Preserving the ancient art of block printing...

Block print is the ancient printing technique of using hand carved wooden blocks to transfer dye onto fabric.  Block printing is a skill that is passed down generation by generation.

First, the designs created by our co-founder and artistic director Franny are sent to our partners in India to be cut into blocks.  Using their deep knowledge of block printing, they create multiple blocks, with a different block needed for each color used in the pattern.  Blocks are hand carved into wood by our artisan partners.

Once blocks are cut, the pattern is ready to be printed onto fabric.  Each pattern comes together like a complex puzzle and is placed by human hands.  The handmade nature of block printing means each piece is unique based on the artisan who printed it.

After printing, each piece is hung to air dry.  The drying process can have a effect on the final color tone of the product, causing slight variations in color depending on the temperature, sun cover, or conditions on the day that particular piece was hung to dry… adding to the charm and distinctiveness of each piece we produce!

By choosing to use block printing versus machine production, we are not only supporting a slow manufacturing process, but also protecting the knowledge of an ancient skill to continue on to future generations.

Slow Manufacturing

In a world full of fast fashion, Maison Elocine is committed to a slow manufacturing process that aims to be as gentle on the planet as possible.  We are passionate about sustainability and building a better future for our kids - that’s why we are committed to: 

  • Producing small batch collections that take about a year to bring to life from design to production
  • Handmade by humans over machines 
  • Supporting artisans trained in the ancient art of block printing
  • Using materials locally sourced from the town and region surrounding our manufacturing partner in India
  • Opting for the most eco-friendly materials such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, and azo-free dyes.

Materials

We use 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton grown by farmers in the region of Rajasthan, India, local to our manufacturing center.

Our printing blocks are carved in wood by the same artisans who later hand print the pattern, with the ability to use these same blocks for years to come and recycle the wood when it is no longer needed.

Azo-Free Dyes

All of our products are created using azo-free dyes, which are free of any toxic or carcinogenic compounds.  In addition to ensuring this is the best for the health of our consumers, azo-free dyes are also much more sustainable than synthetic dyes. Azo-free dyes have a higher absorption rate, which means they use less water than other dyes, and they are biodegradable, lowering their impact on the environment.