The Jordaan Cape is an example of how important it is to literally shop for inspiration. I was browsing an indie boutique in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam, a cool little enclave filled with colorful cosmetics boutiques and, craft-focused ateliers. A faux cow print cocoon jumped off the shelf and, at first, baffled me. Flared at the bottom with a striking stand-up bateau collar, the dramatic piece looked like a skirt, but closer inspection revealed two horizontal slits near the lower hemline.

The charming boutique owner informed me that the piece was actually
a playful take on a poncho. I bought it, but truth be told, I’m still trying to figure out where one should wear a cow-print poncho! No matter, it lives in my workshop alongside other odd, never-worn purchased purely for their ability to send my imagination reeling. The Jordaan Cape is an abbreviated version of my fantastical bovine poncho—hopefully a more wearable incarnation.