Starting the design process..


Hello, fellow eco readers. I have now reached the point in my research where I begin exploring design. What fabrics will I use? What is my sustainability goal with this design? Am I creating fashion or textile?

It's taken some revision and exploration into natural dyes. I started by contacting Billy Nou, a Botanical Natural dye fanatic/connoisseur on Youtube mentioned in my last blog post (https://edenmatisse.blogspot.com/2021/03/animal-right-within-textile.html).

I messaged Billy and asked her about her thoughts on the use of cochineal beetles as a 'natural' red pigment. She said that her assumption was that these beetles were already dead when crushed, but when she discovered that wasn't the case, decided to stop using carmine red dye and instead explore madder. Madder is a much more naturally earthy-red pigment sourced from plants, that appears to work best on cotton and bamboo fabric. Thanks to Billy's video, and some at-home flower printing experimentation, I too came to the conclusion that cotton would be my material of choice for this project. 

Billy also shared with me the details of another at-home natural dye tech who might know more and be able to give me advice as a student. This just goes to show that reaching out is always worth it, as most artists are extremely friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable people! I will contact the second artist as I start my design process shortly.

Last week I had come to the conclusion that I would be producing an alternative to my previously explored sustainability issue: Fast Fashion. Now I know that we are far from abolishing trends. Everybody loves new things and popular things - this is something that has been the 'norm' for years and will continue. BUT... I propose a sustainable solution! No more seasonal waste, throwing out 'that's-so-last-year' items, panic mass consumption and production of the new big thing. Instead, I have researched Made-to-Fade Fashion.

Imagine having a naturally dyed piece of clothing that keeps up with the trends. Perhaps a kimono or collar that has this season's popular polka dots in winter, then after 3/4 washes is a blank canvas once more and ready to have spring's floral craze printed on it. The same reliable, quality, cotton item that has the flexibility to keep up with the newest high-street fashion! 

I would propose a customer loyalty scheme or workshop so that when you are ready for your next design to be put on your faded fashion, you (the customer) return to me (the designer). Thus maintaining that relationship as we pick out your desired print and create a fresh revitalised item. It would not only reduce waste, keep up with trends and be sustainable but it would also give the wearer more choice in the design of their clothes. Ultimately provoking the inner artist in us all. More confidence, pride, and most importantly uniqueness to the wearer's attire. 

This idea excites me and it's only just begun to bloom, there's plenty of kinks to work through, plenty of trial and error, but that is a challenge I am looking forward to tackling head-on. 

Links: 

Billy Nou Youtube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJzrFsUywxmh88MdehJv9qw

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