Some history
Hemp originates from the stalk fibers of the Cannabis ruderalis plant and has been cultivated for thousands of years as both fiber and food, dating back to 8000 BC in the Middle East and China.
I sourced hemp mainly in Eastern Europe countries such as Hungary, Slovania…The cultivation of hemp is a part of Hungarian life, the Hungarians have cultivated hemp for generations, it has always been an important source of income for the families.
In the past, hemp was grown in the poorest region of Hungary, the eastern region bordering Transylvania. In this region, there were 2 main cultivation areas: one area for hemp fiber that was harvested before flowering; the other, further south, for seeds and food.
The fiber was broken into fine strands, combed and spun into a continuous cord. This cord was then spun into thicker or thinner strands to make ropes and larger threads, but also into finer or thinner threads to make cloth, often in small widths, which was then sewn by farmers and poor villagers, the gypsies, to make simple clothes, sheets, quilts, agricultural sacks (grain sacks, wheat sacks), threshing cloths, in short, all the linen essential to rural life.
The Hungarians did not have the technology to weave fine, supple fabrics in large widths, and that is why hemp fabrics were often thick, coarsely woven, and irregular, often even with still raw hemp twigs, and always hand-knit with often thick seams.
Most Hungarians had little interest in hemp, its production dropped and few people were aware of its potential. The main cause was and still is the high price of its processing. Even today, there is little modern equipment for breaking the plant, i.e. separating the fiber from the stem. The Hungarians only had the technology to make thick and heavy textiles, usually too rough, yet this fabric is impressive, as it is extremely resistant and used for many purposes.
The variations in the yarn and natural color of truly natural hemp fabric gives these hemp textiles their timeless beauty and style, and it is what I am looking for my creations, an intemporal, sober and still rustic look with a story to tell.
Hemp remains very exclusive due to low availability and costly production and is one of the strongest natural plant fibers, four times more durable than other natural fibers.
A true passion for materials and textures
Working with natural fibers and organic materials, like hemp, which has a rich history, has become not only a passion for me but almost an obsession. Giving these materials a second life, transforming them, and continuing to indirectly support a sector is incredibly fulfilling. Today, it’s hemp, tomorrow it may be another natural fiber, inspired by my travels, discoveries, and the people I meet…
An aesthetic but also and above all, an eco-responsible approach.
Hemp is above all a “green” plant, according to the original meaning of the term. It is the most sustainable plant on Earth. Some people consider hemp to be one of the greenest fabrics available, as it promotes more responsible and eco-friendly consumption. Hemp requires only a fraction of the water that cotton, and even organic cotton, needs to grow.
Additionally, hemp materials are excellent at absorbing moisture, making them a breathable option. Thanks to their breathability and odor-resistance, hemp fabrics are easy to care for and require less frequent washing. Since washing machines have a significant impact on the environment, reducing their use further enhances the sustainability of this fabric.
Hemp is a remarkable material. It is all-natural and offers numerous health benefits alongside its environmental advantages.
Being sensitive to environmental protection and questioning overabundance and superfluity, I found it an obvious choice to recycle beautiful materials such as hemp textiles.
My aesthetic choice is to keep them natural to highlight the effects of the weaving and the inherent imperfections of the material and its aging, or to transform and dye them in organic and natural earthy colors.
My dyes are made in France with a partner who has been dyeing and enhancing textiles (both new and old) for major fashion and haute couture houses for decades, as well as for creative artisans like me. They are passionate about their work and adhere to environmental standards.
We work hand in hand and each dye bath is a discovery. The colors I have chosen to develop are muted and timeless.
My wish is to give a feeling of peace and serenity, suggested by the earth colors, the warm tones (dark honey, dark hazelnut, chestnut…), the burnt wood, the bronze green, the chocolate colors…
”Our collaboration with Isabelle is based on respecting her materials while transforming them with dye pigments. We started by dyeing small yards, and over time, Isabelle entrusted us with more and more fabrics. The shades and colors change with each dyeing, depending on the piece of hemp she provides us, as each fabric reveals its unique characteristics. Our shared passion will undoubtedly lead us to new horizons as we explore together all the innovative ecological technologies."
MANIFESTO
“My commitment to a better world: Consume minimally and give a long life to quality objects. I firmly believe in the importance of consuming less and valuing what we have. It is an act of responsibility to ensure that quality objects and fabrics have a durable life. By acquiring my creations made from vintage hemp and natural fibers, you contribute to saving our planet a little every day. This is more necessary than ever.
Let us stop consuming industrial products, made who knows where and by whom. Please join me in valuing artisan work, defending the necessary time for creation, and avoiding the rush of mass production. Together, let us advocate for a sustainable business model that is committed to our environment and the love of nature.”
Isabelle