Eco-Printing: Embodying Botanical Aesthetics and Sustainable Innovation in Textile Design

Abstract

If each era develops movements and sensibilities in response to the needs of its time, a century apart, Art Nouveau and sustainable fashion establish a dialogue between affinities and divergences. Although born in different contexts, both express an aesthetic quest that opposes the standardization imposed by industrial production. In the face of new climate emergencies, new sensibilities arise, not only aesthetic but also environmental. In this context, eco-printing stands out as a technique that not only offers a concrete alternative to industrial dyeing methods, contributing to the reduction of water pollution, but also restores to fashion an aesthetic inspired by nature, with its imperfections and uniqueness, which make each piece unique. Through the use of leaves and flowers, this practice allows for unrepeatable patterns without resorting to harmful chemicals. Small businesses such as Rosso di Robbia, which specializes in natural dyes, and Lazzaro vintage shop promote this eco-conscious approach, challenging linear production processes and proposing a more mindful model of consumption. Their work shows how it is possible to combine aesthetics and environmental responsibility, offering a concrete alternative to disposable fashion and encouraging a cultural change in the textile sector.