La Femme is a journal series focusing on womanhood and exploring femininity in all forms, we interview magical women from our community and share their stories, in hopes to inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
I fell in love with Joy's work a few years ago, captivated by her unique style. Her pieces leave me feeling completely mesmerized... evoking a quiet state of contemplation, contentment and peace. I am really excited to introduce her to our community.
I was always interested in having a creative job. I went to art school, assuming I’d leave with a design focus or go into interior design. Instead, I accidentally fell in love with a mandatory painting course that I was initially dreading. The teacher pulled me aside early on in the course and told me to ignore the rest of the class assignments, keep painting, and bring my discoveries to class. She poured into me and early on brought a lot of confidence into my work. Long story short, from then on the business side of things eventually happened and flourished but it has always stemmed from a place of feeling drawn to create and a deep passion and love for painting.
peaceful, creative and fun
I show up in the world making space for creativity, for others, and for rest. I want to enjoy life and do it with others. To experience relationships, nature, beauty, food and rest to their fullest potential. I hope that my art brings peace and connection for others. There is so much more I could say on this, but hospitality and caring for others are at the heart of it.
Specifically in the studio, my morning routine here is something I cherish. I walk in and set my intention for the day. I set aside my phone and start creating a brain dump of everything on my mind. From there I turn on music and start painting. It’s nothing fancy but it helps me stay on track. Tips for staying inspired: take notes when the inspiration is flowing so you can refer back, go for a walk, take a break and take some pressure off of “feeling inspired” all of the time.
I am amplifying rest, play and time in nature with my family. I am paring back on obligation, busyness and pressure.
In the last month, I have been reminded of my need to rest. As a wife, mother and an artist, wearing all of these hats can be a lot and carving time for myself isn’t easy. Investing in myself, in small ways, is an investment to my family and my art practice.
I believe there is a lot of power in daily rhythms and rituals. Self-care is a big one for me. I love to take the time to do skincare + facial massages in the morning and night. Getting dressed in a proper outfit every day is a must. Picking an outfit that I feel good in, visually and comfort-wise. Lastly, I have been making a habit of early morning walks and runs. Taking this time to be alone, even for a few minutes in the morning can drastically change my productivity and energy in the day.
When I think of womanhood, I think of soft confidence. I think of the strength women have in so many ways from mothering, creativity, to the way we think and dream. But also the way we can nurture, care deeply and empathize. Womanhood is also so beyond just us, but in the women who came before us and who will come after. I am so inspired by the women around me and it is a gift to do life together.
Oh this is hard… Currently, I have been loving Agnes Martin's work. It is minimal and impactful. Her story is beautiful and her work truly speaks for itself.
Joy wears the Pacifico Pants and The Bra 0.1 in natural. Follow Joy on Instagram or visit her website for more information on her art.
Different people told me the same thing: I can do anything. I always think about that when I have doubt and it gives me the confidence to try out new things and embrace failures and successes.
I am not a morning person but as a mother and working woman, I've had to learn to be efficient in the morning. I usually avoid creative tasks or workout in the morning. Instead, I focus on administrative/business development tasks and I will focus on creative activities in the afternoon and at night. Also, I receive many last-minute requests so I always do my best to plan ahead and to not postpone things. Regarding my daily routine, I enjoy taking my time to have lunch and to listen to music (the French woman in me). On the weekend, I love to hike with my husband and baby.
As a petite woman, I have always used clothes to empower me and I love using my creativity to curate looks. I have eclectic tastes, I have been inspired by arts, architecture, and movies from different eras. I dress depending on my mood and the occasion, but I usually choose to wear something that will add structure to my silhouette.
I think people should not dress according to fashion but according to what they feel great in. Also, dressing according to your body type is great but sometimes it is better to push the boundaries and try out new things. It is a question of balance. As a petite, I was told to avoid oversized pieces, but I like to wear them and I will balance them with more fitted pieces.
I totally embrace being a woman. I feel free, empowered, and lucky. But, I am also aware that this is not the case for many women. I believe it is part of our legacy to make sure that we will work toward more equality in the future and preserve our rights.
A surprise weekend in Roma!
]]>Jess shares some thoughts with us on womanhood, self discovery and her personal journey. We love the way Jess embodies the idea of 'what you see is what you get', sharing a real and raw representation of life. It's so powerful and refreshing these days to be able to express realness in this world of social media. We love that Jess embodies that natural sense of self and shares from that space.
I feel like my real journey of “self” started at the beginning of Covid. The world stopped and I stopped, it forced me to be still with myself, learn and decide what I want from life and myself. Life was madness before, too fast, to chaotic which created unhealthy habits and unhappiness. Now I am calm and can finally say “I am happy”.
Jess wears the Ayra Bralette in Toffee
My happiness is worth more than money.
Calm mind with a dash of crazy creativity is an ideal state of mind. By being is this new happy space I have found it has allowed my mind to be calm and for my creativity to rise again and sometimes it’s a bit manic because I want to do it all and all at once but I love it!
Jess wears the Ayra Skirt + Ayra Bralette
Well, having this baby has definitely made me think about what she needs and what we need. Life can be so excessive and we have definitely tried to be more conscious about that, despite what other people say. Our minds have also changed a lot about mainstream life, but that is a whole other story.
No I don’t really, I just try to be and live more gently if that makes sense? I’ve always been so hard with myself and others.
I think at different points in your life the meaning will change, right now as a woman, I feel stronger, fierce, protective and gentle all at the same time. I feel like maybe womanhood is an ever evolving state that is unique to only woman, it’s evolving constantly, it’s beautiful!
Don’t stress yourself with what other pregnant mamas are doing. Take all advice given with a pinch of salt. Style, just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you have to dress like a morman, if having your belly out makes you feel amazing, DO IT! Health, listen to your body, give it what it wants.
100% everything has changed. The way the world is now and how silly people have become has made us want to live away from it all, a more nomadic life with strong connections made along the way.
]]>All the information you need to know about SS22
The collection was designed by me (Nat) in Zambia, our new home. It was filmed and shot in Zanzibar with a fully local team except for Dave and I. (Dave is my fiancé and photographer for those of you who are new here).
Our whole SS22 collection is ethically and sustainably produced in India. Please see more details here about our move, and watch our factory tour video. Our fabrics are made and dyed to order, so it is a truly unique collection. We select pantones and dye the fabric for the collection, a really new and fun experiences as before we had to select colours that were available in the wholesale warehouses. Using only AZO free dyes in a closed loop water system. Our factory is also solar powered so we have levelled up our sustainability in a big way, yay to us!
Our entire collection goes up to 2xl and some styles up to 3xl. As a small brand this is something we have been working on over the past few years and I am really proud to be able to finally offer our full collection in this extended size range. More photos coming throughout the season.
We will be releasing our new collection in 3 drops over the course of spring and summer. We have so many beautiful new pieces for you.
Drop 1 Presale opens Monday 11th April 9am PST
All presale orders made in the first 24 hours will be 25% off. Discount codes will be sent via email so make sure you are subscribed and have saved us as a contact. After 24 hours it will drop to 15% off for the remainder of the presale. Drop one expected to ship to customers in the second week of May.
25% OFF FOR FIRST 24HRS
15% OFF THEREAFTER, UNTILL CLOTHING SHIPS FROM INDIA
We doing things differently this year. We will be updating you constantly via email as well as live updates on the product page about our production + presale timeline. Any any updates we get we will pass onto you so that you know exactly what is happening along the way. Each product page will have a graphic illustration showing where we are in the production and shipping timeline so you have a live update.
SHIPPING INFO:
All orders will ship once entire order is ready for shipping. If you wish to receive an item sooner, please place two separate orders. Some of our styles will be ready for shipping sooner than others, please refer to product page details on expected shipping date.
SIZING INFO:
Please reach out to us at hello@arraeicollective.com for any sizing questions. As a small brand we only produce one round of samples in size small (sometimes in xs) This is my size so that I can try on the pieces to make sure the fit is correct. We then grade accordingly and start production. As a result we only have our samples for the photoshoot and have to make them work with our model. Josephine is an XS in our size range, however she is photographed in a small for some styles on the site. Most smalls fit her but she would better fit a size xs. Please see fit notes for more info. This also means that we don't have the opportunity to photograph curve models for our expanded size range, these images will come soon though we promise :)
PERSONAL NOTE:
I have been working on this collection since January 2021, it's taken over a year to manifest. A year ago I was terrified that moving to Zambia would make my business collapse, it all seemed so impossible. The entire business model and supply chain had to drastically change, as well as my whole personal life, in order for us to go live in this remote part of Africa. Fast forward to now, through all the challenges, tears, highs and lows, we are ready to launch the SS22 collection. A very humbling and proud moment for me. Through it all we have stayed true to our values and ethos and come out more ethical + sustainable than before, YAY! I will be writing another blog post soon to share more about our move, the new factories and our vision for a more sustainable Arráei, very exciting things in the pipeline.
I am beyond grateful to still be here making these beautiful clothes for you. So much gratitude for you and your continuous support, thank you for trusting us through this big transformation. Please dont hesitate to reach out to me personally if you have any questions: natalie@arraeicollective.com
We are empowered daily by the amazing community we have built with you all and being able to share it. Thank you all so much for sharing with us what empowers you.
Learn more about Linda here
I value the idea of being driven not by our minds, but by our hearts - and I cherish the lifestyle that comes with that. It demands far less control, it feels light, yet so rich. It feels True to our calling.
I have found that when I get to focus less on the outcomes and expectations of my mind and ego, I can observe the meaning and beauty in all my processes as they are. And have a lot more fun while at it. I keep reminding myself that I don’t need to force (or resist) my path. I am already on it.
When something doesn’t feel right, it’s a sign that we need to make room for something else. The universe has its own sense of humour with that, and will keep showing us until we understand that lesson. If we listen carefully we will notice how this greatness is always trying to guide us. It’s magical to witness when something is happening and taking form, almost without our intervention at all. When we just become that hollow vessel through which it does.
That is what I’m here to experience and share with others.Simplifying my life and not over-planning. Claiming time for self care, study and contemplation.
I have loved spending more time in nature, noticing things and journaling my observations. Nature truly is a school of life, where the Elements, the plants, the land are my teachers. I’m lucky to live on an island with an energetically powerful landscape. Even my little garden has taught me so much.
I am grateful about having a vivid sense of creativity, but sometimes my mind gets flooded with ideas and I get overwhelmed because I think that I need to do it all (some people would say that is typical Pisces behaviour, haha!).
I keep having to remind myself that I do not need to say yes to everything, and make a conscious effort to notice which input comes from the mind and which comes from the heart. I practice discernment as to which endeavours I am capable of pursuing with full intention - while maintaining a balance that feeds me positively in my life and where I can stay present throughout the whole spectrum of my experience.
I am on a journey of listening, adjusting and continuously defining what that space looks like for me.
I have recently re-taken a Myers Briggs test - and found out that my personality type is the advocate.
I did feel this a lot through all of 2020. This year was all about filling my vessel so I could share my findings with others in the attempt to help others fill their vessels too. That was one of the main drives behind the creation of my book, Ousìa, which is a guide to connecting with the Elements. Even an artist, I always look for meaning in what I create because it is important for me to share the deeper aspect of the messages I bring out visually.
It is my hope to inspire others to dive deeper and align to the divine energy that unites us all. I feel continuously called to contribute in a movement of deep self-exploration and collective awareness that will bring us back to the source, reviving ancestral knowledge and the ways of the Earth, honouring interconnectedness and co-creation.
Ritual is so important to me, as it can bring a sense of sacredness to any day, or just serve to remind us of our fleeting human experience. My rituals have taught me how important it is to bring intention in all that I do. They allow me to feel present.
Sometimes it can be a quick movement like opening the windows and feeling the air come into my space. Sometimes it can be a longer practice like body oiling or drumming, which helps me to shift my consciousness from mind to body. Often times it also has to do with communing with Nature and the Elements. An intention that I carry as I forage a wild herb for tea, then sit and be present with the guidance of that plant. Or as I collect earth from the mountain and feel her grounding presence, her smell and her texture as I crumble, sieve, mix and process into paint.I have shared a lot of my favourite Element-focused rituals in my book, Ousìa. These are my favourite pages in there and it brings me joy to know that more and more people are inviting these practices in their lives.
Every once in a while I like to perform a ceremony, or a series of rituals to honour a transition in my life or the phases of the moon. It can be simpler or more complex, solo or with a small group of friends, where everyone is invited to contribute and co-create. My partner for example, is amazing at composing dreamlike sound journeys, and I love it when somebody brings a tarot deck.
7. What does womanhood mean to you?
Tuning into our wild and intuitive self, rooted in the womb which is both an endless source of creation and the keeper of our deepest wounds and secrets. Balancing the dance of the masculine and the feminine energies within, as we couldn't possibly exist without both of them together. Knowing when to soften, receive and be tender. Knowing when to take action, take responsibility and speak our truth. Finding divinity within our cyclical rhythms, which echo those of the moon and of nature herself. Noticing the wisdom that comes with that, and how amazing it is to live such shifts as we get to leave a part of ourselves behind and create a new one every month. A woman above all a creator.
8. Tell us about your book Ousia, just a brief intro to your inspirations and motivations for creating it…
In these last couple of years I have found myself called to connect with the Elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Ether. The more I spent time just noticing their presence in nature, the more they got familiar as distinctive energies that were also present inside of me. It was truly a journey of connecting to something divine forces that reside within and without.
The Elements inspired my art. Slowly and steadily, they became an important part of rituals and practices that I would create around them. In the meantime, I felt inclined to begin a journey of studying and learning about how they have inspired the rest of humanity. The topic felt very compelling and so easy to implement and to understand regardless of religion, spiritual orientation or walks of life. I felt like: “Wow! This wisdom and medicine is for everyone”
Little by little, over a long and devoted process, my relationship with the Elements took form as a little book. Its name is Ousìa, which means “essence” in ancient greek. Ousìa is a book that is partly a guide, and partly an artistic, spiritual exploration. It contains art, insights and rituals to connect to each Element and gain a deeper understanding of their presence in our lives. My intention with this book is to inspire others to explore their relationship with the Elements, to tune into them and feel how they are an integral part of who we are.
Artist, Performer and Radiating Beauty
Netta Q is deeply engaged with the worlds around her; the world she was born into, the world she creates between people and things, and the world inside herself. This collection of poetry provides thoughts, insights, and reflections of these worlds.
Netta Q's new book - "Watch The Crown" speaks of blackness, modern society, loss, spirit maintenance, self-awareness, belief, and hope. Throughout the book, are pictures that explore the art of dance and movement. The photographs are symbolic of keeping the course, staying in motion no matter what you encounter on your journey. Dive into this book and allow yourself the inspiration to explore the worlds around you. Allow yourself the freedom to feel, to say, to stand in what you believe.
You can buy a copy of her book here
Netta Wears the Tide Dress in Shell, Dezia Mini in Black & Protea Pants in Ivory
]]>The creative visionary behind the brand Haati Chai and later Amarillo - Stella imbues the notion of intentionality in all that she does. We are constantly in awe of the way Stella gracefully carves her own path in the world curating a space and platform where she shares her journey to self, personal style, magical designs and her daily rituals. You can take a deep dive into Stella's world by visiting her blog: Chai Time.
I am a dreamer. For me anything I believe in is possible. No challenge is too difficult. I embrace being passionate and use it to remain driven.
My days are really busy and often feel like a blur. I’m shuffling working from home and being a mother to two young boys. Rituals in the morning and evening really keep me routed.I like to wake up and indulge in a beauty routine. I also end my evenings with a beauty routine and journaling.
Less is more. By being intentional and selective about what I am doing I am allowing myself space to reflect, rest, and respond to my environment. I’ve learned throughout the years being overcommitted and hyper-stimulated is a formula for disconnect to all the things that keep someone grounded.
It’s important to remind ourselves that we are only human and nothing will go as planned. Having this conversation with ourselves often takes some of the weight off from feeling like we’re not doing enough or things aren’t going as planned. It’s equally important to understand that we have to prioritize feeling balanced in order to give 100% to anything we are committed to. My advice to anyone is to understand that practicing self care is a must.
I am very intentional. Everything I live and wear all intertwine into the same philosophies. Home and design are all reflections of my timeless aesthetic.
It means understanding our power as a women and supporting other woman to be their best selves for herself and others.
My sons.
Stella wears the Shaia Set in Sand
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My personal journey in the past year has been one of massive expansion. I’m learning more about my energetic landscapes - what works for me, what doesn’t. Boundaries have been a beautiful lesson. This year has taught me that there’s such a thing as too much, "yes." I’m becoming more aware of my intuition, presence, and preferred pace - it’s such a gift.
I’ve started incorporating scheduled movement practices into my week. Dance and yoga have unveiled so much for me and I’m now cultivating a beautiful relationship with the strength of my body. I’m continuously in awe of the quality of energy I hold after a class.
As someone who occupies a larger body, fit will always be most important to me. My closet is well-curated with a combination of new, pre-loved, and vintage, based on what fits me well. I also take fabric, elasticity, and cut into consideration. All of these inform my consideration process. I say, "no," more than I say, "yes!"
Ivy Blouse: I love the Ivy top in copper for a few reasons. The texture of the fabric combined with the rich colour, the ruffled neckline, and the detailed sleeves make for a beautiful and wearable piece. I also love the length - I can wear it long with leggings or tied in a knot with high-waisted jeans.
The Shaia Pant and Wrap Top: When Natalie told me about the process behind the creation of this set, it blew my mind. The cotton used for this knit fabric is actually grown in this colour and there is no garment dyeing involved. I love the high-waisted cut of the pants and the stretch of the fabric. Both pieces are stunning.
Protea Pant: These pants are INCREDIBLE! I initially was apprehensive because of the lack of stretch in the fabric, but they relax slightly. As someone with a long torso, I appreciate the proper high rise. The coconut shell buttons are also a beautifully unique detail.
Sylvia's measurements are as follows:
41" Waist / 51" Hips / 44" Bust
Hope you enjoyed getting to know Sylvia <3
If you have any sizing questions, please email me directly and I will help you find your perfect fit. natalie@arraeicollective.com
xxx
We have been crushing over Nana for the past year and finally got a chance to get to know her a little. Meet Nana - Arraei creative muse, a natural dye wizard, mother of two and inspiring small business owner. Nana started dyeing old clothing and vintage finds from her kitchen sink, hoping to reduce waste and give old clothing a new life... We collaborated with Nana on an exciting new naturally dyed silk scarf.
NANA'S WEARING THE IVY MINI DRESS
I think intuition would be it. I have a strong inner voice that tells me when something is right or when to stay away. When I dare to listen to that voice, it gives me great guidance and survival skills in finding my own path.
My days revolve around my kids and I have been able to stay home with them full time the past year and a half. Being around kids forces you to be present and to live in the now. We spend most of our days outside where life during the pandemic felt most normal. Late night is usually when I have my window of me-time which I dedicate fully to my passion - natural dyeing. A few months back, I moved out of our kitchen to a tiny studio space with no windows but still my own space where I can be freer and don’t have to worry so much about making a mess. Even though I’m most tired at night I feel like creating brings back so much energy and joy and is something I do not want to live without.
It feels like it takes a whole village to collect what I need. No, but I’m very dependent on my family and friends when it comes to collecting my dye supplies. My mother helps me to grow flowers because I don’t have a garden myself. My loved ones always bring me brown paper bags with their onion skins and avocados, I honestly don’t know what I would do without them because our households food waste isn’t enough. I also use plant extracts which I buy from sustainable sources that I trust.
Living in Sweden with the seasons has a big impact on my process, both when it comes to what nature has to offer but also when it comes to my own wellbeing. I’m not my best self during the dark periods where we rarely see daylight. I have to be careful with my energy, slow down and accept that my mind and body react the way that it does during the winter.
Natural dyes are a beautiful combination of science and magic. The only way to find your expression is to keep experimenting and trying out different things. Try to use items you already have around you when it comes to dye supplies, materials and fabric or something you have a relation to and want to preserve. Books are a great source of knowledge but don’t get too stuck in being too precise, there are no right and wrongs so dare to explore and find your own process.
I feel most creative when I turn inwards and am not looking so much outside. I try to block out influences and just use my imagination. It’s challenging in the world we live in with all of the quick expressions we are exposed to daily. Yoga and meditation help me to stay grounded and I believe there is where I get the energy that later comes out in the form of creativity.
To me, it is a strong power and a natural ability to take care of, nurture, love and hold other beings as sisters, friends, mothers or whatever form that could be. When I embrace and balance my feminine and masculine energy is when I feel most like myself.
Earlier this year we embarked on a new project exploring the essence of womanhood — “La Femme” and how we could capture the diversity of what it means to identify as a woman through imagery and exploring the idea of female archetypes. We hope to spark a conversation addressing and disrupting the narrative of womanhood while still holding fast and true to our nature... This series was created for you to be inspired, to enquire, to learn more about yourself, to dream big, to find community, to embrace who you are, to uplift others.
Today we spend a (virtual) day on the beach with Morgan and get to know her a little. An inspiring Mother of two, Morgan sheds light on her daily rituals, womanhood and importance of being a Mother.
Morgan wears the Shai Set
Chaotic, adventurous, full
The ocean. Not only is it my favourite place, my name means “of the sea” and I feel like it defines me perfectly. I feel as though who I am is constantly shifting, ebbing and flowing like waves, I’m deep and wide with many things that even I haven’t yet discovered about myself.
I start the day with a cup of water and then coffee. If I’m not able to start slow, my whole day feels like chaos. When I’m able to start the day slow, preferably by myself in the quiet, I read the Bible and pray and prepare my heart for a full day of mothering.
Going to the beach has been our comfort during this time. The only place where things feel normal, where I feel like I can breathe just soaking up the sun and the saltwater.
Womanhood to me means being free to be whoever I choose to be, and who I was made to be.
Children view the world with such an innocence and awe, I’d love to view the world that way.
I believe a mother’s work is the most important work, because we raise the future generations. My contribution to the world is raising kind, strong, and truthful little women. My philosophy for living is similar, always be kind and seek the truth.
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I am Courtney, but I go by Earthmamanaturals I’m a holistic herbalist and doula from southern Georgia. Presently I am in the south and moving towards traveling the world with my kids. I’ve only changed in my growth as a person and business.
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Brittany is an inspiring brand photographer and traveller - chasing the sun on her adventures across the globe. Capturing moments of beauty in all that she does, Brittany is a true Arraei Muse. For those of you looking for inspiration to take the leap into your dream career, or for some creative motivation let Brittany be your muse ...
My journey over the past year has definitely been one of growth and change. I made a huge transition from a career in film and television to starting my own business as a full-time photographer and world traveller. Throughout this process I’ve learned so much from working with small brands, like the importance of sustainability and the impact of shopping small. It’s definitely made me more conscious of what kinds of brands I work for and how I can be a more ethical consumer. As for where I’m going, I hope to really pour my time and energy into my career and to continue to explore the world. I’m also focusing more on working with small women owned businesses which is really exciting.
I’ve recently rediscovered my love for amphoras and vintage vessels. I’m a lover of all things pottery, so I’ve not only been collecting ones I find, but also delving into creating pottery with my own hands, which has been therapeutic and extremely fun to learn.
I’m always seeking blissful moments in my daily life. Usually I can achieve it by floating in the sea with the sun shining on my face.
Sustainability and ethical work practices have become a focus for me recently. I work with a lot of small brands who share this ethos and it’s taught me to be more mindful in small ways to impact long term habits. I’ve realized how important it is to not only be sustainable and ethical within the fashion industry, but in my everyday life. I’ve always been a big fan of thrifting but never really understood what kind positive of an impact it had when it came to sustainability. I credit Sarah Shabacon from Boheme Goods for being the first to really open my eyes to this, it’s made me a better person. The challenges I face are just continuing to break old habits to live as earth friendly as I can.
I immediately think of empowerment, sisterhood and community. I think we as women wear many hats and are so strong to be able to be mothers, sisters and partners. Being a woman is something I truly value as I feel like we all share an inherent bond and connection.
This is so hard to choose! I live in my Cai cami and Acacia pants but I literally can’t wait for my Poet’s set to come!
Find out more about Brittany on her website, or follow her here
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We stand in solidarity with POC, our commitment for the next year will be to actively engage in anti-racism work, become a true ally for POC, donate and support initiatives. We will do our best to LEARN, RESEARCH, LISTEN, LOVE.
As a white South African woman I have always thought I was aware of inequality and racism I've thought of myself as "non-racist" my whole life— but I am now learning, that is is so much deeper than that, that there is so much I don't know, so much that I don't even realise is going on all around me, so much I can improve on, so much more than just words. I am learning what it is to be truly ANTIRACIST. I am here and I am doing the work, I will show up and mess up, I will stand by you and most importantly I recognise that this is not about me - I am listening.
Here is a list of resources I have found for myself and I wanted to share them with you.
Please feel free to comment and share more resources with me, I am trying to be selective and post things that I have read and listened to etc.... I will continue to make a longer list as I work through these.
Start with this : Robin DiAngelo's Antiracist checklist for Whites.
Artwork by : Cassie A. Namoda
ACTIVISTS
Rachel Cargle - Sign up for her 30 day email course
Rachel Ricketts - Great Resource List**
Ibram X Kendi - read his book "How to Be Antiracist"
READ THIS:
1. Dear White Women - Rachel Cargle
2. Dear White People, Your Definition of Racism is Wrong - Sebastian Whitaker
3. Me and White Supremacy - Layla F. Saad
PODCASTS
1. Code Switch - Gene Demby + Shereen Marisol Meraji
2. Good Ancestor - Layla F. Saad
3. Truth Be Told - KQED
4. 1619 - The New York Times Podcast examines the shadow of American slavery.
BLACK OWNED BRANDS
Briogeo - Natural haircare
Nala - Womens clothing made in Cape Town, South Africa
Brother Vellies - Luxury shoe and bag brand
a.a.k.s - Handmade bags from Ghana
Cocoa Vintage - Handmade ceramic + mixed media jewelry artist
KLUR - Skincare
Sun and Selene - Jewelry
Also - One of my favourite artists: Betye Saar - check out her work.
]]>A Note from Natalie———
We initially started our initiative " BUY ONE GIVE ONE" to donate masks to our local communities that are in need as part of one of our core philosophies at Arraei- Giving Back. Over the course of 3 months we have got up to 2000 masks to donate, we are so proud and so humbled by the response and we wanted to reach out and personally thank you for your support.
This has been allot of work for our small sewing team and me (as I am working alone from my studio to fulfill and ship all your online orders). Up to this point we have just been covering our costs with the 'buy one give one' model and recently our sewing costs have increased per mask- so we decided to change our model to donate a mask for every order instead. Since then we raised an additional 500 masks for donation on this model, in total our donations have a value of $37000! This is a massive number for such a small business and Im incredibly proud to be able to give back to our community!
Up until last month I hadn't ever taken a salary from Arraei, I had been hustling working part time jobs to make ends meet. Over the last few months we have been so busy that I had to quit my job and started working on Arraei full time to fulfill all our donations and orders (YAY!). In light of this we have capped our donations at $37000 for the time being so I can catch up on all the order processing. We plan to setup a new donation scheme in the near future as one of our core philosophies at Arraei is "GIVING BACK".
Thanks again for helping us make this possible! Cheers to more powerful donation campaigns in the future. We love you! <3
Part of our Zero Waste initiative and our philosophy of Giving Back we have partnered with Boheme Goods to make non-medical sustainable face masks. *due to high order volumes we have finished all our fabric waste (yay) and we are now buying sustainable fabric for our masks*
We are using 2 fabric compositions:
55% Hemp, 42% Organic Cotton, 3% spandex or
55% Lyocell, 42% Organic Cotton, 3% spandex
Our masks are beautiful constructed with a double layered hemp fabric with an internal pocket/sleeve to add a filter. They are designed to be washed and reused.
For best practices please refrain from touching your face when wearing the mask, wash after each use. Face masks should not replace hand-washing and should be used in conjunction with social distancing.
Available in adult, kids, toddler. * please note we DO NOT recommend using masks on children younger than the age of 1 * toddler masks are made without a sleeve to make them thinner as to not restrict breathing for young children. Toddler masks are to be worn with monitoring!
For hygienic reasons all face mask purchases are final sale
]]>Mariana Mae of Easy To Breathe is an artist, healer and space holder who embodies the essence of mother earth in her practice. Mariana is rooted in the reverence of culture, ceremony and nature. Drawing inspiration from our earth and her diverse spiritual traditions, Mariana crafts and creates unique offerings that invoke deep conversation. Her workshops aim to restore balance, heal with nature and create community while uplifting ancient cultural techniques.
We talk a walk with Mariana through nature and get to know her a little ...
The sweet and strong seedling sprouts of basil, yarrow and purple corn are inspiring me at the moment. Their patience and their resilience, to grow from the dark soil towards the light of the Sun delight me with joy and hope. As Spring begins to blossom here and we enter Taurus season - the season of my birth landing on Earth, I am feeling a sense of renewal. I am once again a seed sprouting, composting outgrown layers + patterns and emerging from a rich, fertile soil to support me to continue growing anew.
As we constantly remember what we have once forgotten, I return to this notion in times of self-evaluation that unlearning is a beneficial way to learn. Such as unlearning a limiting condition no longer serving it’s purpose that I may have adopted throughout time. By unlearning we reveal what is true for us, re-learn a new way to integrate and re-write a new narrative to implement the teachings into our life.
Listen to the Wind. Walk outside and just, listen. Find a spot to sit with Mother Earth and be still for a moment, or for an hour, and just, listen. Air, Mother Earth’s breath, breathes to help us breathe. Begin to hear the symphony of wind sways, and how they harmonize with the leaves of the trees. Perhaps the air is silent, perhaps the wind is rhythmic. Synchronize your inhale and your exhale with Hers. It’s simple. It’s accessible. It’s profoundly moving.
Of the Earth, For the Earth is a venerable exchange. May we receive what we are given from the Mother Earth with reciprocity to give back to Source. We are synonymous to one another. If our wish is to honor our selves and live in harmony with our selves as a human people, we must then honor and live in harmony with Her. How we learn and choose to do so is our greatest responsibility.
I like to see through the optic of Ceremony from a wider, more digestible perspective of the ceremony we call Life. Our living existence is a ceremony in itself, from birth to death and many rites of passages in between. To simplify, often times I refer to ceremony as a collaboration between the Human Heart with Nature and Spirit. For we are guided by them, daily. To dig a bit deeper, ceremony impacts my life as a forward steering guiding force of healing for my soul and life’s journey. Sitting in traditional ceremonies with the elders, with the elements, with the plant medicines, with the songs and the prayers is a very precious path I walk with reverence to Life.
Inside of us all lives a child. A child whom is learning and a child whom is growing. A child who doesn’t know and a child who is full of wonder. As we grow through our day to day, our inner child accompanies us. Tending to the relationship of our present day self and our inner child is a dance, a blessing and a privilege that will benefit the fruits of our life’s labors and the healing future of the seven generations to come.
Womanhood is water forming stone.
Womanhood is being in symbiosis with our inherent cyclical nature. Womanhood is feeling steadily rooted in strength and in sensitivity. Womanhood is discernment, responsibility, leadership.
Womanhood is vocal expression, truth telling, empowering reclamation, creative liberty. Womanhood is nourishment.
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Mother Muse Magazine — A tribute to the divine essence of motherhood. Founded and edited by the lovely Shereen Jupp. Mother Muse is a beautifully raw publication that celebrates motherhood in all forms. Expressing the vulnerability, complexity, blessings and beauty that comes with motherhood.
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Shereen — embracing motherhood in the Coco Jumpsuit in Black Raw Silk
Kati — Embracing motherhood in the Dawn Dress in Natural Hemp.
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$10 Donated to FOOD FORWARD SA for Every Purchase
$10 FEEDS 2 PEOPLE, 2 MEALS PER DAY FOR A MONTH
Amidst this trying time I cant help but think of the less privileged communities around the world (especially in my home country - South Africa) Over half the population lives below the poverty line and with the rise of this pandemic people are struggling to feed themselves and their children. We want to try make a difference by helping these communities, so we will be donating $10 from every purchase to FOOD FORWARD SA.
$5 FEEDS SOMEONE 2 MEALS PER DAY FOR A MONTH
FIND OUT MORE HERE / READ OUR JOURNAL
To help you make your purchase a little easier we have a 20% off site wide offer. Help us help the less privileged.
⌒
Of the earth, for the earth
#arraei
Sarah Shabacon is a curator, creator, mother, entrepreneur and an iconic muse for bohéme style. Sarah founded BOHÈME GOODS where she "curate's vintage with stories and lives lived far beyond your walls"... Read along for a deep dive into her inspirations, rituals for living and state of mind.
How would you describe yourself if you had to relate yourself to one
thing - be it a place, and experience, a feeling ...
I would have to say light...I feel most alive in the light and try to bring light to others.
What in your life have you recently slowed down and “breathed-in” —
how has this influenced how you show up everyday?
Describe a recent self discovery?
I'm capable of what I never imagined. I studied psychology and urban planning in college and have been successful at running my own businesses for the past 7 years. I'm doing something I only dreamt about and doubted I would ever be able to do.
Describe a day in your life, a bit about what you do and the rituals that
defne your day? Touching on and Motherhood...
Do you have a personal philosophy that you live by?
There is a quote by Auguste Rodin that has stuck with me throughout my life, in the good times and the hard. " The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live."
What does womanhood mean to you?
Womanhood is a feeling, a sense of self and a gift.
What is your favourite piece from our collection?
The Twa Trench
Is there anything in your life that you are charging at full steam
ahead? And is there anything you have pared back on?
Right now I am focused on creating pieces I would live in and employing other women while doing so. I've pared back on anything not necessary to generating happiness within my life, be it obligations, interactions or my surroundings.
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USE SARAH'S SURPRISE DISCOUNT CODE: sarahxarraei
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It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela.
How can we as a community manifest a global revolution? A climate crisis is on our tail, and something needs to be done. With the commencement of global climate strike week and the urgency around #climateaction and I have been asking myself what can I do to make a difference?
Often this internal dialogue jumps between the struggle of overthinking and feeling like I’m not doing enough, stressing about what to do or how much I can do, to then not doing anything at all. So I’m committing to do something, big or small. “Great things are done by a series of small things put together” - Vincent Van Gogh
What a beautiful reminder of how one small action can have, and does have an immense impact. An aspirational young woman who, through her quiet defiance made humanity turn its head and face the climate crisis. Gretta’s powerful and honest “How dare you!” speech at the UN’s climate action summit challenged our world leaders on their values and to take accountability for their actions. What started as a quiet protest is now a global movement. Leading the global youth movement "Fridays for Future" Greta's one small action has given us hope. There is a divine beauty in the the united power of humanity, we are a force of nature and together we can achieve almost anything. But we need the majority of humanity's interests to align with the planets. This means adjusting some authoritative peoples', corporations and governments opinions. This isn't an easy quest as what sometimes seems simple is rather complex and requires people to rethink, reestablish and reemerge. We have a climate crisis on our handsHowever this is an extremely necessary adjustment
So if you have been asking yourself
Heres a list of 10 ways to fight climate change.
Pick one, do them all, up to you!
"All of creation is held within the seed. It is how everything begins, in the seed of a thought, in the seed of creative potential. Yet it is the soil, the stars, the sun and the rain; it is the conditions of our nature that determine how that seed will grow. Like the seed, we absorb the nutrients from the landscapes around us. We become reflections of our surrounds. Mirrors moving against each other, illuminating the totality of our human nature."
- Isabella Gillespie
]]>The term "Green Washing" was coined back in the 1980's when corporations were making outrageous sustainability claims to conceal their controversial environmental standards. This has trickled through to the present day with a real impact on consumers. Green Washing is now more elaborate and concealed than ever and often much harder to detect.
Green Washing is when brands use eco-language, earthy packaging and imagery to market themselves appearing more environmentally conscious than they actually are. They choose words that suggest and relate to eco-conscious practice's such as "clean", "natural", "organic", "green", "sustainable" to promote themselves as ethical and eco-conscious companies. Upon closer investigation these brands are not actually aligned with their green claims and are doing very little to reduce their social and environmental impact.
Green washing in the fashion industry can be seen when brands present their collections as fully sustainable, but in actual fact they are only sustainable in one aspect of their production. For example, cotton isn't environmentally friendly (even though it is natural and will biodegrade) if it doesn't come for a responsible organic supplier. The production of cotton involves many chemical heavy processes and a huge amount of water resulting in allot of waste. For the consumer - these kinds of claims are hard to verify if there is no transparency.
Green washing is not always intentional (although majority of it is - especially in big corporations).
Do your homework. If you are into living a conscious lifestyle, be conscious. Find out what "sustainability" entails. Follow the bread crumbs, research, investigate, don't just accept the information that is presented to you. Reading labels is a quick way to get allot of information on fibre content and location of production.
When trying to decipher how sustainable or ethical a brand is, ask yourself:
If the answer is less than half then the brand is not really an eco-conscious brand. Every product should be green in some way, or they should be diligently working hard to be more eco friendly in their production.
Do they genuinely seem to care about the environment? Are they consistent and honest? Do their sustainability claims align with their products?
Can you easily find information about their production? What materials are they using and how are they taking steps to be more environmentally conscious. What are the facts? Watch out for vague information and look for actionable steps. Find trusted sources that report on the brands to further verify their claims.
Don't be afraid to ask questions if something is unclear, contact the brand. Don't automatically trust words/slogans and packaging - dive deeper, do your research.
For more information on our sustainability + ethics policies click here
At Arraei we recognise that we still have a long way to go as sustainability is an on-going mission. We are always finding new ways to better our practices, become more eco friendly and update our sustainability + ethics policies. If you feel you have any information for us to help us on our mission to harmonise humanity and the planet - please send us a mail on our contact page.
Love and Light x
]]>Morgan in the Dreamy Desert - Wearing Arraei Collective and getting close to nature. We are so inspired by Morgans words, her passionate quest to seek beauty and her mission of generating a mindset of self-love.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Most abundantly- nature. I collect little pieces of myself each time I get lost in some wild landscape. Nature inspires me to create beyond myself and also, somehow, find all the beauty I am seeking within myself. The tangible and utterly elusive muse. I think nature inspires me to write and create because it is so complete. A lot of my writing reflects a search for wholeness and in nature, you find that effortlessly. Nature evokes connection and oneness- something I hope my writing does too.
What does connection mean to you?
To be seen. So many of us walk around with our heart dangling on the outside of our rib cage just to be met with indifference. Connection requires people to notice. To pause and appreciate what is. To see and be seen. I truly believe that connection is essential to life- water and air to the soul.
What is your mission/ philosophy?
My philosophy is centered on the idea that self-love is global love. I believe that taking the time to nourish our soul life directly leads to us taking better care of our communities and our earth. It is a message rooted in sustainability- one that I hope inspires people to sustain both their lives and the lives of the people around them. I wrote a journal entry on my philosophy and would love to share a small snippet of it:
"I am here for the softening, for the practice of seeing everything that weaves in and out of our lives as a sacred expression of grace. I am an alchemist turning pain into gold dust, praying I leave light lingering on everything I create.
I believe that the meaning we are able to dig out of life is directly proportional to our openness to join the chaos. To be inside the mess. To get our hands dirty. To open ourselves up to the possibility of failure again and again. and. again.
I want to help people trust their vulnerability and move through pain to find self-acceptance. To find self-love. The kind of self-love that invites you to stand in your power and say. Here I am. This is me. I offer value to this world and I will not shrink to accommodate others any longer. I want to help shift people towards a more loving relationship with themselves so that they can more fully love their community and mother earth. I want to help people re-define wellness and find agency in their own healing. I am committed to bettering our world by creating genuine connection and relationships because at the end of the day all we have is each other."
What drew you to create a space for people to express their vulnerability? what made you start this journey?
It started with people responding to my writing. Women began responding privately to my poems and sharing their personal stories with me. It turned into a beautiful and open dialogue and so many of them thanked me for creating a safe space to share their trauma, pain, dreams, etc.. and that's when I had the idea. I knew I needed to create a larger space for people to drop their heart on the table and not be worried about how it would be received. A space that is all love and acceptance.
I wasn't sure how people would react to me creating an online forum like this. I am asking for a lot and I realize how scary this level of vulnerability is for most people. I want people to bare it all and that can be incredibly uncomfortable. To my surprise, I was met with a flood of submissions and am constantly amazed by people's stories and fierce bravery. What I have found through the process of creating 'Stories: Connection is Medicine' is this: so many of us are going through similar things but don't want to talk about it. I don't know if this is because of social media or the pressure to appear like we have it all together all the time-- but each person who has submitted their story walks away whispering the same sentiment. It feels so good to be heard. To feel connected in a world that is increasingly disconnected.
More than anything, I wanted to create a sense of community and encourage people to stand tall in their truth and know they are worthy of genuine relationship and connection. It has turned into a soul project and I am excited to see where it leads!
To connect with Morgan and hear more of her beautiful and magical words visit her blog here
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What inspired you to start working with natural dyes?
After high school, in the autumn of 1991, I went to Capilano University (then Capilano College… the “college in the forest”) to take a variety of art courses with the intention to build my portfolio and learn new skills. One of the courses I took was Textile Art (2 semesters) with then instructor, Yvonne Wakabayashi. This opened a whole new world for me as every class
we learnt a new technique or a new medium to apply to textiles. Once we got into shibori, indigo, and an intro to natural dyes, I was taken away. I was entranced in the Japanese methods that Yvonne introduced and was delighted to experiment. I remember being mesmerized with her explanation of respecting the indigo vat, stirring it in such a way, and placing the lid in such a way. I think the ceremonial aspect of it got me, although this only occurs to me now. It was also fascinating to see how others interpreted techniques to apply to their own work. It wasn’t until 3 years later, that I followed up on my interest in natural dyes + shibori, and applied them to my graduating collection in the Fashion Design & Technology program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (then Kwantlen College). I shared an award for Most Innovative Use of Materials.
What is your favourite part of the dying process?
It is definitely the first dip into the dye pot. Watching how the material takes the dye, hovering over the pot in the sunlight… it is purely magic. An act of harnessing colour from nature.
Do you source local materials? If so, why is this important to you?
Yes, I do! I recently joined the Sunshine Coast Fibreshed Guild upon our move to Gibsons last year. The intention is to use local fibres and dyes, with the mission to decrease our environmental footprint, and encourage community awareness whilst supporting local. Currently however, I have a large inventory of materials and dyes that are not locally produced nor grown. I use a lot of silk, which comes from Asia, and I have acquired materials from my travels and collected over the years. I also obtain materials from local initiatives like Our Social Fabric and Fabcycle, whereby the materials would otherwise get transported to landfill. There are a variety of ways to support sustainable systems – Sourcing local is one, but so is
using what one already has, supporting local community businesses, and finding value in things that would otherwise go to landfill or get incinerated.
Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
Patterns in nature. This could be in the form of rhythmic waves, crackled textures in the ocean-swept beach, complex veins in leaves, the way sunlight bless trees on the mountain edge, clear and starry nights, the curtain of colour from Northern Lights. Often it is not just these obvious visuals but more the sensation I get from connecting with nature... soft wind whispering past my ears, sunlight on my skin, the scent of douglas fir, chirping of the birds, whirring of hummingbirds, and merely paying attention to the signs.
Do you work methodically or do you tend to experiment more with the dyeing process?
I am slightly embarrassed to say that I tend to work methodically, but trying to put more fun into it with experimentation. This for some reason does not come that easy for me. Last year while vending at a market, a random customer asked me if I was a perfectionist. It was simply an observation on her part. I attribute this to 20 years in the garment industry as a developer
where accuracy and attention to detail & timelines are crucial! I envy a carefree approach to this craft however. It is something I believe to be important as I recall mentors reminding me to “have fun”. It is work fun in progress.
Being constantly surrounded by the colours of nature, have you noticed their effect on your well-being? What are your thoughts on colour therapy?
Thus far, I’ve not so much been aware of the therapeutic qualities of the harnessed colours as I’ve been aware of the therapeutic qualities of nature. Ecopsychology is the modern term used to describe the movement that strives to understand and harmonize people’s relationship with
the Earth. Indigenous people all around the world have known this forever. Somehow through the Industrial Revolution, we seem to have become lost. The benefits of reconnecting to nature is gaining popularity though, as our modern societies straddle such mindful awareness whilst feeding on a digital era for stories and news. I think colour therapy would be another
layer of consciousness. Definitely I am happiest and my mind is the clearest when I am outside. I gravitate towards light, and without light, there is no colour.
What have been some of your most successful plants for dyeing and what colours do they produce?
Interesting question, as I believe everyone’s idea of “success” is perhaps quite different. There is an abundance of dyes available, and my idea of success is simply the colour I am hoping to achieve, but if different – that is also a nice surprise. This is infinite because there are many
variables with natural dyes, such as types of mordants used, on what kind of materials, over dyeing, and then the dyestuff itself since every plant is unique. I have great resources of books that guide me in the right direction of knowing what are good sources of dyes, and what not to waste time with. I therefore dye with store-bought natural dyes as well as gathering my
own. Examples of store-bought dyes such as indigo, logwood, madder, weld, cochineal (not plant-based), quebracho, walnut hulls, are generally quite reliable and colourfast. Indigo and madder can be grown locally and I hope to start a dye garden this year. Dyestuff that I collect would be avocado pits + peels, onion skins, pomegranate peels, fig leaves, blackberry leaves, Japanese maple leaves, various barks, acorns, nut hulls. Last year I experimented with tansy, hibiscus from a friend’s garden, and lavender stalks from a local lavender farm. I’ve also been collecting wilted flowers that would otherwise go to compost, from a Vancouver-based floral
shop whose mission is also aligned in minimizing waste as much as possible. That partnership is great because I am able to dye with greenery such as dahlia and eucalyptus. I look forward to experimenting more with eco-printing using flower petals and various leaves.
Basically I get dyestuff from a variety of places and friends think of me when they are raking their leaves or making guacamole.
Among my favourites:
Logwood – purple
Madder Root – red
Indigo – blue
Onion Skin – yellow, orange, and olive
Avocado Pits + Peels – pink
When I give workshops or do demos, I generally have chosen logwood, madder, and onion skin/ pomegranate peels. They yield instantaneous and strong results on protein fibres such as silk. My mentor would say she has a deeper appreciation for muted colours, so this reminds me not to forget the soft lovely shades from a world of other dye sources.
What tips would you give to a beginner natural dyer?
While it is definitely fun to experiment, and I encourage that – do be sure to also read books by esteemed natural dyers who have been experimenting and documenting for years. Jenny Dean, Michel Garcia, Eva Lambert, and there are so many more. Working with natural dyes is a beautiful magical process, and it is also a science. By this I mean that there are indeed recipes to follow, fugitive dyes to avoid (unless you don’t mind fading), and some understanding of PH level of the water is beneficial. Taking a workshop at the very beginning is a good idea to see if you enjoy it enough to start investing in equipment, etc. Remember it is a lifelong journey and new things to discover. Be patient, and release expectations.
Is there anyone along your journey who has been an inspirational teacher? or who has led you to a transformative moment?
Absolutely. As mentioned in my answer to Question 1, Yvonne Wakabayashi was my teacher then to have introduced me to natural dyes and shibori. I am very lucky to have her in my life as a dear friend and mentor after all these years. I’ve been also fortunate to cross paths with mentors, coaches, and friends whom have impacted my journey. Just to name a few: Cees Creutzburg, Oscar van der Ende – both in the Netherlands whom encouraged and guided me to create a business from my craft, after
a reorganization occurred in the company where I was employed full-time (Nike). Jordan Birch – a life coach in nature whose support was invaluable as I transitioned to returning to Vancouver after living in the Netherlands for a decade. Jeff Willis – a friend who leads by example a life of experiential education, and who also fished me out of the Yukon River when I fell (jumped) in. Shane Pointe – a friend who taught me many life lessons and reminded me to ‘have fun’ as I trudged along my daily grind of full-time work in a company whose mission did not align with my values (Lululemon).
The whole Groundswell Community team, including my peers in Cohort 5, whereby I was exposed to a new world of alternative business choices and what it really means to be a community.
Do you think it's important for us to have a relationship with nature? Do you feel like the process of natural dyeing allows you to have a deeper connection with nature?
Yes, it is imperative for us to have a relationship with nature. If we don’t have a relationship with nature, how do we in our hearts feel a need to protect it? If we abandon nature, then we abandon ourselves, because we come from nature. Absolutely the process of natural dyeing allows me to have a deeper connection with nature. I only realized this a few years ago that it was my creative outlet to connect with nature. The process teaches me so many things, including letting go of expectations, and finding beauty in all things natural - regardless of it’s stage in life, or death.
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainability is the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting the long-term ecological balance of our planet. Sustainability also includes the act of ethical practice, and fair trade.
Sustainable Fashion incorporates these values while addressing the harmful impact of the fashion industry on our planet and its inhabitants. All aspects of the industry need to be considered when striving for minimal impact, from Textiles, Production and Distribution to Marketing, Consumer Behaviour and Human Resources. Sustainability in any industry is a holistic approach, a journey of experimenting and learning how to harmonise with the planet.
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