Creating a sustainable collection is a great idea, actually making it happen is a hard process. So when someone, who also happens to be an old friend does, I get very excited. This week Nikki Kule, founder of the spirited everything-happy-and-striped company Kule, launched Kule Green, her first collection of signature styles made from organic cotton, in which every process–from washing pieces in recycled water, to manufacturing each component closer to home, to packaging them in biodegradable bags is as purposeful as possible. We’ve actually discussed her progress over (pre-COVID) lunches many times, because going green takes commitment and stamina–her process was two years in the making. I want to applaud Nikki for doing her part for the planet, and for anyone looking for the perfect, sustainable striped tee, shop here. Moreover Kule is committed to doing their part to bring black voices into their community by working with black talent, “assembling a paid apprenticeship program that will introduce young Black creatives to all aspects of our business”, making Election Day a company holiday and donating to good causes. All positive steps. See below for Nikki’s Quarantine Questionnaire and more good, Kule stuff.

What are you wearing often? I am obsessed with the new Kule sweatpants that are coming soon, and also my Vibi Venezia slippers.
What are you wearing too often? Sweatpants and slippers.

Your go-to video conference outfit: I have been trying out some of our new Kule spring sweaters like the Vivienne polo and the Raquel sweater (super comfy!). At least, I can get some use out of them before we are set free into the warmer weather months. I also recently purchased small gold Sophie Buhai Hoops.

Favorite place at home to sit and work? My kitchen table.
Latest read: I’ve been reading coffee table books that I have purchased years ago, but never had time to read or study. They are the best inspiration when you can’t leave the apartment.
Online rabbit hole: We are moving to a new apartment as soon as we are released, so this time has been so valuable for me to research all things home related. I have been into Scandi furniture sites like Finish Design Shop, Skandium, or Svenskt Tenn for Josef Frank. Interior design has been the best distraction throughout all of this.

New Insta discovery: Katie Couric is my latest IG crush. I really love and appreciate her efforts to keep us informed on a daily basis and shares the most touching stories through her #frontlineheroes. I also have been looking at Collagerie for beautiful inspiration, Alireza Niroomand when I need a laugh, and Max Greenfield so I don’t feel like I am the only one struggling in quarantine. I have also been obsessed with Rosie Assoulin’s IG stories. She has incredible artistic cooking skills.
Daily ritual you practice: My husband makes me a coffee to start the day. We literally don’t see each other again until dinner time. He started to get creative and has been making art in my coffee- well he is trying to.
Daily ritual you’ve abandoned: I haven’t been washing my hair every day and giving it a well needed rest. I’m looking forward to getting back to our beloved Marris at Julien Farel. ( Jennifer and I share the same colorist.)

New skill you’ve mastered: I did a TikTok dance with my daughter. I’m embarrassed to say that it took me several days to learn, and I haven’t stopped doing it since. It’s so addictive.
Old skill you’ve put back in use: I cut my husband’s hair—he doesn’t take cash tips for the coffee.
Favorite new recipe: My father-in-law’s chocolate cake recipe.
Mood booster: When my daughter and I break out into dance around 4pm everyday unless she is on a work call.
Favorite hour of the day and why! 7pm. Open your window and feel the humanity that New York is sharing.
Favorite COVID-related cause: Direct Relief and GLWD.
Something you love to do that you can share with others: I have been spending a lot of time looking at old photos. I finally bought leather photo albums and have been filling them with photos pre-digital age. I have been texting my friends some real blasts from the pasts which lead to a great catch up over the phone.

How are you looking at your business differently? We are so appreciative to those who have continued supported us. We have tried to make our brand even happier, lighter, and a bit more fun. We are obsessed with doing things that make us smile in the hopes that it will be contagious and make others smile too. We are small enough to adapt in these unprecedented times and using these lessons to be better prepared for the future.
What do you miss most? Seeing the Kule team in person at the Kule studio. I also miss eating out at our favorite restaurants I SODI and Sant Ambroeus.
Where will you go on your first post-pandemic trip? I can’t wait to go back to Italy. My husband and I had a scheduled trip to Milan this month, which I was looking forward to. Given everything they have been through, it will have extra special meaning to go there and take in all that incredible beauty and see my Italian friends.

What do you hope the new normal brings? I find myself during this time to cherish and appreciate my friends and family and also about the little comforts in our lives that we took for granted things.
I can only hope that New York and the world will have a newer, warmer spirit that brings us closer together and more understanding (respectful) of each individual.
Follow Kule: Instagram.
I miss her popup store at the Brentwood Country Mart – it was so cheerful to see it bulging out of the post office. Love her tees, and love that she’s made them “green” now too – congratulations to her, and you.