Marie Labarelle

Marie Labarelle launched her textile label in 2005. Echoing her architectural studies, she uses volume to draw out the beauty of her fabrics, which are dyed with non-polluting plant-based dyes which she brings back from countries around the world. Her explorations of colour have led her to develop techniques in collaboration with artisans in France and in Asia. In June 2018, alongside Japanese artisans, she took part in the Savoir, Tradition et Innovation fair, organised by Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She intends her clothes to illustrate the connection between body and landscape, in a way that is mindful of the environment and its resources.

Marie Labarelle applied her zero-waste initiative to a range of clothing which she designed specifically for Japanese fabric, which comes on 35-centimetre-wide rolls. What may seem an obstacle to practical and commercial use is in fact closely linked to traditional kimono production. Labarelle worked with Japanese artisans to imagine patterns adapted to this narrower width, in the hope of inspiring more virtuous practices for the fashion industry as a whole.

Photos : Armelle Bouret