Natural Dyes

We exclusively use natural dyes. Natural dyes are derived from plant sources, minerals, insects, and other organic materials found in nature. 

Unlike synthetic dyes, which often involve harmful chemicals and pollutants, natural dyes offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for coloring textiles. We avoid commercial chemical fixatives, like formaldehyde. Instead opting for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

We love the rich variety of colors we can craft, each dye steeped in history and cultural significance, some tracing back to ancient civilizations. These colors give our pieces unique, artistic variations from one edition to the next.

Fading gracefully over time, we acknowledge this evolution as a testament to the authenticity of natural dyes and our craft. We believe this adds depth to our creations, these fading hues tell a story of the natural aging of materials, and the traditional craft of natural dyeing. 

We continue to explore and experiment with centuries old artisanal techniques throughout our processes embodying the harmony between tradition, nature, and sustainable design, aligning with the our principles around environmentally conscious design and production.

 Some of the dyes we use: 

 

Madder Root 

Madder Root dyes, derived from the roots of the Rubia tinctorum plant. Renowned for it's rich red and earthy tones, madder root dyes have been utilized for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. Beyond their vivid colors, madder root dyes are celebrated for their eco-friendliness, as they are non-toxic and biodegradable. We love this dye not only for its stunning tones but we are also able to reuse the dye bath several times helping to reducing our waste. 

Cochineal

Cochineal dye, a vivid red pigment extracted from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus). Native to Central and South America, the use of cochineal dates back to pre-Columbian civilizations. Cochineal dye is renowned for its brilliant red hues, ranging from scarlet to deep crimson, and its remarkable colorfastness. 

Gardenia 

Derived from the vibrant yellow pigments found in the fruit of the Gardenia jasminoides plant. This dye has been treasured for centuries in Asia, particularly in traditional Japanese and Chinese textiles. It produces a range of warm and sunny yellow shades, from pale pastels to deep golden tones. 

Aztec Marigold 

Derived from the brilliant golden-orange petals of the Tagetes erecta flower. This dye was an integral part of the indigenous Aztec civilization's vibrant textile tradition. The Aztecs cultivated marigolds not only for their ornamental beauty but also for their ability to produce stunning natural dyes. The resulting colors range from warm yellows to deep oranges, evoking the hues of the sun. 

Black Walnut

Black Walnut natural dye, crafted from the hulls or outer shells of black walnuts (Juglans nigra), is celebrated for its deep and rich brown hues, in shades ranging from warm chocolate to deep espresso tones. This natural dye is prized for its colorfastness and durability. 

White Mulberry / Chlorophyll 

White mulberry, hailing from the Morus alba tree, offers a gentle and versatile color palette. While White Mulberries are celebrated for their sweet fruits, their leaves also hold the key to creating delicate shades of yellow and green. The 'Leafy Green' dye we use is derived from the castings of the silk worms which feed on the leaves and is rich in Chlorophyll. 

Pomegranate 

Pomegranate natural dye, derived from the peel or rind of the pomegranate fruit has been used for centuries in various cultures. The peel of this richly colored fruit contains tannins and pigments that can produce a range of beautiful colors, from soft yellows to deep, earthy oranges and browns.