Indigo Dyeing and Garment (re-) making with Anais
Dive into Parisian elegance and creativity in textiles with French designer Anais. Learn how to create an all-natural indigo dyeing vat, upcycle clothing, and explore pattern-making basics to create contemporary aesthetic pieces – a poetic and meditative experience in Paris, a wellspring of inspiration for artists.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1640
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $720
Meet the Artist
Anais is a Paris-based indigo dyer and garment designer with a passion for textile experimentation. After studying fashion and textile design at one of Paris's oldest art schools, Anais fell in love with indigo working on Catherine Legrand's book "Indigo, The Color that Changed The World." She then studied under master dyer Michel Garcia and traveled to traditional indigo studios throughout Asia, comparing and learning from these ancient techniques.
Her work sits between craftsmanship and design, drawing inspiration from abstract and poetic concepts to create textile pieces, garments, and large-scale art installations. Anais believes that indigo is an alchemy that brings textiles to life. She enjoys the meditative process of dyeing, finding a cycle of soaking, rinsing, and drying to be a conversation between herself, the fabric, and the vat.
She uses traditional indigo techniques to create contemporary aesthetic pieces, giving discarded materials a second life. Anais considers clothes a true legacy, much like families did in the past by recycling and reusing cloth for generations.
Anais's mission is to bring the beauty of indigo to the forefront of contemporary fashion and design. In addition, she enjoys spending time with her two young children and her husband when she's not in the studio. She and her family love visiting art exhibitions, walking around their multi-cultural neighborhood, and traveling far from home to meet other craftsmen. They especially enjoy traveling to Japan, which they have visited many times.
Her work sits between craftsmanship and design, drawing inspiration from abstract and poetic concepts to create textile pieces, garments, and large-scale art installations. Anais believes that indigo is an alchemy that brings textiles to life. She enjoys the meditative process of dyeing, finding a cycle of soaking, rinsing, and drying to be a conversation between herself, the fabric, and the vat.
She uses traditional indigo techniques to create contemporary aesthetic pieces, giving discarded materials a second life. Anais considers clothes a true legacy, much like families did in the past by recycling and reusing cloth for generations.
Anais's mission is to bring the beauty of indigo to the forefront of contemporary fashion and design. In addition, she enjoys spending time with her two young children and her husband when she's not in the studio. She and her family love visiting art exhibitions, walking around their multi-cultural neighborhood, and traveling far from home to meet other craftsmen. They especially enjoy traveling to Japan, which they have visited many times.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learn indigo dyeing, garment upcycling, or create an entire garment from start to finish.
- Introduction to creating and maintaining a 100% natural indigo dyeing vat.
- Understand how to scale up the blue from light to medium dark sampling with different fibers.
- Learn shibori techniques, mainly “Itajime,” by practicing on various natural fabric materials or a piece of your clothing, t-shirt, pillow cover, or tote.
- Learn to sew or gently transform pre-existing garments.
- If time allows, learn how to combine vegetal dyes to create other colors, such as green and purple.
- Based on your interest, Anais can prepare the dye vat beforehand and dedicate more time to upcycling clothing, pattern-making, and garment construction. Ask when you book.
- Option to book a longer five-day session to focus on creating an entire garment, learning the process of pattern making, dyeing fabric, cutting fabric, and sewing.
- Enjoy local lunch together at an upcycling community store or Mosquee de Paris.
- Refreshing breaks with walks to Bois de Vincennes or by the Seine River.
- If time allows, you can visit Bibliotheque National de France’s botanical section or participate in yoga or sonotherapy at a studio nearby for an additional cost.
Explore Paris
Anais's studio is in Ivry-sur-Seine, a hidden gem, only a 15-minute walk from Paris's 13th district. This former industrial suburb is now home to art studios in old Yoplait yogurt and Pierrot candy factories, vibrant street art, local markets, and charming cafes, providing a glimpse into the real Parisian way of life.
Near the studio, you can explore the Napoleonic military building-turned-music conservatory and Manufacture des Oeillets, a newly built theater, and a poetic, post-industrial stroll along the Seine River. Just a few minutes walk from the studio is Parc des Cormailles, the perfect spot for a spontaneous late afternoon picnic or aperitivo. Or, you can hop on the train to explore Paris's beautiful sites like the Jardin des Plantes botanical galleries, Notre Dame de Paris, Musée d'Orsay, Musée du Louvre, or Bois de Vincennes, one of Paris's largest and most beautiful parks. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or an art enthusiast, Ivry-sur-Seine has something for everyone.
Near the studio, you can explore the Napoleonic military building-turned-music conservatory and Manufacture des Oeillets, a newly built theater, and a poetic, post-industrial stroll along the Seine River. Just a few minutes walk from the studio is Parc des Cormailles, the perfect spot for a spontaneous late afternoon picnic or aperitivo. Or, you can hop on the train to explore Paris's beautiful sites like the Jardin des Plantes botanical galleries, Notre Dame de Paris, Musée d'Orsay, Musée du Louvre, or Bois de Vincennes, one of Paris's largest and most beautiful parks. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or an art enthusiast, Ivry-sur-Seine has something for everyone.
Additional Details
Paris is beautiful year-round, but if you are looking for warmer weather, visit during the summer months (June–July). Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds. August is the busiest and most expensive month, while November–February is cold and rainy.
Fabric will be provided for sampling and practice, but guests should bring additional textiles or garments made from natural fibers for dyeing. Anais can also provide heavy cotton/viscose twill, heavy cotton piqué, and light twill silk by the meter for an additional cost. Vintage fabrics and clothes will also be available at local thrift stores.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 10 days. Please ask when you submit your booking request.
Anais speaks English, French, and a few words in Japanese.
Fabric will be provided for sampling and practice, but guests should bring additional textiles or garments made from natural fibers for dyeing. Anais can also provide heavy cotton/viscose twill, heavy cotton piqué, and light twill silk by the meter for an additional cost. Vintage fabrics and clothes will also be available at local thrift stores.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 10 days. Please ask when you submit your booking request.
Anais speaks English, French, and a few words in Japanese.
Guest Reviews
Beata B., United States
It was such a wonderful, enriching three days. I learned a lot from Anaïs. She explained things well and was so supportive of my ideas. She made a mood board that clarifies my direction. I felt very focused and productive. Her guidance was very valuable. I also enjoyed being invited to participate in an outing with her family to a local outdoor place and visiting the local market. It was such a tr Read more
