From Plant to Pigment: 11.11/eleven eleven’s signature Plant-Based Dyes

“A natural dye is not a colour — it is a relationship between soil, water, and time,” - Michel Garcia.

From berries and flowers, to emotion and instinct, our ancestors had sustainably extracted colours from nature’s bounty. Plant-based dyes have been part of our existence for thousands of years, with mentions in ancient texts, like the Atharvaveda. These vibrant dyes and traditional dyeing techniques utilised turmeric, indigo, madder root, and many other natural ingredients.

With similar ingredients and rooted practices, 11.11/eleven eleven believes in creating colours that endure, crafted in a slow, intentional, natural way. Owing to their authentic and organic properties, these dyes carry inherent healing qualities, making them gentle on the skin and giving them an almost spiritual significance. 

Artisans dyeing yellow hue on denim fabric and pink hue on bandhani cotton fabric

Colour, for us, is not manufactured. It is cultivated, built, and handcrafted by our master dyers through 100% natural processes. Our spectrum of hues uses fewer ingredients, less water and eco-friendly methods to ensure no resources are wasted. Primarily composed of plant extracts and by-products, such as pomegranate peel, these natural dyes feature a thoughtful blend of indigenous ingredients from the Indian landscape.

The rich natural resources, varied topography and diverse climatic as well as soil conditions make the Indian landscape an unrivalled ground to source dye ingredients. The variety of plant fibres available makes each region grow versatile and distinctive products. With soil that nourishes, water that carries memory, and the hands that work patiently with natural elements, these plant-based dyes reveal a story that is deeply grounded in the Indian land, divine and colourful, just as its history and culture!

What makes them exclusive and unique:

Natural dyes have been used on yarn and fabric to create beautiful, vividly coloured clothing and textiles, but with the advent of the industrial revolution, their use in the fashion industry subsided and lessened. We aim to bring these precious, vibrant colours from Mother Nature’s lap into the modern lifestyle. Better for the skin and the planet, we believe this is the future of fashion – a more conscious and healthier way of life!

Thoughtfully made, these natural dyes use no chemical softeners or harsh ingredients. After years of research, our team has developed innovative recipes to produce a range of colours, achieving colour fastness and rubbing resistance comparable to industrial standards, while remaining entirely natural with no bleeding or drastic fading.

With continuous efforts and passionate R&D, we make sure the natural state of the fibres in the garments is not disturbed. Even the discharge pastes are completely natural. No bleach is used on any fabric before dyeing, and yet the output is bright and pleasant. Bleaching is a chemical process that strips the fabric of its softness and quality, reducing its strength and durability.

Plant based hues of 11.11/eleven eleven

Feel the touch of nature:

Organic and pure, these dyes are handmade with time, skill, and instinct, connecting one to the dyer who creates and nature that forms its ingredients. The natural dyes help fabrics retain their softness and remarkable breathability, while providing a smooth, superior feel. They age gracefully, developing character over time, and when cared for as guided in our care journal, remain timeless and easy to maintain for decades.

Screen Print (left) and Hand Paint (right)

These dyes add another sensory layer to the fabric, giving it an earthy tactile handfeel, enhancing its personality and character. It also introduces a slight crispness that mellows with wear, enhancing the garment’s individuality and authentic charm.

Natural dyes are used to hand-dye all our garments and are also used in our craft techniques, like hand painting and screen printing. The hues are crafted to aid the artisans in practicing the techniques more effectively and efficiently. 

Our in-house dye recipes are brand IPs developed with years of research and innovation, now offering an array of rich, timeless hues extracted from biological sources. Adorning these garments connects one to nature’s steady cycles, celebrating organic, grounded tales of indigenous colours – all an alchemy from plant to pigment!

Also Read:-

The Hidden Light of Indigo

The Art and Science of Indigo

White Gold: The Story of Cotton in India