The Hindu word: “Mandala is used as a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically. The designs are a microcosm of the Universe, as we see it. Mandalas are also used to focus one's attention in meditation, and as a spiritual teaching tool.

Mandalas are the design feature of items from Mandinez. The company has 14 beautiful, original, mandala designs that they use to decorate very luxuriously soft, 100% certified organic cotton items. Fitted T-shirts $30.00, Unisex T’s $28.00 & useful large, organic cotton Totes $32.00 . Each mandala has a fanciful name, such as "Center of the Earth;" "Night Flower;" and "Purple Haze." The photos really don't do the designs justice. The designs are beautifully screened, with colors so bright and eye-catching it's hard to stop staring at them.
I tried the fitted T for women, in naturally colored, creamy ivory, organic cotton, with a delicate orange, red sand brown mandala called “Peace." It looks like a flower blooming within a serene star (the peace mandala is the one on the T-shirt in the photo, but he's wearing the Unisex version). This organic cotton is so soft, it feels like silk. The fitted T has a nicely-stitched jewel neckline that's elegant and modest. The fitted T was snug enough to make me wish I’d done just a bit more yoga this year, but while shape-defining, it still has a bit of give in the fabric (this T goes up to 2XL). The Unisex T’s (photo) has a roomier fit. And speaking of roomy--the tote bag is 20" x 14" 5." My tote in naturally colored beige canvas was soft and silky like the T shirts, and featured the "Purple Fantasy" mandala seen in the photos. It's an eye catching blend of purple, orange, red and yellow that really makes you stop and think. The bright mandala makes it hard to turn your eyes away --isn't that part of the fun of a great tote? Two large, reinforced canvas handles let you sling even a heavy load over your shoulder, making it great for dashing through the subway or the supermarket. This tote isn’t like those cheap give-away bags, it's beautifully finished and strong enough to carry everything from books to overnight necessities.

ECO TIP: Substitute a tote for plastic bags when you're shopping, and you'll look great as well as do a little bit more to be environmentally conscious.

I love the beautiful designs, high quality items, and reasonable prices of Mandinez. Even better, the company employs fair labor practices and sustainable printing using water-based colors that really make the designs, pop! An eye-catching conversation piece is a "must-have." These are wearable walking works of art that will get you noticed. The artist and designs, Jivelle Callender, lives in Brooklyn. The Mandinez Night Star Mandala will be worn on-screen later this year in the motion picture “Red Canyon” due out later this year. To watch the trailer and learn about this film visit http://www.redcanyonmovie/