Introducing the first plant based collection from hedonistic hippie! You can shop the collection here.

Our first release for this collection is a range of mid-hemp canvas tote bags. All of which are handmade by us and will be available in 3 different styles; Natural, Stkdbrgr X hedonistic hippie and Hemp & Henna.

Because there are so many contributing factors to this collection, we thought it would be best to set aside a dedicated area to explain all the different aspects and inner cogs, like; why hemp? What is natural dye? And why we are collaborating. 

First, some History…

Some may be surprised to know that hemp has a long history in Ireland & Britain. In 1533, King Henry VIII made hemp cultivation compulsory by law, this guy was ahead of his time!
He decreed that for every 60 acres of land, farmers had to grow about 1/4 acre of flax or hemp. If farmers did not do this they were seen to be breaking the law and faced a fine. Back then people could even pay their taxes in hemp! Why can’t life be this simple nowadays? 

Although the size of the hemp cultivation sector is currently extremely small on the Emerald Isle, hemp is making a comeback! The North and South of Ireland are paving the way with pioneering research at Queens University Belfast, University of Ulster, Limerick, Dublin and Galway. 

Hemp is already being used within the industrial packaging sector and big hitters such as Ikea are already using it as a polystyrene packaging alternative. The great thing about this is the packaging is 100% compostable and the material used to make it is actually waste fibre from fabric making!   

Hemp as a fibre

Due to the lack of hemp fibre farms here in Ireland we have sourced, ethical and organic hemp grown in England in the United Kingdom.  

We didn’t just pick hemp for its plant based origin, or it’s taboo nature, we fell in love with this fabric because of it’s durability and sustainability! 

Hemp is one of the strongest plant fibres, producing 250% more fibre than cotton, using the same amount of land (and a lot less water!) it can also produce 600% more fibre than flax using the same amount of land.

A more eco-friendly and sustainable textile which we have completely fallen in love with and hope you will too. 

We wanted to make this fabric our own and have taken our time to create a bespoke textile by introducing the natural dye process. 

Natural Dye 

Naturally dying our own fabric not only makes our totes completely unique but it’s a more sustainable and environmentally friendly process; as we source food waste and wild forage to create our dye baths.

Natural dyes are derived from plants or minerals which can be found in vegetables, fungi, flowers and more.

In an effort to reduce our production line and bringing even more in-house, we are naturally dying the raw hemp fabric ourselves. 

The process can take anywhere between 26-52 hours to completely dye just one tote. 

Natural dye helps preserve the environment, is biodegradable and does not contain any harmful chemicals or carcinogenic components, often found in synthetic dyes!

Handmade

Each tote is made from a raw hemp fabric, we cut out our pattern, and sew, sew, sew! 
We believe in slow fashion here at hedonistic hippie so each one is made to order in an effort to minimise waste. 

 

Collaborations 

Hedonistic Hippie has allowed me (Zoë) to collaborate with some of my closest friends. From photo shoots to physical products, honestly it’s something I never dreamt about in my wildest dreams! 

Stkdbrgr X hedonistic hippie

 A very special collaboration between two friends which dates back to around 5 years ago when Niáll and I were sat in dead-end jobs talking endlessly about where we would rather be in life. Although we probably went in opposite directions (Niáll wanted a career in wine and I wanted to work my way up the corporate ladder) we’ve ended up in the best place possible; working for ourselves doing the things we love. I’m so glad we have come full circle and get to do this thing called ‘work’ together. Who knew food waste and fabric would mix?

It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Niáll to create something magic from his burger shops food waste. We have lots of exciting schemes up our sleeves to further this collab so watch this space!

Shop the collab here.

For all things burgers and yummy, delicious food, follow @stkdbrgt on Instagram, Facebook or view their website here. 

 

Hemp & Henna

For the last 6 years I have grown closer and closer to a woman I absolutely adore, Kalpa. The most kind natured person I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend, just sitting in her company instills a sense of calm around me I just can’t explain. 

Connecting over our shared love for henna we wanted to create something completely unique to both of our businesses while still staying true to our practices. 

Thus the Hemp & Henna tote was born! Currently the tote is hand painted using an acrylic paint but we’re working on ANOTHER exciting release which will be completely plant based. 

 Shop the collab here.

Interested in finding out a little bit more about Kalpa? You can view her instagram and facebook. 

 

 

One last thing before you go… 

I think it’s fair to say that we are completely obsessed and passionate about the HEMP collection and hope our ramblings have provided a good background and some further information on our processes and what exactly goes into our creations. 

If you have anymore questions or queries (we are always open to new collaborations and product enquiries) please contact me via email at hedonistic_hippie@outlook.com

Peace & Love,

Zoë