CARA MARIE PIAZZA

USA

Cara Marie Piazza is a designer, but also a natural dyer: “The synthetic dye industry is one of the top polluters of our world’s water, because standard dyes use heavy metals and aren’t biodegradable. Conversely, natural dyes derived from plants or food waste by-products are a conscious, considered and holistic way to colour your clothes.” This artisan sources her materials from “a variety of trusted suppliers, by foraging in Upstate New York and Long Island, and by partnering with florists, event planners and restaurants to take their waste”. Describing her creative technique, she says: “I bundle dye and eco print with flowers. I create solid palettes, I paint by hand, I do ombré and shibori, and much more.” She even runs workshops to teach all aspects of natural dyeing. “I’m expanding to build dye kits and shoot educational videos. I live by the principle that only by sharing you truly receive.” Cara also wants to keep her label small and intimate so she can continue working with like-minded individuals, for example by curating the collection colours of other designers like Samuel Snider. At the same time, she tries to make her business as sustainable as possible: “I use silks produced by Indian artisans, organic home-grown cottons, hemps and wools. My tailors are paid fairly and I’m minimising my carbon footprint for shipping and packaging. I’d love to make my studio plastic free, too. Baby steps.” For a better planet. • F.B.