As the early tease of summer takes over the city, warm weather style trends are flooding our social media feeds, local shops and (by default) our homes. With the organic, sensual appeal of the global gypsy still running strong in décor, the summertime must-have looks are vibrating with an airy bohemian energy, grounded in the ancient methods of indigo dyeing.
Indigo, known in plant form as Indigofera tinctorial, grows beautifully in Southern India. It is harvested into the richly saturated blue dye, sold around the world in powder format, or most commonly 'indigo cakes', which are neatly packaged blocks of the intensely coloured powder. Through careful (yet totally manageable) processes, the powder is returned to a liquid form in order to create the dye used for fabrics.
While many mainstream retailers are offering indigo-inspired prints and palettes, the true spirit of the method is best captured by local boutique, Maiwa Handprints. A mainstay for everyone from DIYers to fundamental believers in sustainable fair trade, Maiwa offers globally sourced goods for decor and fashion, as well as classes and supplies for those keen to become more hands on with their style. The shop's primary location is nestled in the heart of Granville Island, but also has sister companies Maiwa Supply (stocking kits and supplies for the hands-on buyer) as well as Maiwa East, which specializes in internationally sourced reclaimed furnishings and larger decor items. Started by Charllote Kwon, Maiwa is celebrating 30 years of building close personal relationships with international artisans to bring the best of global design to Vancouver.
Sophena Kwon, Charllote's daughter and key member of the Maiwa team, has taken the traditional art of indigo dyeing to a modern, approachable and ultimately chic level amongst the creative crowds in Vancouver. Collaborating with other like-minded small businesses, Sophena began a movement called Indigo Social: a creative, project-based workshop series in a social environment through which she shares the dyeing methods of shibori and itajime, her own personal expertise and hands-on experience with eager crowds.
I recently attended the latest Indigo Social and became enamoured with the traditional art form; although skeptical of my own ability to create anything as remotely impressive as the examples hung on the walls, I was admittedly blown away by the creative energy of the process and how every person seemed to find a rhythm to their madness and end up with a stunning piece to showcase.
With the next Indigo Social upcoming on May 10th, a few spaces remain for the event. Tickets – which include fabric, dye, tutorials and a fabulous group of creatives to work alongside – can be organized online through SophenaKwon.com.
