Episode 38 - Reconnecting with Land and Community through Slow Fashion

In the darkness of solstice season, a slim and nourishing light begins to return, imperceptibly, like the small and steady reconnections we are making to the earth and each other.

This conversation explores how we can reconnect with land and improve our relationship with the environment through natural dye and slow fashion.  These practices allow us to express creativity and connect with our specific homes on a miraculous and hurting planet. We discuss how no one can shoulder the weight of environmental care alone, and it is important (and joyful!) to cultivate community – we need each other. 

Malú Colorin, a Mexican natural dyer and designer living in Ireland, inherited her name and a calling for textile art from her mother and grandmother. Her work draws inspiration from the traditional garments of her native Mexico, while embracing the rich heritage of Irish textiles. Malú is the founder of Talú, a natural dye house and educational hub helping slow fashion lovers keep their clothes in play for longer and reconnect to the Land. She is also the co-founder of Fibreshed Ireland, a community-supported social enterprise building networks to craft a regenerative Irish textile system based on local fibre, local dyes and local labour. 

As we come through the darkest part of the year, this beautiful conversation looks at land, rewilding in Ireland, natural dye processes, the strength of local action, and living our lives authentically. In the slowly-receding darkness, we reflect on what to let go of  – and what we hold onto fiercely.