Episode 4 Red Hot

Join me Polly Leonard, the founder and editor of Selvedge magazine as I interview artists, designers, NGOs, co-operatives, collectors and just about anyone who wears clothes to find sustainable textiles that celebrate cultural identity, diversity and the heritage of humanity.

The earliest existing proof of dyed thread found in turkey dates back to the sixth millennium,  it was red. In this episode, we find out why red that is the hottest colour? We uncover the roots of ancient colourants and how today’s designers are taking advantage they’re their inherent qualities. We talk to a Zapotec weaver from Mexico, A Dutch duo describe how they are finding new ways with natural dyes and, a member of the Khatri community in Gujarat reminds us of the long history of madder red is a colour with a distinct history. Throughout the centuries, it was favoured for its chromatic appeal and for predominance over other colours. For millennia, wearing red clothes expressed the legitimation of social status, political authority, religious rank, ancestry, and cultural identity. Since ancient times human beings have tried to find dyestuffs that could reproduce the powerful tint of blood, fire, and flowers. It’s not always pretty ingredients include rancid castor oil, sheep’s dung, bullocks blood and urine.

So If you want to look red hot lookout for the natural dyes of cochineal madder and logwood.