About Us

WHO ARE WE?

Akané, pronounced as Ah-Kah-Nay, is the Japanese word for madder root or Manjishtha which has been used as a natural dye material traditionally to derive a deep red colour since ancient times.  

We, at Akané create naturally dyed, versatile and timeless products. We respect the process of making a product by involving local artisans, sourcing locally and ensuring zero waste. We make use of natural dye materials that are easily available in the environment such as flowers, seeds, roots and leaves. Akané believes in creating value rather than just a need for consumption through our products. We wish to spread awareness about slow fashion and inspire people to make the right decision by providing sustainable alternatives for our customers. 

 

OUR STORY

Akané, which started out as Dye Works was the result of a graduation project initiated by our founder, Janhavi Vyas during her time as a design student. The project was greatly inspired by the documentary “The True Cost” which threw light upon the fast fashion industry. This made her rethink everything she believed about the textile and the fashion industry which is dominated by consumerism, cheap labour and fast production. It not only impacted her lifestyle but also moulded her career decision.

Over the next few years, and after a lot of travelling, learning and experimenting, the project was developed into the slow fashion brand, Akané to try and fill the gap that exists in the fashion industry when it comes to slow fashion and sustainable alternatives. 

 

WHY NATURAL DYED PRODUCTS?

Dyes obtained from natural sources are natural dyes. Most are of plant origin and extracted from roots, wood, bark, berries, leaves, flowers, nuts, and seeds. Natural dyeing has been around for a really long time than most of us would assume. The history of dyeing in India seems to have been started in the pre-Vedic period proved by a piece of purple cotton found in Mohenjodaro in 3000 B.C. which seemed to have been dyed with madder. Natural dyeing was a tradition that was commonplace in the country until 40 years ago, when synthetic dyes took off.

With textile dyeing and treatment the second-largest polluter in the world, it is time that we shift back to natural dyes and go back to our roots. With numerous fast fashion options available to consumers, unnecessary purchases of clothing is made without having any value for it. Whereas when you choose to buy from a slow fashion brand, greater appreciation of the product can be ensured since a lot of thought is gone behind the process. It is more ethical without compromising on quality.