Botanical Nomad
Ira Bekker, also known as the Botanical Nomad, creates natural dyes with locally foraged botanicals and natural fibres. Ira contributes to South Africa's slow fashion system by teaming with designers who want to create biodegradable and earth-friendly textiles. Ira also educates others by providing hands-on workshops.
Features
Resources and materials
- Works with natural fibres such as raw silk, merino, and alpaca
- All botanical dyes are made from locally foraged indigenous and non-indigenous plants
- No synthetic chemicals are used; dye and rinse water are returned to the soil
- Plant matter is composted after use
Making and manufacturing
- All research, harvesting, dye creation, and application are done by Ira herself
- No mass production; work is used for personal garments or collaborations with designers
Social and cultural
- Shares knowledge through workshops and demonstrations countrywide
Product and design
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- Colours are light- and colour-fast if treated with care
- All personal projects Ira works on are fully biodegradable
2023 Winner: Farm-to-Fashion Award
2025 Nominee: Innovative Design and Materials Award
Address
Cape Town, South Africa