Fast Fashion’s Funeral? Rare Weave’s Dabu Print says Namaste!

Did you know that the shirt that you are reading about is made with a technique that is older than the Taj Mahal? Yes, it is the intricate tapestry of Dabu Print that comes alive with Indigofera by Rare Weave. It is time for the mass-produced shirts to move over as the era of fine detailing and traditional prints is back.

But first, what is Dabu Print, and why should you care? 

Deeper Than Dyes: Unveiling the Soulful Secrets of Dabu Print’s Past

Going back to the 14th-century Rajasthan, you can see the origins of this beautiful art form called Dabu Print. The tradition is believed to have originated in the village of Akola, Chittorgarh from where it traveled to Bagru with the families of artisans.

This well-preserved technique is older than even the Taj Mahal and you cannot put a price on the tradition that is weaved in every thread when you buy an article made with Dabu Print.

With Dabu Print, you are witnessing the fashion that was a staple with the reigning monarchs of Rajasthan. The royals loved art, and the intricate motifs printed on the royal garments added a flair to their personal wardrobe years ago. This is what Rare Weave attempts to get back into fashion with Indigofera. 

From Desert Whispers to Wearable Art: The Process of How Dabu Shirts Come to life!

Dabu print or the “Mud-resist” technique is an enchanting dance of magical processes one after the other curing the fabric naturally with the use of natural materials. The most important ingredient for the technique is the mud.
Who would think that mud can be the essential component of a dying procedure? Well, this is exactly where the expertise of the Dabu artists flourishes. Creating symphony with the most unconventional materials. 

The Mud mixture: The Mud Paste or “Dabu paste” is a work of art in itself and is made with Clay that is locally sourced, gum from the acacia trees, and natural dyes. Sustainability at its peak.

The Dye that is most commonly used in Dabu Printing is Indigo which is exactly what we have used in the creation of Indigofera.

Here is the entire process of Dabu Printing.

• The fabric that needs to be printed is washed properly so that it can be more receptive to the dying process. 
• The mud paste is then prepared keeping the final design in mind.
• The fabric is laid out and the mud paste is stamped on it with wooden blocks. The mud paste is applied fresh to the block after each stamp to make sure that the pattern comes out beautifully.
• Then saw dust is sprinkled on the fabric. The sawdust sticks to the mud paste preparing the pattern of mud-resist on the fabric.
• Then the fabric is dried in open fields to ensure the mud-resist paste dries on the fabric perfectly before dying.
• For the fabrics with Indigo, like the shirt- Indigofera, the fabric is then dipped into huge Indigo vats. The fabric is dyed in a vibrant Indigo color but the areas with the mud paste remain dye-free creating exquisite patterns.
• The fabric is then dried again.
• Now as the final step, the fabric is washed and dried which is then ready for further production. 

The exquisite technique of Dabu printing is a detail-oriented process of making a fabric extraordinary by breathing tradition into each thread. When we look back at the process of how much labor goes into the production of these fabrics, we realize how exquisite your wardrobe is to have a piece of this legacy. 

Indigofera by Rare Weave: A unique blend of tradition and sustainability

Rare Weave is committed to using exquisite techniques in all our pieces. Every shirt that we design has had months of thought behind it. Everything starts on the designing table with a thought that involves choosing the rarest techniques of Indian clothing culture. For the subsequent steps of production, each shirt gets undivided attention. 

Indigofera by Rare Weave
This is a 100% sustainable shirt. Not only does it honor the centuries-old tradition of Dabu printing but is also all-natural in production.
Here is what makes Indigofera special:

• The shirt has a 100% Organic Cotton base.
• The shirt uses natural Indigo dye which is skin-friendly and does not cause any irritation.
• The shirt honors the technique of Dabu printing that has been around for centuries but has not been very popular recently.
• The buttons of the shirt are made with Coconut shells. We did not want to use plastic. 

Why should you buy Indigofera?

Indigofera by Rare Weave aims to bring back the exquisite tradition of Dabu Print in the Men’s Fashion landscape. When the team visited Bagru for the production of the shirt, we learned that the artisans who have been the guardians of this technique through centuries are now choosing other professions that seem more lucrative. The reason? There is little to no emphasis on the traditional arts of India in the era of fast fashion.
With Indigofera, we want to promote the allure of Dabu print to make sure that your wardrobe is not filled with omnipresent pieces. After all, luxury is defined by exclusivity, and to those who understand it, this shirt is a wearable treasure. 

Here is where you can find the masterpiece: Indigofera by Rare Weave