MATERIALS AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
At Hess, we’re dedicated to shaping a new era in fashion—one where artisans are at the heart of what we do, and where people and nature work together in harmony. We’ve built a fair-trade supply chain that respects both the hands that create and the Earth that provides. Social sustainability is woven into every decision we make.
That’s why we choose natural fabrics over synthetic alternatives. Below, you'll find more about the materials and techniques that are the stars of our unique designs:
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ERI SILK
Imagine a silk that embodies both luxury and compassion—one that allows silkworms to live peacefully through the entire process. This is Eri Silk, often called Ahimsa or Peace Silk. It stands apart as the only wild silk that can be produced without harm, a philosophy widely embraced by Mahatma Gandhi for its non-violent origins.
We use hand-spun and handwoven Eri silk crafted by 7Weaves, where every step—from growing and harvesting to dyeing—happens naturally along the Loharghat Forest Range in Assam. This region is deeply connected to silk production, home to three of the world’s four wild silks.
Indigenous communities have been perfecting this craft for centuries, passing down their skills through generations. The artisans we work with handcraft every single meter of fabric—at a pace of just 1.5 meters a day. Slow, intentional, and full of care.
BLOCK PRINT
Block printing is one of the world’s oldest art forms. At its heart, it’s all about stamping fabric using hand-carved wooden blocks—each one a work of art on its own. This technique has been around for centuries, especially in Asia, and is still widely practiced today, particularly in Rajasthan. Jaipur, with its rich printing heritage, is home to some of the world’s finest block printers.
To create these intricate patterns, skilled artisans carve designs into wooden blocks before using them to stamp the fabric, one motif at a time. It is a fully artisanal method that guarantees no two fabrics are ever exactly the same. Those subtle color variations and tiny imperfections? That’s where the magic lives. It’s what makes each Hess creation completely unique, just like the women who wear them.
EMBROIDERY
The art of stitching stories into fabric has long been central to human culture, a practice passed down through generations. At Hess, we honor this rich tradition by using only sustainable, biodegradable threads, skillfully woven into stunning designs by our partner artisans in India.
Whether through delicate hand embroidery or the precision of hand-operated machine techniques, each design pays tribute to global cultural legacies while giving this ancient art form a fresh, modern twist. It's our way of keeping this beautiful form of expression alive, one garment at a time.
HANDWOVEN COTTON
Khadi cotton is more than just a fabric—it’s a symbol of resilience and freedom. Made from the finest hand-spun, handwoven cotton in India, Khadi rose to prominence through Mahatma Gandhi’s call for independence, becoming a national emblem of self-reliance. Today, this ancient craft continues to thrive, and it’s celebrated as one of the most sustainable fabrics available.
What makes Khadi so remarkable is the traditional spinning and weaving process, powered by a simple foot-operated pedal. It requires no electricity, keeping its carbon footprint exceptionally low. And when it comes to water usage? While conventional mill-made cotton demands over 50 liters for just one meter of fabric, Khadi cotton requires only 3 liters. That’s sustainability woven right into its core.
RAW SILK
There’s something beautifully raw about raw silk—literally. This fabric is known for its unique texture, a little less polished than traditional silk, yet with a natural glow that’s all its own.
Handwoven by artisans who respect the material’s origins, every piece holds a story of authenticity and craftsmanship. It’s the fabric in its purest form, with none of the fibers stripped away, allowing the material to breathe and retain its natural character: understated and luxurious.