Making memories with natural dyes & slow stitching
Kokun is an Indian label by textile artist Mridu Mehra that specializes in crafting handmade, eco-printed, and zero-waste pieces. The garments exude a breathable, raw, and ethereal allure, dyed in Sappanwood, Indigo, Tesuflowers, Madder roots, Neem leaves, and Hibiscus. Naturally dyed fabric exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties. Veronica wears a few of their iconic pieces in this series shot by Kira Issar for Blumenhaus.
Kokun is an Indian label by textile artist Mridu Mehra that specializes in crafting handmade, eco-printed, and zero-waste pieces. The garments exude a breathable, raw, and ethereal allure, dyed in Sappanwood, Indigo, Tesuflowers, Madder roots, Neem leaves, and Hibiscus. Naturally dyed fabric exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties.
Each piece is a unique creation, embodying the essence of wabi-sabi – an appreciation for the imperfect, the handcrafted, and the transient. The sampling unit operates from the designer’s hometown, nestled in the quiet hills of Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand. Here, Mridu collaborates with local women from the village, cultivating and foraging for ingredients such as Wild turmeric, Rosemary, Himalayan Rhubarb, Nettle, and Hemp. In her workshop, she explores knitting, eco-printing, and dyeing techniques. The production unit is situated in the remote village of Raghurampur, near Lucknow. Local women have been trained to grow and extract the dyes used in the process. Emphasizing gender equality, Kokun consciously hires and trains local village women, empowering them toward financial independence.
Mridu describes herself as an ever-evolving textile artist, existentialist, plantbased enthusiast, and wannabe-mycologist. When not creating, she dedicates her time to rescuing stray animals and spending time with her pet family of cats and dogs. Through her clothing, she endeavors to revive traditional knowledge in textile making and natural dyeing. The label disregards trends, choosing instead to align with nature’s changing moments and seasons. “I was always interested in how things are made, and for me, process and product are inseparable”, she remarks.
Styling, photos & text - Kira Issar @kiraissar feat. clothing from Kokun @kokun.india
Model - Veronica @veronicarubyfrancis