35th Anniversary Spotlight: Uncle Otis x Kardo

When reflecting on the past 35 years, our journey has always been defined by the relationships we’ve built with like-minded makers across the globe. Among them, our connection with Kardo stands as a true pillar of what we believe in. For over five years, we’ve had the privilege of stocking Kardo in Toronto, watching our community fall in love with their slow, anti-fast-fashion ethos and unwavering commitment to traditional Indian textile arts. Kardo doesn’t just make clothing; each garment is tailored from start to finish by a single artisan, honouring the human hands behind the fabric.

Natural hand-dyed fabrics soften and develop a subtle patina with wear and washing, so each piece ages in its own way.

As we set out to craft a collection commemorating our 35th milestone, partnering with Kardo felt entirely natural. It’s a celebration of a half-decade of shared values, true friendship, and a mutual appreciation for deliberate, timeless design.

Rendered in a custom-dyed Jade, the traditional hue of a 35th anniversary, this exclusive capsule highlights two of our favourite silhouettes, thoughtfully reworked to showcase Kardo’s mastery of texture, upcycling, and detail.

The Luis Shirt in Anniversary Jade

The Luis Shirt is rendered in an exclusive hand-woven fabric, custom-dyed in our signature Jade hue.

Look closely to catch the intricate details: five raised vertical threads are woven throughout the textile to add a subtle, dimensional stripe texture. As a final nod to thoughtful design and sustainability, the chest pocket features Kardo’s iconic patchwork, crafted from upcycled seersucker excess from past collections. Hand-tailored by a skilled artisan, it’s a celebration of heritage, texture, and conscious craftsmanship.

The Bodhi Jacket in Anniversary Jade

Cut from a versatile, midweight herringbone twill hand-dyed in our anniversary Jade, the Bodhi is built for seamless year-round layering. We designed it to sit comfortably in the sweet spot between a rugged chore coat and a structured blazer. The body is kept sleek and functional with clean, tonal chest and lower patch pockets, while the standout features lie in the collar and elbow patches.

The details:

Both are meticulously constructed from an upcycled patchwork of excess textiles, bound together using traditional hand Kantha stitching. In a nod to subtle refinement, the elbow patches are inset from underneath for a clean, tailored finish. Look closely at the Kantha work and you’ll spot hits of red thread, an intentional detail that mirrors Kardo’s signature red second-button stitch, bringing the entire design full circle.

Release Dates:

The Uncle Otis x Kardo 35th Anniversary capsule is available November 7th, online at 9am EST and in-store in Toronto at noon, in strictly limited quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kardo?
Kardo is a slow-fashion label rooted in traditional Indian textile arts, known for hand-woven fabrics, upcycled patchwork, and garments tailored start to finish by a single artisan. Uncle Otis has stocked Kardo for over five years.

What is Kantha stitching?
A traditional hand-running stitch from India, used to bind layers of fabric together. On the Bodhi Jacket, it joins the upcycled patchwork on the collar and elbow patches.

How does the Bodhi Jacket fit and wear?
It sits between a chore coat and a blazer: relaxed enough for everyday layering, structured enough to dress up. The midweight herringbone twill works year-round.

Will the capsule be restocked?
No. Quantities are strictly limited and will not be reproduced.

How should I wash the Luis Shirt?
Hand wash or machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, inside out, with a mild detergent. Wash it separately for the first few washes, as hand-dyed fabrics can release some colour early on. Avoid bleach and optical brighteners, which can strip the Jade dye. Shop here.

Can I put the Luis Shirt in the dryer?
No. Reshape it while damp and hang it to dry in the shade. Direct sunlight and tumble drying can fade the dye and flatten the raised stripe texture.

How do I care for the Bodhi Jacket?
Wash it as little as possible. Between wears, air it out and spot clean marks with cold water. When it needs a full clean, hand wash it cold or have it professionally cleaned. Don’t wring or twist it, especially around the Kantha-stitched collar and elbow patches.

How should I iron or steam these pieces?
Steam is ideal. If you iron, use a medium setting on the reverse side, and press around the patchwork pockets and patches rather than directly over the stitching.

Will the Jade colour change over time?
Gently, yes. Natural hand-dyed fabrics soften and develop a subtle patina with wear and washing, so each piece ages in its own way. Washing cold and drying in the shade keeps that change slow and even.

How should I store them?
Hang the Bodhi Jacket on a wide, shaped hanger to hold the shoulders. Fold or hang the Luis Shirt somewhere dry and out of direct light.

Where can I buy Kardo in Toronto?
Kardo is available at Uncle Otis, in-store and online at uncleotis.com.

Shop the entire 35th Anniversary Collection.

Buy once, well.