking in the vibrant charm of the V&A Waterfront, you can take a piece of South Africa home with you – one that carries authentic cultural value and directly supports local communities.
In a world flooded with mass production and fleeting trends, Kaross stands out as a beacon of authenticity, culture and care. It’s not just a product, but a conversation starter, a keepsake, a reminder that travel can do good.
So next time you’re wandering through an Out of Africa store, pause at the Kaross display. Run your fingers over the threads, feel the story – and if it speaks to you, take it home.
