Designer's Journal

Boysenberry Wrap Dress

Handwoven fabrics are a great way to practice sustainability in style. At Passion Lilie, we offer a range of clothing and accessories made from handwoven fabrics to suit anyone’s tastes. Want to learn more about the benefits of handwoven fabrics? Check out our comprehensive guide below!

Sustainability and Handwoven Fabrics

You might be wondering, how do handwoven fabrics fit in with sustainability? Handwoven fabrics are made by hand using a handloom, which does not require electricity or produce any pollution. In addition, the lack of automation presents weavers with many more opportunities to reduce waste and engage in sustainable practices.

At Passion Lilie, we take this a few steps further to make our handwoven fabrics even more environmentally friendly. Our process is dedicated to preserving the environment through the use of natural energy, waste reduction, and water reduction. Our artisans wash fabrics by hand in local waterways, dry them in the sun, and use any leftover pieces for other handicrafts or accessories.

As a fair trade company, Passion Lilie also creates a sustainable environment for our workers. All of our clothing is made by fair trade artisans, which means we pay them fair wages, offer them stable employment with time off and other benefits, and ensure they are working in safe, healthy, empowering conditions. These opportunities permeate our artisans’ communities as they spend their profits in their local economies, start their own businesses, and share their skills. This leads to sustainable societies and a better world for all of us, even the most disadvantaged. Learn more about our artisans or how you can support the fair trade movement today.

Ikat and Handwoven Fabrics

Our sustainability isn’t the only thing that sets Passion Lilie’s handwoven fabrics apart. Many of our handwoven fabrics are also colored through an ancient ikat dyeing process. “Ikat” originates from the Indonesian word “mengikat,” meaning to tie, bind, or wrap around. It uses reactive dyes—the same dyes used for modern tie-dye—and bindings that resist dye penetration to create beautiful and original patterns before weaving. These dyes are especially resistant to bleeding, which keeps them bold and vibrant. Watch the video below or read more to learn about Passion Lilie’s handwoven ikat fabrics.

Handwoven Fabric FAQs

Navy Stars Midi Skirt

Due to their intricacy and lack of use by mainstream, fast fashion retailers, many people have questions about handwoven fabrics. And we have the answers!

Do handwoven fabrics shrink?

Compared to knitted fabrics, woven fabrics are much more stable when it comes to shrinking and do not react as severely to stresses. A small amount of shrinking is still possible, so if you’re concerned about shrinking, we recommend using cold water and laying flat to dry.

Are handwoven fabrics stretchy?

Unlike synthetic-based knit fabrics, which are made from one continuous thread and stretch all over, woven fabrics only stretch diagonally—or as we say in the sewing world, on the bias—giving them enough flexibility to be comfortable while still feeling sturdy and looking fitted.

Are handwoven fabrics comfortable?

Of course, comfort is subjective and largely depends on the materials being used and the wearer’s preferences. That being said, many of our customers have commented on how soft and comfortable our handwoven cotton fabrics feel.

Do handwoven fabrics itch?

This depends on your sensitivity and on the materials being used, but handwoven fabrics are no itchier than any other fabrics. At Passion Lilie, our handwoven cotton fabrics do not itch. Handwoven fabrics also tend to breathe much better than polyester and other synthetic fabrics, making them more comfortable.

Shop Passion Lilie for Handwoven Clothing

Blue Striped Scarf

It’s finally October! Besides the beautiful weather outside, all of the fun fall festivals, and the changing of the seasons, something else exciting is also happening: Fair Trade Month. Read on to learn more about this annual opportunity to celebrate and spread the word about the fair trade movement.

What Is Fair Trade Month?

Founded back in 2011 by Fair Trade USA, Fair Trade Month serves as a way to raise awareness about the fair trade movement and its importance to our global economy. It also encourages consumers to shop from fair trade businesses instead of businesses that hurt the environment and their workers. Every October, fair trade companies, Fair Trade Towns, and those who support the movement create promotions, events, and other celebrations in honor of Fair Trade Month.

How to Support Fair Trade Month Here in New Orleans

With celebrations happening all over the country, there’s no shortage of ways to participate in Fair Trade Month, and New Orleans is no exception. As a fair trade company whose apparel and accessories are designed in New Orleans, Passion Lilie is committed to supporting fair trade in New Orleans and beyond. Show your support during Fair Trade Month and all year long in New Orleans by making fair trade and sustainable purchases from these businesses.

Food

– When you don’t feel like cooking, fill up on a variety of healthy and sustainable fair trade dishes at Cafe Rose Nicaud in the Marigny.

– With two locations within the city limits (plus one in Metairie and one in Mandeville), healthy food megastore Whole Foods offers a diverse and wide range of fair trade foods for a tasty and nutritious way to show your support for the movement.

– New Orleans Food Co-Op prioritizes fair trade products when available, especially fair trade certified chocolate and coffee. If you become a member, you also have a say in how the cooperative is run, allowing you to have an even larger impact on the food in your community.

Cafés

– According to Fair Grinds Coffeehouse, it is the sole coffeehouse in New Orleans that is 100% fair trade. All of its chocolate, coffee, and tea is fair trade, so head to one of two convenient locations in Mid City and the Marigny.

– Gourmet donut shop District Donuts only uses Stumptown Coffee, which is fair trade and even has its own location right here in New Orleans. Visit your nearest District Donuts in Uptown New Orleans, Lakeview, Elmwood, or even Baton Rouge.

– Located on Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., Orleans Coffee House serves a range of fair trade and organic certified coffees. It also has an espresso bar on Prytania Street.

– Good Karma is a café in Mid City that specializes in plant-based food and drink. Even better, all of its coffee is fair trade and organic.

Shopping

– Get your Mardi Gras merch early with recycled beads and throws from Arc of Greater New Orleans. It’s a great way to save money, reduce waste, and provide jobs to workers with disabilities.

– Need a great pair of shoes? Feet First is an independent shoe retailer voted “Best Shoe Store in New Orleans” nine times and counting. It carries a variety of local products, including fair trade accessories and apparel from Passion Lilie.

– Shop for a variety of fair trade clothing, such as the Snuggle in Chevron Sweater shown above, right here at Passion Lilie. We also sell fair trade accessories, homeware, and stationary. To learn about the many benefits of buying fair trade clothing, read our blog post.

Shop Passion Lilie Today and Receive a Free Headband

Shop our complete line of ethical apparel, discover more ways to support fair trade, or contact us with any questions today.

Supporting the fair trade movement is a terrific way to empower workers across the globe and contribute in your own way to a fairer and more equal Earth. Showing your support for fair trade can encompass a whole host of activities, from supporting local economies to purchasing fair trade products and reducing your environmental footprint. Not only will you feel better for making fair trade purchases, but you can enjoy better quality products than those available from sweatshops. Read on to learn how you can support and grow the fair trade movement today.

What Is Fair Trade?

Fair trade is a movement among businesses that seek to uphold certain economic, social, and environmental standards. Fair trade companies support the protection of workers’ rights and the environment with fair pay, safe working conditions, and sustainable processes. To ensure that a brand claiming to be fair trade is living up to those standards, organizations such as the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) exist to confirm businesses that actually enact fair trade practices. Passion Lilie has also created a handy ethical shopping guide to help consumers determine if a company supports ethical, fair trade practices.

Why Support Fair Trade?

There are plenty of reasons to support the fair trade movement, but these are a few of our favorites:

• Fair trade means fair pay and working conditions for farmers and
  producers. All fair trade products are made in safe, healthy working conditions, where producers are paid a fair wage for their work and have a say in the process.
• Fair trade is better for the environment. Fair trade supports and encourages sustainability, which can range from lowering pollution levels to reducing waste and much more.
• Fair trade is safe. Fair trade utilizes integrated farm management systems that limit the use of harmful pesticides, which means fair trade food, clothing, and other organic products are safe and healthy.
• Fair trade supports workers’ communities. With an emphasis on supporting the local communities of producers and workers, fair trade can improve artisans’ communities, schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and more.
• Fair trade means sustainable local economies. Fair trade gives producers and artisans control over their own destinies with fair wages, safe and healthy working conditions, and other workers’ rights, meaning they can eventually build their own businesses and put the profits right back into their local economies.

Ways to Support Fair Trade

Ready to show your support for the fair trade movement? Here are a few great ways to get started:

• Invite a fair trade speaker to your school, company, or city to spread the word.
• Learn about fair trade issues and help others become educated as well.
• Turn your community into a Fair Trade Town.
• Work with local businesses to encourage and help them “go fair trade.”
• Use fair trade products, such as the affordable ethical clothing and other eco-friendly apparel and accessories available at Passion Lilie.

Hex Flex Men's Button Down Shirt

For unbeatable comfort and style, choose our fair trade Hex Flex Men’s Button Down Shirt. We use soft, breathable, poplin cotton to make this sturdy, comfortable, machine washable shirt. Meanwhile, the geometric pattern and carefully tailored fit make this shirt a great choice for everything from a day in the office to a night out with friends.

Elephant Tote

This canvas bag is the perfect eco-friendly, fair trade tote for carrying groceries, gym clothes, your laptop, and whatever else you might need. Our trendy elephant design is block printed with a hand carved wood block using vibrant, environmentally friendly dyes.

Support the Fair Trade Movement by Shopping with Passion Lilie

As an eco-apparel company, Passion Lilie is wholly devoted to making fair trade products designed in New Orleans and handcrafted in India. Purchasing clothing, accessories, homeware, and even recycled greeting cards from Passion Lilie is a chic and unique way to show your support for the movement while looking good too. Visit our website to view our full line of eco-apparel and other products, and start supporting fair trade now!

Sustainable dinner parties are a great way to show your love for the environment and have fun doing it. While many people assume that throwing a sustainable dinner party simply consists of using local and organic ingredients at your next hosted dinner, there is so much more to it than that. Reusable, sustainably made dishes, utensils, and napkins not only add class to any dinner, but minimize your environmental footprint. These eco-conscious dinners offer a fun, tasty, and effective way to convince your nearest and dearest to go green through the persuasive power of a good meal. Learn how to plan your own sustainable dinner party with environmentally friendly cuisine, cloth napkins, and more today.

Crafting Your Menu

The first essential to any dinner party highlighting responsible agriculture is eco-friendly eats. Consider these tips:

• Get ingredients from local gardens, farmers’ markets, and other sustainable sources.
• Ask grocery stores for food that is safe to eat but will be thrown away, such as bruised produce or expired food.
• Moderate how much meat and dairy you include in your meal.
• Eat any leftovers later that week!

Sourcing Sustainable Dishes and Utensils

The next step in planning for your sustainable dinner party is to source sustainably made dishes, silverware, and napkins to accompany your meal. If you need disposable items, there are a number of companies online that offer plates and utensils made with sustainability in mind. You can also check out local shops and artisans to supply the tools your guests will need to enjoy the feast you’re preparing for them.

Cloth Napkins from Passion Lilie

One of the best sources for sustainable cloth napkins is the collection available from Passion Lilie. We are an eco-friendly, fair trade brand that offers a variety of apparel, accessories, homeware, and more made by empowered artisans in India. As an ethical brand, we ensure our artisans receive fair wages, safe and healthy working conditions, and long-term employment. By purchasing our high-quality, sustainable cloth napkins, you can reduce your impact on the environment while also supporting fair job opportunities in India. Browse all our napkins or get started with the two recommendations below.

Salmon Ikat Cloth Napkins (Set of 4)

These gorgeous cotton napkins make it easy to give up paper! Their salmon color complements earthy tones for a subtler look or teal tones when you’re feeling bolder.

Grey Dots Cloth Napkins (Set of 4)

With their appealing dotted pattern and neutral colors, these cotton cloth napkins can turn any meal into a special occasion.

Shop for Eco Outfits to Complete Your Party

Of course, no dinner party would be complete without a great outfit to go with it. When hosting a sustainable dinner party, it’s only natural that your environmentally friendly choices extend to your wardrobe as well. Luckily, Passion Lilie is just the place to get your eco-chic apparel. Consider these looks for your next dinner party.

Navy Stars Organic Jersey Wrap Dress

This stunning wrap dress from Passion Lilie comes in a navy, patterned, organic jersey material that is sure to get everyone’s attention and make you the life of the party. With its soft and stretchy fabric, this dress leaves you feeling comfortable all day long while still showing off your curves in a fitted silhouette.

Gray Chevron Crop Pants

Want to go fun and funky? These lightweight pants show off your fashion sense with a mid-calf leg and zigzag pattern. The gray and black colors keep your look sophisticated, giving these pants the ideal balance of style and professionalism for more casual work environments, professional events, and dinner parties.

Passion Lilie: Your Go-To for Sustainable Cloth Napkins and More

As a premier eco-apparel and home goods brand, Passion Lilie is ready to help you on your path to greater, greener living. Contact Passion Lilie with any questions, and get started on your next sustainable dinner party the right way today.

Most of us have encountered reactive dyes before, even if we didn’t realize it at the time. Have you ever tie-dyed a shirt? Modern tie-dye often uses reactive dyes. Many American retailers, however, do not use reactive dyes. Reactive dyeing must be done by hand rather than by machine. At Passion Lilie, we use this ancient dyeing process to produce unique, authentic, eco-friendly clothing that resists fading. Learn more and shop our beautifully dyed products today.

What Are Reactive Dyes?

Reactive dyes, also referred to as fabric reactive dyes, are dyes that chemically react with fabric. They affect the molecules of the fabric, making them a permanent part of whatever they dye. This is why they resist fading so much better than other dyes. They absorb and alter the color of fabric.

As an ethical, sustainable brand, Passion Lilie only uses natural binders and eco-friendly dyes in our reactive print paste. Tharangini Studio’s skilled artisans use a combination of ancient techniques and modern advances to produce the best results from our reactive dyeing process:

1. First, our artisans dye the fabric its initial base color.
2. Meanwhile, gum arabic resin crystals are fermented using a traditional recipe by soaking in water for two to three days to create a binder.
3. Next, artisans hand block print the fabric using reactive dyes.
4. After wrapping the fabric individually in recycled newspaper, they steam it for an entire day.
5. Then they wash the fabric and cure it in the sun, allow its colors to develop.
6. If any other colors are going to be added, our artisans repeat the first four steps with those colors.
7. After they print, steam, wash, and cure the fabric, artisans remove any gum arabic residue, leaving behind a soft, beautifully printed fabric.

For more information about the methods of dyeing we use, read about our natural dyes (also known as plant- or vegetable-based dyes), eco dyes, and reactive dyes.

The Advantages of Reactive Dyes

Now that you know a little more about our reactive dyeing process, you may be wondering why we bother with such a time-consuming method. Reactive dyes come with a number of big benefits:

• They’re more vibrant. Unlike other clothes, which become faded over time with wear and washing, reactive dyes keep their color.
• They don’t bleed. Because reactive dyes become a part of the fabric, they don’t bleed onto other pieces of laundry.
• They’re unique. There’s something special about handmade clothing and owning something truly one of a kind. With reactive dyeing, each piece of fabric is varied and unique.
• They’re sustainable. The process of reactive printing is low waste and sustainable. All of the newspaper we use is recycled, and our gum arabic crystals are sourced from a sustainable grower.

Shop Passion Lilie Today

Ready to reap the advantages of reactive dyes? Shop these Passion Lilie products made with reactive dyes. Many of these popular items have limited sizes remaining in our current stock, so snag yours while you can!

Layla Organic Jersey Dress (XS)

For standout sophistication, nothing beats this knit dress. Its gorgeous stripe-on-stripe pattern and starfish neckline create a one-of-a-kind look, while the soft, organic jersey cotton and side pockets offer comfort and convenience.

Triangles Shift Dress (M)

Searching for something bold, yet still classy? This dress has it covered with an adventurous geometric pattern you can wear from the office to gallery openings, cocktail parties, and more.

Dusk Button Dress (L)

Find all the comfort of a t-shirt with all the style and sophistication of a little black dress in the Dusk Button Dress. Friends, family, and even strangers will get lost gazing at its beautiful starry pattern.

Indigo Flowers Scarf

Add texture and pattern to any outfit with the Indigo Flowers Scarf. Made using reactive dyes, its rich indigo color can stand out while staying neutral for easy pairing with the rest of your outfit.

For a similar look in another pattern, check out our Indigo Dreams Scarf today. You can also shop more of Passion Lilie’s ethical apparel, read about our mission, or discover more fashion tips and trends on our blog.

Next to Mardi Gras, Saints season might be the most beloved season in New Orleans. We can’t wait to don our black and gold, tailgate with friends and family, and cheer our team on to victory. With preseason in August and the regular season taking place from September through December, now is the perfect time to start planning a tailgate and filling your closet with black-and-gold fashion. Even those outside Louisiana can get into the spirit with the right clothing and accessories!

Saints Season Fashion Tips

When it comes to Saints season fashion, the old standbys are always good options: black-and-gold face paint, Saints jerseys, and other official Saints gear. But if you really want to stand out from the crowd, try something that shows off your fashion sense as much as your team spirit.

Splatter Dot Organic Jersey Dress

When you’re already decked out in black, gold, and fleurs de lis accessories, you may need to balance your outfit with neutral pieces. In a trendy splatter dot print and neutral colors, this dress is an excellent choice.

Fleur de Lis Skirt

Go fun and flirty with a Fleur de Lis Skirt. Featuring a wide, flat front waistband, this skirt is sure to complement any figure. Pair it with a cute midriff shirt on hot summer days, and turn it into an autumn look with a thick sweater or sweatshirt.

Fleur de Lis Dress

Support the Saints like a pro with this fun yet professional dress. The black side panels and gathering in the back create a fitted, flattering silhouette, while the cap sleeves and square neckline add sophistication. Head straight from the boardroom to the game on a busy day without missing a beat in the Fleur de Lis Dress.

Fleur de Lis Scarf on White

As seen in New Orleans’ Gambit, this stylish accessory is an ideal embellishment for any outfit on game day. It’s lightweight, ethically made, and expertly crafted. You can even use it as a home decoration. This scarf is also available in black here.

Saints Season Tailgating Tips

Once you’ve settled on an outfit, you’re ready to get out and go tailgating. Win or lose, make it a game to remember with these Saints season tailgating tips:

• Pack the night before so you’re ready to snag a good spot first thing in the morning.
• Refrigerate beverages the night before so they’re easier to keep cool.
• Freeze bottles of water so you can spend less space on ice and more on staying hydrated.
• Turn one of your coolers into a warmer before you leave using wet towels, aluminum foil, and bricks.
• Don’t forget the little things, such as sunscreen, bottle openers, tape, markers, napkins, hand sanitizer, phone chargers, extension cords, and trash bags.

Shop Passion Lilie for All Your Saints Season Fashion Needs

Looking for even more Saints season fashion? Shop the Black & Gold Collection from Passion Lilie. Browse our blog for more affordable ethical clothing and other fashionable and sustainable ideas, or shop today for our full range of apparel.

Teachers are a big part of our children’s lives. They spend a significant amount of time with students, shaping their education and even serving as role models. A good teacher can make all the difference, inspiring a lifelong interest in math, reading, science, or learning in general. Whether it’s at the beginning of the school year or after a parent-teacher conference, go the extra mile to build a relationship with your child’s teacher. Passion Lilie has several teacher gift ideas to help you show your appreciation.

Teacher Gift Ideas and Tips

Choosing a gift for a teacher can be tough. You want to show your gratitude, but in many cases you need to be careful not to overspend—otherwise, the teacher may not be able to accept your gift. Follow these tips when considering teacher gift ideas:

• Give something practical. Most teachers have more than enough coffee mugs, but they end up paying for school supplies out of pocket. Many of the best teacher gifts are ones they can actually use to improve their classrooms.
• Put thought into your gift. Even the cutest knickknack doesn’t say much if there isn’t a story behind it. Consider the teacher’s personality and interests when shopping.
• Don’t spend more than $20. Several teachers surveyed in different parts of the U.S. said that $20 should be your limit. A few bucks over won’t hurt, but don’t spend much more than that.

Show Your Appreciation with These Teacher Gift Ideas

Now that you know what to look for in a gift, consider these teacher gift ideas from Passion Lilie.

Butterfly Greeting Card ($3.00)

Passion Lilie sells a variety of recycled greeting cards that are perfect for thanking a teacher on any occasion. Add it to the rest of your gift, or fill it with thoughtful words from yourself and your child to make a perfect, low-cost gift all on its own. Even better, these cards are made of recycled (and cleaned!) elephant waste, making them eco-friendly and part of an important cause: improving the treatment of elephants in Sri Lanka. If that weren’t enough, each card is hand block printed by a young adult with autism or a severe handicap in India, and the proceeds help pay for their education and ongoing training. Learn more about our recycled cards and give a gift that keeps on giving.

Le Plume Tote ($20.00)

Between all the folders, worksheets, school supplies, and other miscellaneous items, teachers end up carrying a lot of things from work to home and back. Wouldn’t it be nice if each time they reached for their bag, they were reminded of a student or parent who cared? This tote is colorful and attractive, while its measurements are large enough to fit standard papers and folders. It can also function as a reusable grocery bag for environmentally friendly teachers on the go.

Mint Paisley Scarf ($22.00)

Many teachers are more concerned with helping others than themselves. Treat them to something just for themselves: a bright, beautiful, lightweight scarf. With its refreshing mint color and gorgeous mixed patterns, the Mint Paisley Scarf is a great way to give a little TLC to a teacher.

Shop Passion Lilie Today

Every piece of apparel and accessory from Passion Lilie is ethically made, so you can feel good about every purchase. We use sustainable, environmental practices and provide fair wages, long-term employment, and safe working conditions to artisans in India. Learn more about our mission, read our blog, or shop more of our products today.