Botanical Alchemy: Dyeing with Nature
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending a truly inspiring workshop in Ubud—one that seamlessly blended artistry, sustainability, traditional science and spirituality. Led by Karunia Fischer, the brilliant heart, mind and hands behind Rimmba the brand, this botanical dye workshop was an experience in the magic of plants. Karunia, who recently opened her first store in Ubud, Botanicals by Rimmba, welcomed us into her world of plant-based artistry and conscious creation.
Karunia Fischer (Middle) Source: Vogue Philippines
Karunia started her career in fashion by working with a Hawaiian bikini brand, eventually creating her own bikini line through Rimmba. Her journey took a transformative turn after a life-changing trip to Sumba, where she was introduced to the world of plant-based dyes. Inspired by the traditional techniques she encountered, she began incorporating botanical dyeing into her work, merging her love for fashion with sustainability and natural craftsmanship.
We began the workshop with a traditional Balinese ritual, melukat, a sacred water purification ceremony meant to cleanse the body and spirit. This beautiful ritual set an intentional and mindful tone for the day, grounding us in gratitude and respect for the natural elements. Following this, we had a thought-provoking discussion on water consciousness, exploring the significance of water in our daily lives and the need for sustainable practices in dyeing and beyond. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply interconnected we are with nature and its resources.
During the workshop, we explored the ancient practice of botanical dyeing, using marigold flowers and Indonesian secang wood to color 100% cotton lingerie. These natural materials, long revered in traditional dyeing techniques, yielded rich golden and warm reddish hues. We also sipped on secang wood tea, as most of the plants used for dyeing have healing properties. It was a mesmerizing process—watching the fabric slowly absorb the plant-based pigments, transforming into something unique and vibrant.
As we immersed ourselves in this hands-on experience, Karunia guided us through the importance of natural materials, emphasizing mindful usage and sustainable dyeing techniques. It was a beautiful reminder of how art and sustainability can coexist, allowing us to create without harming the environment.
In a world dominated by fast fashion and synthetic dyes, this workshop was a refreshing return to slow, intentional craftsmanship. Each piece we dyed carried a story—not just of color, but of tradition, sustainability, and the gentle rhythm of nature. It was a deeply meditative and fulfilling experience, one that left me with a newfound appreciation for the patience and wisdom that goes into plant-based dyeing.
As I left the workshop that afternoon, I carried with me not just a beautifully dyed piece of lingerie but also a renewed sense of connection—to the earth, to traditional artistry, and to the creative possibilities that nature offers. This workshop was a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful creations often come from slowing down and working in harmony with our surroundings.
If you find yourself in Ubud and are curious about the wonders of botanical dyeing, I highly recommend exploring Botanicals by Rimmba. Karunia's newly opened store, Botanicals by Rimmba, is more than just a retail space—it’s a tribute to the colors and textures of nature. She has thoughtfully designed it with sustainability in mind, even painting the walls with pigments derived from marigold flowers. You’ll not only discover a world of plant-based color but also gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry of sustainable fashion.