Treasure trove of handwoven textiles with pretty courtyard café
- 704, Galle Road, Colombo 03
- Mon-Sat 10am-7pm Sun & Poya Day 11am-6pm
- +94 11 2589305
- Website
A barefoot philosophy
Barefoot is part art gallery, part performance space and part shop. It’s also one of the best places to buy books in Sri Lanka. For over 40 years, the Barefoot family has worked with local villagers to produce bags, toys, clothes and textiles that capture the talent, heritage craft and the aesthetic spirit of Sri Lanka. It was Kandy born artist Barbara Sansoni, who in the 1960’s started putting her design ideas onto cloth. She took inspiration from the vivid colours of the country’s lush landscape that have since become Barefoot trademark signature.
Hand woven with love
The brand has come a long way, Barbara started selling cloth out her own house and Barefoot now exports to over 30 countries. Yet some things never changed. Even today, nothing is mass produced here, everything is made in village workshops, close to the homes of the weavers and sewers.
Barbara Sansoni, amidst a demanding and fast-paced design environment, has never compromised on her style and has created a unique Sri Lankan identity.
Garden café
The outdoor café is Barefoot’s hidden secret. Walk all the way to the back of the shop and you find an intimate garden with lovely fresh juices and healthy lunches. Come on Sundays for live jazz music!