In the photo: Barbara-Jo McIntosh of Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks is one of Dajoji's first Vancouver customers. DAJOJI CHEF JACKETS The BC restaurant community not only knows
Anthony Nicalo from the fine artisan quality wines he imports into Canada via his
Farmstead Wines company, but also for his dedication to products and projects that support ecological and sustainable values.
Now he has taken those values in a new direction by investing in
Dajoji *, a new company that specializes in creating designer chef jackets made from unbleached, organic cotton.
Nicalo, a chef before he got into the wine business, said that he recognized a niche market for the product here in BC.
"There are few jackets on the market that are constructed with style in mind," he said. "Too often, if they fit well they constrict movement, and if they are a bit roomier they look like a sack. In addition, commercially made chefs jackets are usually made from cotton that is heavily saturated with chemicals. These days, chefs are increasingly aware of the healthiness and sustainability of the ingredients they cook with. They are the perfect market for a garment that is not only comfortable to wear but also looks good and shows respect for their own health and that of the environment."
Dajoji jackets, initially available in one style for women and one for men, are created by fashion designers from cotton that is purchased from certified 100 percent organic cotton mills in Texas. They allow for a great deal of freedom of movement while at the same time sport stylish finishing such as a tapered fit, covered buttons and bound button holes, back pleating, arm pockets, double seaming, and front flap detailing. Best of all, they are completely machine washable.
Price is in the 100 Cdn dollar range and interested chefs may purchase online from Dajoji's Canadian website which should be up and running by the end of the week.
* Dajoji is the name of the Iroquis spirit of the western wind, a panther. Even the sun hides when it hears Dajoji coming. The logo design is based on a modern windmill.
