Capture the beauty of spring with natural dyes
Non-toxic, eco-friendly and rich in pigment, natural dyeing is a beautiful process that has been used to colour our clothing for millennia. From delicate pinks made from avocado skins to the deep yellows drawn from the Weld wildflower, the natural world provides an abundance of striking colours that are perfect for creating spring garments.
Embracing this ancient technique in their latest spring launch, Gudrun Sjõdén’s Natural Dyes collection includes a range of timeless pieces that can be worn year after year. Celebrating nature, culture and community, the collection features a range of spring staples and is a masterclass in the art of natural dyeing.
What are natural dyes?
At its core, natural dyeing is the process of colouring textiles with pigments found in the environment around us. Plants, insects, and minerals are ground down to create a pigment, which is then added to water, along with a natural fixative like vinegar or soy milk. This is then left to ferment before the textile is added to the solution, colouring the garment permanently.
In today’s fast fashion industry, many dyes are created using synthetic chemicals. These chemicals derive from oil, gas and coal tar. Sadly, these chemical dyes have devastating effects on the environment. The World Bank estimates up to 20% of global water pollution is caused by the dyeing industry. This pollution damages aquatic ecosystems, contaminates local water sources and can alter the PH balance of the surrounding soil.
By using the natural dyeing process, individuals and companies like Gudrun Sjõdén are choosing a more sustainable way of dyeing clothing. The natural pigments can be composted, and the water can be recycled back to the land since it’s free from toxins.
By ensuring your clothing has been dyed using natural pigments, like the pieces in this outfit, you can take one step towards a more sustainable wardrobe.
The beauty of variation
Not only do natural dyes produce stunning, earthy colours, but each shade is beautifully unique. Each dye is different and changes over time, reflecting the ever-changing natural world. The local landscape can affect the growth and strength of the natural pigment, while exposure to light can change the final colour.
Gudrun Sjõdén embrace this organic process, creating garments that move and breathe just like the pigment. This, coupled with the natural fabrics they use, results in pieces which feel alive and dynamic – perfect for spring.
‘Because these are genuinely hand-crafted pieces, each one will be unique with subtle variations in colours. And that’s precisely the charm — well that’s what I think!’
– Gudrun Sjõdén
The Natural Dyes collection comprises a dress, jacket, blouse, trousers and a beautiful solid-colour cardigan – all made using the natural dyeing process. Pigments from the Madder plant are used to create the vibrant red hues seen throughout the collection.
Native to India and Southeast Asia, indigo is a wonderful natural pigment that’s spotlighted in the collection. Harvested from India, the plant is fermented in an indigo vat in Bagru before being applied to the fabric. This process produces a unique shade of indigo that’s turned into pieces such as the Indra and Shiva dress below.
‘Witnessing the transformation of the fabric from yellow-green to deep indigo blue is nothing short of MAGICAL!’
– Gudrun Sjõdén
To create secondary colours, Gudrun Sjõdén layers the eco-dyeing process. The various shades of green seen in items such as the Himla jersey dress and knitted cardigan are created by double-dyeing the fabric. The chosen textile is first dipped in indigo, then in pomegranate, producing this earthy, sustainable shade.
Create a wardrobe you love with naturally dyed clothing
By choosing to buy naturally dyed pieces, you can ensure your clothing is both sustainable and chemical-free. The organic shades found in the Natural Dyes collection not only reflect the beauty of the natural world but also help to protect it.
Shop the Natural Dyes collection from Gudrun Sjõdén today and build a spring wardrobe you love.
