Material

Grape leaves

By

Made in

Dye 47 Plant-based 172 Textile 94 Silk 6

Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves
Grape leaves

Photos: Arnaud Koncina

The Saree Offering-Nobal Vinyard Land

In the serene vineyard lands of Cognac, France, Parmeet embarks on a transformative journey that intertwines tradition and sustainability through her innovative project, "The Saree Offering." Rooted deeply in ancient Indian wisdom and fuelled by a passion for ethical fashion, Parmeet's endeavour seeks to honour tradition while embracing modern principles of sustainability.

At the heart of Parmeet's project lies the use of Ahimsa silk, also known as peace silk, a cruelty-free alternative to traditional silk production. This choice reflects Parmeet's commitment to ahimsa, or non-violence, and her reverence for all living creatures. By incorporating Ahimsa silk into her sarees, Parmeet ensures that her project upholds ethical values while also promoting sustainable practices.

Parmeet's journey begins with the careful selection of vineyard leaves, chosen not only for their vibrant colours but also for their symbolic connection to the land. These leaves serve as the raw material for creating natural dyes, infusing Parmeet's sarees with earthy tones that pay homage to the natural beauty of the vineyard landscape. Yellow, a colour deeply symbolic in Indian culture, is particularly significant in Parmeet's project, representing auspiciousness, prosperity, and the warmth of the sun.

As Parmeet weaves the fabric of her sarees, she imbues each thread with intention and meaning, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian traditions of saree offerings. The saree becomes more than just a garment—it becomes a symbol of protection and care, embodying the spirit of sustainability and reverence for nature. Each saree tells a story, capturing the essence of Cognac's vineyards in a wearable work of art.

The significance of Parmeet's project extends beyond its practical application. By repurposing agricultural by-products and embracing ancient techniques, Parmeet demonstrates the transformative potential of blending cultural heritage with modern innovation. The saree becomes a tangible representation of the harmonious relationship between tradition and sustainability, embodying Parmeet's vision of a more ethical and environmentally conscious fashion industry.

As "The Saree Offering" takes shape amidst the vineyard landscape, it becomes a symbol of hope and possibility. Parmeet's innovative approach challenges conventional notions of fashion and sustainability, offering a glimpse into a future where tradition and innovation coexist in harmony. The completion of a single 2-meter saree marks the culmination of Parmeet's journey, embodying her vision and values.

Through "The Saree Offering," Parmeet invites us to reimagine our relationship with fashion and the natural world. By honouring tradition while embracing sustainability, Parmeet inspires us to tread lightly on the earth and embrace a more ethical and environmentally conscious way of living. In doing so, she reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving the beauty of the natural world for generations to come.

Making process

The colour extraction process for "The Saree Offering: The Noble Land" project involves several steps to produce the golden electric yellow shade using vineyard grape leaves:

1. Harvesting: Vineyard grape leaves are carefully selected and harvested from the vineyard.

2. Preparation: The harvested grape leaves are cleaned to remove any dirt or debris and sorted to ensure uniformity in colour extraction.

3. Mordanting: The grape leaves are treated with a mordant, which helps to fix the colour onto the fabric and improve colour-fastness. Common mordants include alum, iron, or tannin-rich materials like sumac or oak galls.

4. Extraction: The prepared grape leaves are boiled or soaked in water to extract the colour pigment. This process may involve simmering the leaves in water for an extended period to release the colour molecules.

5. Straining: Once the desired colour has been extracted, the liquid is strained to remove any solid particles or debris, leaving behind a concentrated dye solution.

6. Dyeing: The fabric or textile material to be dyed is immersed in the extracted dye solution, allowing it to absorb the colour pigment. The duration of dyeing may vary depending on the desired depth of colour and the type of fabric used.

7. Finishing: After dyeing, the fabric is rinsed to remove any excess dye and then dried or set according to the specific requirements of the dyeing process.

This colour extraction process highlights the sustainable and regenerative practices employed by "The Saree Offering: The Noble Land" project, using agricultural materials to create beautiful and eco-friendly products while promoting sustainability and soil regeneration.

Information submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank.

Ingredients

Organic silk, Grape leaves

Credits

Collaborators and Vinyard land sponsor: Amy Pasque and Jean-Luc Pasque Cognac

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