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eColorgrown awarded Natural Recognittion by Materials ConneXions Libraries  

eColorgrown awarded Natural Recognittion by Materials ConneXions Libraries

Two centuries ago Robert Owen fathered the cooperative movement, envisioning a system whereby members could achieve a better working and living environment and access to education for themselves and their children. Today, this revolutionary idea is growing strong; collectives are producing colorgrown heirloom organic cotton in Brazil. Jonäno is choosing to join the colorgrown cooperative revolution.
The eColorgrown™ Collection incorporates the newest techniques for nurturing heirloom colorgrown organic seeds to produce a totally natural color palette. The result is a poetic dance of texture and accents that coordinate well in any wardrobe.

Turn-of-the-century inspired lace and embroidery are still lovingly created near the Brazilian beach town of Paraíba; where song and dance is always nearby. Here inspirations for for eColorgrown™ were born and nurtured. Classic and romantic, the dresses are perfect for walking along the Brazilian Riviera beaches and dancing Samba all night long.

The Siesta Dress, detailed with hand embroidered turn of the century labyrinth technique hit the runway in sustainable style, showing off colorgrowns at their best in two toned colorblock. Rio and Peasant dresses are romantic with a three tirred skirt and puckered bodice. Drawing inspirations for the group of detailed colorgrown organic cotton dresses from skilled artisans who offer handcrafted tatting, embroidery and macramé learned and passed down through the generations. . These romantic pieces are accented by two toned hand embroidery and a pucker bodice to accent all your curves, in camel, white and russet brown.

By selecting a cooperative-based, socially responsible and “low impact” method of production, Jonäno supports economic equality. Over 400 strong artisans have been chosen to produce these naturally colorful designs. For the past seven years, the cooperative method has thrived in north eastern Brazil. In the 1980’s, the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Research Company (EMBRAPA) helped researchers collect the unique seeds of cotton plants that led the way to colorgrown organic cotton. The first variety of colored-fiber cotton originated from a selection of these seeds collected in the Northeast and is known as BRS 200, and whose fiber is light brown in color. Therefore, the actual existing variety of colored fiber in cottonseeds in the Northeast was used for the synthesis of this cultivation.

The resulting cotton is not only chemical free and available in a host of color varieties, but also has led to a social and economic network of farmers and artisans. Colorgrown Benefits Colorgrowns do not require chemical processing, thereby reducing water and energy costs, as well as reducing the quantity of effluents that would need to be treated. Chemical dyes, when misused, can pose health and environmental risks. The chemical dyeing processes are often highly pollutant, generating residues with high concentrations of salts and kelp, amongst other substances, and bleaching generates residues with humectants, salts, caustic soda, peroxide and neutralizers. Even with the treatment of effluents, around 15% of the residuals escape and they could pollute the ecosystem in which they are liberated.

These organically grown cottons are now available in a palette of natural hues ranging from creamy white to sage green - camel beiges to russet brown; the colored fibers are both strong and soft to the touch. Colorgrown cotton is quickly establishing unique market leverage, and though cultivation requires a greater investment upfront to achieve the desired colors organically, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Colorgrown cotton farmers are receiving a higher price for the organic cotton he/she cultivates enabling these families to earn a better living on the limited acreage they cultivate.

Cooperatively-based manufacturing solution in Brazil invests in local businesses, employs local people and supports small farmers that grow organic cotton. Production is independently certified by Instituto Biodinamico (IBD). IBD and recognized by IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement) and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). Product certification is accepted in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan. A leader in sustainable production, Jonäno has chosen its work partnership with Consórcio Natural Fashion of Brazil in support of their efforts to attain social independence.