The soft palette of modernity
- Aurélia brings a contemporary aesthetic to textile dyeing
- Her creative process is grounded in respect for nature and sustainability
- She seeks to highlight the potential of plants
Through her experience as a fashion designer, Aurélia Wolff developed a deep passion for colour, which gradually led her to natural dyeing. In 2014, she founded WHOLE, an eco-conscious textile studio dedicated to plant-based dyes in a contemporary palette. Through home and baby collections, she revisits this ancient craft with a modern and circular approach, continually innovating with new methods. "Using fresh plants, dried botanicals or plant extracts, all the colours in my objects are handmade in my Parisian atelier through a slow, thoughtful process," explains Aurélia. Located in Paris’ 13th arrondissement, the space even includes a garden where some plants are grown. More than a place for creation and innovation, WHOLE is also devoted to passing on the craft: Aurélia shares her knowledge by offering regular workshops.
INTERVIEW
It was when I started studying textile dyeing to become more self-sufficient in my work as a designer. I had an intern who was a textile engineer, and together we conducted lots of research. This experience was a real turning point for me. I then felt the need to refocus on many fundamental principles, including the pursuit of rigorous and ethical material sourcing.
I am always striving to go further: no plastic packaging, reusing textile scraps for research samples, and more. For example, in my garden, I collect rainwater for dye baths and rinsing. I also try to recover as much waste as possible – avocado skins, onion peels and so on. There are so many plant-based resources that can be used to create colour.
It is more about returning to a forgotten tradition, which has been replaced by synthetic dyes. Much like permaculture, my craft is about rediscovering ancestral know-how and bringing in a touch of modernity. My role is to show that natural dyes can be modern with their colours, through contemporary production methods, and that they can be long-lasting.
I am drawn to simplicity. The world of Japanese textiles, which echoes the Scandinavian aesthetic, is a rich source of inspiration. My colour palette is intentionally limited: four core shades form the foundation. I occasionally introduce one or two additional tones. Pink (from madder), sky blue (indigo), yellow and grey are the pillars. Material and tactility guide me in textile creation.
