In 2022, we started exploring indigo dyeing and Japanese shibori techniques. Interested in connecting further with each other and our heritage, we began using our family name ‘Sasa’. Since then, we’ve learned about the historical, spiritual, and artistic impact of indigo and love to share that with our community.
Sasa Indigo
Why indigo?
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Natural Indigo produces colorfast fabrics and a wide range of beautiful blues.
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Indigo fabric has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti fungal effects on the skin. Creating a supportive barrier for sensitive skin. Tyrptanthrin and isatin are the active components in indigo.
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Natural dyeing uses less water, renewable resources and zero chemicals.
What is indigo?
Indigo, or Indigofera, is a plant that is harvested and dried for its leaves, which, when processed, create a rich indigo blue dye. This signature blue is commonly seen in denim products, and even hair dye, although, the likelihood of those products using any real indigo is very low! In the 16th Century, naturally dyed Indigo fabrics were highly sought after by the nobility for the dye’s deep color, longevity, and labor intensive process that only a few countries knew in detail, like India, parts of Africa, and Japan. After indigo fabrics became popular among commonplace citizens, natural indigo production was replaced with the far less expensive and much faster synthetic dyeing Process.
“The chemical formula for natural and synthetic indigo are the same, but the synthetic dye has things like formaldehyde in it, and synthetic dyes are all petroleum based," says Hardy. "The way we manufacture and dye clothes isn't good for people or the environment. And slavery is still a thing in the garment industry.”
— Indigo Dye Artist Donna Hardy
Synthetic Indigo took over the world’s indigo production after being launched in the 19th century. It was cheaper and more stable than natural dye, which made the switch far more profitable. Though, Because of its high demand, labor exploitation was common in countries like India under the British empire.
Processing Indigo
The journey of the indigofera seed to reduced liquid, involves different stages of production. The seeds are planted in early spring and first harvested around midsummer. Leaves are separated from the stems and slowly dried over a few months. Dried leaves are combined with water, wheat & heat to ferment the indigo.
It’s important to understand the history of indigo and its role in modern environmental and labor conditions. Having more natural and eco-friendly options is an important step in becoming more sustainable
in the industry.
