It’s like wearing a vacation
This is not ordinary clothing
Visual artist Sheila Klein has transformed Argentine domestic cotton cloth into luxurious clothing. The clothes are made in limited production with experience and skill in Bow, Washington, USA, with cloth from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Exceptional cloth
The unprocessed cotton knit cloth drapes beautifully. The fabric is a light, breathable, layer for sun or chill. The way it feels is important. The pieces continue to get softer and form to your body. Each garment is designed to take advantage of the natural properties of the fabric — its texture, simple stripes, soft fringe selvage finishes and sensual drape.
Wear it all the time
New Trade Route clothing is elegant, preppy, hippy, maritime, bohemian, casual, dressy, or lounge-y. You will want to wear it all the time: From home, to work, to garden, to shop, to lunch, to yoga, to fancy parties all depending on how you wear it. Fantastic for travel, easy care, and cozy.
Micro production
Pieces are made in small quantities with nearly zero waste and top-quality finishing. Precision and care are taken with every garment. Many seams are top-stitched. New Trade Route is garment washed, which means we sew first, then wash the piece, steam and fold.
Cloth structure
The cloth is made on a narrow loom that receives the threads from a large rack filled with a minimum of 180 cones, it is not warped. The factories are small, particular, and usually family run. The cloth structure is related to crochet or raschel.
Versatile & personal
These clothes are exceedingly comfortable, elegant, versatile and look great on a wide variety of people. Year-round classic clothing. Layered under a sweater for the softest feel or worn over wool leggings and undershirt. Many pieces are unisex. One size fits most.
Made in the USA
New Trade Route clothing made in Bow, a small rural community in Washington State's Skagit Valley, is for sale in the United States. The pieces made in Argentina with all the best practices are sold in Argentina and Uruguay. 100% cotton, unbleached, minimal waste, garment-washed.
You make it yours by the way you wear it
I want to dress the world
Sheila Klein has been “making this out of that” for more than 40 years. Her work can be found in the studio, on the street, and in art institutions.
“I want to dress the world. Re-make it, as I want to see it, one piece at a time. The world is my studio. I perform with materials.”
Sheila considers New Trade Route her most intimate project. Dressing people up, smoothing the cloth. Placing herself in an accessible position in a fantasy of her own making.
See more at sheilaklein.com
What People Are Saying
“From the moment I saw Sheila Klein's New Trade Route clothing, I knew I had to own one of these beautiful, versatile garments. I ended up purchasing three! I love the usability of these garments. There is a simplicity and elegance that just works.”
— Ret McCarthy
“Everywhere I went people stopped me and asked me where I got that dress... I have worn black designer Italian cocktail dresses that never got that kind of attention... Sheila is amazing! I wear it almost every day.”
— Amanda Westbrooke
“I love my New Trade Route pieces. When you find an original piece that is versatile, comfortable and beautifully made it must be added to the mix. Sheila makes wardrobe staples that are never boring and somehow always fresh and at the same time classic and timeless.”
— Clara Senger
From Edison to you
In July 2016 New Trade Route—Sheila Klein ventured into the nearby small village of Edison, baskets packed acting as a roving street peddler. Creating a place for commerce, community and interaction, an impromptu fashion show ensued. The intimacy and pleasure in the direct exchange is a part of the experience. We hope to extend that to you through curated boxes, personal consultations or visiting the studio workshop.
