About
Elda Joaquim is the founder of Kapulana さん San, a sustainable fashion brand inspired by textile heritage, cultural diversity, and zero-waste design. Discover her story.
I’m Elda Joaquim, born in 1984 — daughter and granddaughter of Mozambicans, great-granddaughter of Indians. I came to Portugal at the age of two, where I was raised and still live today.
In my early years in Portugal, I lived in a shelter home that welcomed people from all over the world — not only Portuguese, but also from Angola, São Tomé, Guinea, India, Timor, China, Macau, Brazil, and many other places. That multicultural environment shaped who I am.
Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to Capulanas, the traditional Mozambican fabric, and gradually developed a fascination with everything textile-related — weaving, knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery. I was passionate about understanding how textiles and garments were created.
Along the way, I discovered the Geishas and fell in love with kimonos and Japanese culture, which continue to influence my creative vision.
I always knew that textiles and fashion would be part of my future, but the more I learned, the more I realized the environmental toll the fashion and textile industries have on our planet. That awareness gave birth to Kapulana さん San — a brand rooted in my love for fabrics, and in the belief that fashion can be a powerful tool to connect, respect, and celebrate different cultures, while also preserving history and stories.
To this vision, I added the principle of zero waste — a commitment to sustainability and to seeing every scrap of fabric as a new possibility.
This is me: someone who found in fashion a way to express and blend my cultural identity with the cultures I grew up with, encountered, and will continue to discover, all while contributing to the preservation of our planet.
If I can help make fashion more inclusive, conscious, and sustainable, then I will have achieved my goal as a designer.
Kapulana-san is a soulful fusion of cultures, fabrics, and philosophies—a handmade fashion brand born from a deep love for capulanas, kimonos, and sustainability. Founded around 2014, Kapulana-san reflects a desire to create meaningful, unique clothing that tells a story—without harming the planet.
Our Roots
As a Mozambican woman, African fabrics have always been woven into my identity. Capulanas—the traditional Mozambican cloth—are rich in color, pattern, and history. Pairing them with the minimalist elegance of the Japanese kimono gave birth to a vision: create clothing that connects cultures, celebrates individuality, and embraces zero-waste principles.
Handmade. Zero Waste. One of a Kind.
Every Kapulana-san piece is handmade, designed with love, and guided by a zero-waste philosophy. We use a blend of upcycled African textiles, vintage fabrics, leftover stock, and recycled materials. Nothing is discarded—even the smallest fabric scraps are transformed into accessories, packaging, or new designs.
Our creations are slow-made, soulful, and unrepeatable—each one a wearable work of art that honors people, planet, and process.
Inspired by the Kimono
The kimono—with its timeless shape and modular construction—became the perfect canvas. Its square-based design aligns with traditional Japanese values like mottainai (no waste), boro (repaired textiles), and wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection). This not only maximizes fabric use but also invites all body types, genders, and identities to feel included and celebrated.
A Bridge Between Cultures
Kapulana-san is more than clothing—it's a cultural dialogue, a way to build bridges through beauty and creativity. We believe fashion can open minds, spark curiosity, and bring people together across continents and traditions.
What We Stand For
Sustainable Fashion rooted in zero-waste methods
Handcrafted Clothing made with heart and purpose
Upcycled & Reclaimed Materials only
Gender-Inclusive & Size-Inclusive Designs
Cultural Celebration through textiles and storytelling
What’s in a Name?
The name Kapulana-san says it all: Capulana, the iconic African fabric, meets san (さん), the Japanese honorific that shows respect. Together, they create a symbol of cultural fusion and mutual appreciation—a tribute to two heritages and their shared values of mindfulness, craftsmanship, and beauty.
Kapulana-san invites you to wear your values, celebrate culture, embrace slow fashion, and choose pieces that tell a story—handmade, sustainable, and uniquely yours.