Sandra and Jules keep tie-dye thriving at 22 years

Trinidad & Tobago nationals Sandra and Jules have made Tie-Dye designing their passion project, taking blended colors to new creative heights under the brand name San Jules.

The Brooklyn-based husband-and-wife business partners are celebrating 22 years of the unique collection of modern psychedelic tie-dye, which blew up in the late 1960s and popularized it in ladies’ and gents’ ready-to-wear attire.

From separates to suits and jackets, headbands, T-shirts, and jewelry, the brand has taken flight across America and the Caribbean, where the duo could be seen at outdoor and indoor pop-ups, festivals, the Trinidad Carnival, and even Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Bling Tees, African sustainable bags, and jewelry created by husband and wife, Sandra and Jules, of San Jules showcased their collection on Saturday, April 18, at Little Caribbean and I Am CaribBeing marketplace at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Empire Boulevard in Brooklyn. San Jules was created by the Trinidad nationals 22 years ago. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

On Saturday, April 18, Caribbean Life caught up with Sandra at the Little Caribbean and I Am CaribBeing marketplace, located at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Empire Boulevard, where she welcomed shoppers to her kiosk of dresses, bejeweled Tees, African cloth bags, and jewelry sourced from Africa.

Their shared love of fashion and Caribbean heritage inspired the launch of San Jules, specializing in unique tie-dye clothing, accessories, and embellished t-shirts.

They strive to bring the best, high-quality, unique, and creative products to loyal customers across the U.S.

Sandra, who wears her pieces with style and pride, was decked out in a denim jacket in dazzling hues. One of her pieces, she says, was conceptualized and brought to life by a team of tie-dyers who, over the years, have helped to universalize the business-owners’ line of radiant, eye-popping outfits.

“It wasn’t even supposed to be a business. We used to do a lot of artworks. Then we started making fabric collages, and from there it moved on to T-shirts adorned with rhinestones. But I always liked tie-dye design, so when we were married, all the guests wore tie-dye outfits.”

African sustainable bags, and jewelry created by husband and wife, Sandra and Jules, of San Jules on Saturday April 18, showcased their collection at Little Caribbean and I Am CaribBeing marketplace at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Empire Boulevard in Brooklyn. San Jules was created by Trinidad nationals, husband and wife duo, 22 years ago.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

After realizing this was their path, the couple conceptualized a tie-dye collection and, with a team of tie-dye creatives, launched a line that has become a staple in creative spaces and pop-ups where San Jules continues to showcase ongoing collections.

“It’s all just tie dye, basically,” said Sandra, who meets with clients by appointment, and added that the garments start at around $45.

The couple believes in the harmony of tradition and technology. “To ensure we can invest more into our high-quality fabrics and artisan craftsmanship while keeping our prices accessible, we occasionally use AI-generated models to showcase our collections,” states sanjules.com.

“These ‘virtual muses’ bring our creative visions to life, showcasing our wearable art in beautiful settings worldwide. Each garment is real, lovingly designed, and ready for your wardrobe,” said the duo.

As usual, the ensembles on sale at the marketplace were radiant. Sustainable bags made from African cloth and jewelry sourced from Africa will also be available at upcoming events. These include the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) festival on Memorial Day Weekend, the July 4th Festival in Lincoln Park, Brooklyn, the Aug. 1 Emancipation Day Festival, New Orleans Mardi Gras, and Trinidad Carnival in February 2027.

To learn more, visit www.sanjules.com