Chemical dyes are embedded in our clothing, proving to be one of the most detrimental toxins for people's health and the well-being of our environment. At Smith Bowen, we create beautiful, unique colors using all-natural dyes derived completely from the nature surrounding us.    Checkout a select few of our dyed garments in the colors Rose Petal, and Avocado  Here is our simple 5-step guide on how to hand dye your clothing using natural, botanical dyes: Mordant your pre-dampened fabric or garment in a solution that will adhere to the dye. There are several different types of mordants to use depending on your fabric content. Allum is one of the most common. Remove your fabric from the solution and thoroughly rinse it in clean water. Create the color you want by mixing different colors or using just one color. There are many different colors to choose from. When creating colors for natural dye, food waste such as the skin and pits of Avocados are a perfect way to start. Let the pits and skins soak overnight to get the desired color. They make the most beautiful, flesh tones. Once the color has been made and warmed, dip the fabric or the garment into the dye. Once you have achieved the color you want, pull it out, rinse it, and hang it to dry. The longer you leave the fabric in the dye, the stronger the color will appear.  If you're happy with the color once dried you can iron and wear it. Do not hang in the sun as the color will fade.  Food waste is part of the circular approach, it biodegrades and returns to the soil. It is a regenerative and sustainable way to dye and achieve beautiful colorways. The are many different foods you can use to create color. Also plants such as the indigo plant, is used to create a denim color. The fashion industry needs to work together to help create less of an impact on people's health and the planet. We at Smith Bowen want to be part of the responsible solution.   Take a look at our Honeymoon Panty, in the stunning, I Do Blue, colorway.  If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to a cleaner fashion industry, check out the organizations below:        Fashion Takes Action        The New York Fashion Act  

Style expert Susie Wall answers your fashion questions featuring great Canadian brands that are making an impact. From pretty, eco-friendly underwear sets to the perfect hostess gifts and stylish blouses and dresses, Susie helps us embrace our Canadian pride.

Check out our feature in Vita Daily Magazine where students from Vancouver Community College begin the discussion surrounding the sustainable choices behind the Smith Bowen brand.

    This fall I went on an adventure to Europe and Africa.   I was traveling for 6 weeks in the Sahara Desert, Spain and Portugal. From fashionable cities to the hot, dry and untouched Sahara Desert. I needed to build  a travelling capsule wardrobe that would fit in my carry on. I knew Morocco and the desert would be hot, and that I would be wandering the fashionable cities of Lisbon, and Barcelona. What could I wear that fit these two extremes in fashion and comfort?   I decided to take my Smith Bowen organic wear. The organic cotton undies and bras were washable by hand and dried overnight, so they were my first choice. The dreamer camisole in both white and rose petal were great under dresses and as night wear. And because I knew I had to cover my shoulders I decided to take the romantic cotton PJ set. But not for pyjamas, I wore these two pieces everywhere. The silk detailing on the bottom of the pants makes them look oh so chic, and the top is both feminine, as well as incredibly stylish. Wearing this out on the streets of Barcelona I felt cool, unique and beautiful. And I got a lot of compliments. Oh so chic.   This is what I took: 4 pairs of transparent dreamer panties 2 dreamer bras 1 cloud bra Romantic cotton PJ’s set which is perfect for sleepy time or lounging around. The top has shell button front opening with soft neck tie and puff sleeve with silk cuff hem detail. Pants are an easy fit with comfortable elastic waist at back and flat front with pockets and silk drawstring with a large silk cuff.         

  Why is Slow Fashion important to Smith Bowen? Slow fashion is the start of a green movement with the ideology that humans can have a positive influence on how they choose to affect the world around them. Using the power of choice .    Slow Fashion is an approach to producing clothing which takes into consideration all aspects of the supply chain and in doing so, aims to respect all people, and the environment. It means spending more time on the design process, ensuring that each piece of apparel is hand-made using high-quality materials and eco-friendly low impact production. As well as considering how the product will end its life . Products are made of natural fibres, such as organic cotton, linen, and silk for example. These are biodegradable and do not pollute the water systems or over flow the land fills . All colored designs are hand dyed using non toxic botanicals or the fabrics are grown and produced with color . This creates a full circle approach to the design process. Our aim is to create a circular economy with the lowest impact . We are better together.    Smith Bowen only creates slow fashion  1. The Designer Renée develops her drawings in her home studio where members of her artistic family are consulted .  2. Once drawings are rendered Renée considers the best fabric choice for the design .Fabric is sourced, looking for certified organically grown cotton(GOTS), linen and silks. The certification guarantees no chemicals are used . 3. A first pattern is created and sewn . Then a meeting with the local patternmaker and fit model to determine proportions and styling . 4. Each piece is hand-made by local sewers who run home-based businesses in Vancouver. 5. When the product is made, it sometimes needs to be hand dyed . This is done in the home studio dye house using natural plant materials that create gorgeous color . All items are checked for quality Then the item is packed in compostable & biodegradable packaging .  Mailed  through the local Canada Post Office with an option to choose carbon neutral shipping .  6. Once your piece is finished its' life you can compost and it will biodegrade returning back to soil where it came from . The lowest impact possible .     Our mission at Smith Bowen is simple. We create with purpose using Mother Nature as our co-creator  and guide  . We encourage customers to be thoughtful and intentional about their clothing, choosing pieces that are healthy for both you and your environment. With love .     

Carbon offsets enable you to have an immediate positive impact on the environment by funding projects like restoring and protecting forests, creating clean energy sources, and more.

Clothing is our second skin. It breathes, It moves. It becomes us. Caring for your botanically dyed lingerie. Rules of thumb Wash only when necessary Use gentle non-toxic ph neutral detergent Wash by hand in cold water Line dry and store out of sunshine Never dry clean Colours will change over time with a natural patina Botanical dyes are Ph sensitive so below is a list of ways to remove stains safely. Oil stains Sprinkle baking powder onto the stain and let sit for 30 mins Hand wash with neutral ph soaps Rinse well, repeat if needed   Acidic stains (citric, wine, tea, coffee) Soak garment in cold water for at least an hour Hand wash with gentle oh detergent Rinse thoroughly Repeat if needed   Alkaline stains (sweat, natural deodorants) Other stains (food lipstick, dirt) Dilute small amount of detergent in warm water Soak garment for at least an hour or over night wash with gentle Ph detergent Rinse and line dry Repeat as needed Gently rub stubborn stains