Objects of Desire: Plant-Dyed Silk Cushions and Kaftans from Supernaturae
Supernaturae’s beguiling gem tones are plant-dyed silk and other natural textiles. The label began as Benedicte Lux’s research project into alternative, more sustainable methods of fashion production.
Born in Norway, Lux grew up in the UK and studied art history at Central St. Martins before moving to NYC where she earned a fashion degree from Parson’s. During a study-abroad residency in Oaxaca, Mexico, she met a community of natural dyers and “saw up close a lot of these incredible if marginalized techniques that offered such beauty and inspiration.”
Post-graduation, Lux worked as a visual stylist at ABC Carpet & Home. Noticing the food scraps being tossed from ABC V, the in-house vegetarian restaurant, she began making her own dyes from things like avocado pits and onion skins, and stitching her first samples.
Initially established as a clothing line, Supernaturae now includes cushions and quilts that we’re highlighting here. Designed by Lux, each is meticulously created by a tag team of specialized artisan groups in India and Mexico. Describing the collection as “future vintage,” Lux says, “The desire is to create timeless pieces, collectibles of living history, highlighting incredible workmanship that is closely tied to nature.”
Photography courtesy of Supernaturae (@supernaturae).
Above: For the boudoir and beyond, Supernaturae plant-dyed silk pillowcases are double-sided—with a different color on each—and hand-crocheted by a women’s cooperative in Oaxaca. Shown here: Ophelia/Rosetta pillowcases come in three sizes starting at 30-by-40 centimeters, $134, inserts not included but can be made on reuqest).
The silk is hand-woven in Murshidabad, India, and dyed by a Zapotec community in Oaxaca who use locally sourced plants: pericón, añil, grana cochinilla, and palo de Brasil. Lux notes that “the mountain water from Sierra Norte enhances the colors, making them incredibly crisp and clear.”
Above: Benedicte Lux wears her signature Serafína dress at a friend’s place in Mallorca—she divides her time between Mallorca and Merida, Mexico, where Supernaturae has a showroom and she’s restoring a historic villa. Her company name was inspired by “the hidden intelligence of plants and their ability to yield such unexpected and luminous tones.”
Above: Two versions of Ophelia/Pitaya; $161 for a 45-by-45 centimeter pillowslip. The crocheters, Lux says, are led by artisan Viki Martínez, who “selects colors intuitively, guided by the seasonal expressions of the plants themselves.”
Above: The collection includes several one-of-a-kind, hand-stitched quilts of mashru, a blend of silk and cotton with a satin finish. This is the Aurelia/Double; $1,025. Shown in the foreground is an Aurelia Bolster/Emerald; $179.
Above: Ophelia/Milky Blue, 45-by-45 centimeters, $161.
Above: The Aurelia/Single Ink Drop quilt; $740.
Above: A glimpse of Supernaturae’s by-appointment showroom in Merida: Lux and the artisans she collaborates with have developed a palette of 30-plus colors from plant dyes. Browse the collection in the brand’s online shop and a few European boutiques.
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