Botanical Colors Gets More Indigo Love

I recently interviewed Natalie Chanin on how hard it is to run a business and was happy she name dropped Botanical Colors!

See a portion of the interview below and to read the article in its entirety, go to the Brooklyn Fashion+Design Accelerator.

How long have you used natural dyes and is your Indigo Collection your first collection showcasing them?

In 2008, we began collaborating with an organization called Goods of Conscience, a non-profit that was based in The Bronx at that time. This was our first foray into the world of natural dyes. We expanded our natural dye selection in 2012, when we started working with Artisan Natural Dyeworks in Nashville, Tennessee. When that dye house made the decision to close, Ali, the owner of Artisan Natural Dyeworks, suggested that we learn the natural dyeing techniques and take over that whole process. We have offered multiple denim/indigo collections over the years.

alabama chanin4

Now that we have established our indigo dye house here at The Factory using Botanical Colors’ dyes, we are introducing a new indigo collection to showcase that work. You can read more about that decision and process here.

Years ago, “eco textiles” were the big draw when it came to sustainability but now it seems Made in the U.S. is taking center stage. Do you agree?

I certainly think that Made in the USA has become more important and more visible in the marketplace than it has been in many years, and we support that growth. But, I don’t see it overtaking the sustainable/organic/eco-textile aspects, at the moment. Most manufacturers just don’t have the means to produce completely within the United States. However, there is a growing artisanal movement that is focused on traditional methods and materials and making within the United States. I think this movement, along with the growing cost of manufacturing overseas, will eventually inspire (and move) larger manufacturers.