12 Days of Christmas: Win a Pullover and Skirt from Rubia & Neel
An ode to the timeless art of handloom textiles and natural plant dyes, Rubia & Neel takes its name from the ancient words for madder and indigo — the dyes at the heart of their luminous palette. From pale sky blues to deepest midnight, petal pinks to vibrant reds, and the many shades of natural white in between, the label creates garments from custom handwoven fabrics produced in small, thoughtful runs. Each piece begins not with a sketch, but with cloth: its texture, drape, and quiet irregularities shaped by the hands that weave it.
The Nuria Pullover and Clarissa skirt by Rubia & Neel
Founded during the pandemic by Julie Cole, Poonam Bains, and Ravin Sachdev, the brand grew from long-distance conversations between Paris and India — a shared desire to “create clothes we loved in natural handmade fabrics that we wanted to make and wear.” When artisans returned to their ancestral homes in rural Bengal, the trio moved the atelier there, allowing makers to work close to family and aligning perfectly with the brand’s commitment to slowness, community, and deep respect for tradition.
From the Rubia & Neel fall-winter collection : TAPESTRY - the tapestry of people, places and craft woven together.
Rubia & Neel’s process is rooted in ancestral textile practices. Their fabrics are woven on handlooms using techniques such as Jamdani, one of the most intricate forms of muslin weaving, where motifs are inserted by hand. They collaborate with master craftsmen in Bagru, Rajasthan on mud-resist Dabu and block printing — multi-stage processes that can take weeks to complete. Chikankari whitework adds delicate detail, while their quilted coats and tops are stitched on free-motion sewing machines; a single piece can take up to 25 hours. Every garment reflects the slow choreography of dye pot, loom, and needle.
Some of the inspiration behind Rubia & Neel's Tapestry collection.
Their collections — relaxed yet refined, interchangeable, reversible, and “perfectly imperfect” — are designed to uplift everyday life through colour, craftsmanship, and ease. They celebrate materials that hold the memory of their making: slubbed silks, handspun cottons, and plant-dyed hues that shift gently with time and light.
From the Rubia & Neel spring collection, 'Ode to Charleston', as featured in Selvedge Issue 125, Mediterranean. Photo: Thomas Straub @straubsky_com
Styling and Set Design: Nelson Sepulveda @nelson_sepulveda_design
Featured in Selvedge Issue 125, Mediterranean, where we explored their devotion to natural colour and handwoven textiles, Rubia & Neel continue to grow a loyal global clientele while remaining steadfastly committed to slow, intentional design.
Today, we also share more from Rubia & Neel founder, Julie Cole, in our Five Minutes with a Friend interview series. Read on to find out more, but first, a little information about this prize:
12 Days of Christmas: Win a Pullover and Skirt from Rubia & Neel
Rubia & Neel are offering two timeless pieces that beautifully reflect their signature style and craftsmanship.
The first is the NURIA Pullover Top, crafted in their iconic quilted floral embroidery. Light yet warm, this easy, boxy wool design is lined with organic cotton in a rich terracotta hue and measures 63 cm in length. The subtle floral quilting — a recurring motif — catches the light, revealing delicate variations in texture and tone.
Accompanying it is the CLARISSA Skirt, handwoven in pure Mulberry Silk. In a soft natural ivory, it’s a luxurious yet effortless winter piece. An adjustable drawstring front, elasticated back, and side ties ensure a comfortable, flexible fit. Small flat pleats add gentle movement, while the ample hem and organic cotton lining provide structure and softness. Together, these pieces embody Rubia & Neel’s philosophy: garments made to be worn, cherished, and handed down.
Worth £820
To enter, click on the button below, or visit the Selvedge Enter a Prize Draw page — and don’t miss the daily prize draws running from 1–12 December.
Winners will be announced on 13 December.
Five Minutes with a Friend: Julie Cole, Co-Founder of Rubia & Neel
Julie, what is your first memory of a textile?
The wonderful doll collection that I was gifted as a child. All of the dolls were from different countries; Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany Portugal, India. I was fascinated by the folkloric costumes and the juxtaposition of patterns, materials and colours.
Can you put into words what you love about textiles?
The interconnection that transcends Peoples, Time, Cultures.
Where did you learn your craft?
I’m still learning! But it started at Parsons School of Design, NYC. A lot of things are through trial and error, and taking extra classes with special mentors. The first Indigo class was with Aboubakar Fofana among others. I have had the privilege to learn from many.
Where is your most inspiring space or place to create?
Anywhere, if I have a notebook, coloured pencils, and watercolours.
What has inspired you recently?
In Paris there are so many exhibitions, but recently I loved the Paul Poiret exhibit at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs – not only because of his work, but because of the scenography. Also, the couturier Charles Frederick Worth at Le Petit Palais, and the light sculptures of designer Ronan Bouroullec at the Galerie Kreo.
What is your most cherished textile, and why?
The first textile that I ever bought in India about 25 years ago which was a white-on-white sari from Manipur. I love the simplicity of the piece as well as use of the extra weft technique. It is so special.
Which colours, textures or materials say “Christmas” to you?
Winter white! Gold, Bronze, Copper, Berry Red. Naturally coloured wools, be it cashmere, pashmina, or yak. Embroidered Wool. Thick felted pieces. Lots of candles & lights .
What textile traditions or handmade items make the festive season special for you?
Handmade embroidered decorations for garlands , and not only for a tree but to be strung around the house.
Do you have a favourite Christmas decoration or textile you bring out every year?
Embroidered Christmas stockings in felt. A beautiful glass ornament in a bronze colour with bronze glitter from Astier de Villate of a…..Potato! Elevated humbleness.
If you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world to discover festive textile traditions, where would it be?
I think it would be in Eastern Europe, Latvia, or Romania to see any traditional costumes and dances.
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Further Information:
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Image Credits:
All images courtesy of Julie Cole at Rubia & Neel, and as credited in photo captions.