Our Deep Sea Kyra Midi Dress introduces something new to our signature silhouette: the ancient Indian art of Badal tie-dye. Rooted in tradition and carried out entirely by hand, this technique creates soft, shifting patterns reminiscent of cloud formations — each piece naturally one of a kind.
What is Badal Tie-Dye?
A traditional technique with a cloud-like finish
“Badal” means “cloud” in Hindi, and it’s the perfect name for this resist-dye method. Unlike more geometric styles of tie-dye, such as Bandhani, the Badal technique produces flowing, organic patterns.
It begins with soft cotton fabric, which is washed and dampened to encourage even dye absorption. Artisans then fold or scrunch the fabric by hand, creating gentle, cloud-like shapes. These are bound with string or rubber bands, forming soft resist points that the dye won’t fully reach.
The Dyeing Process
Slow, intuitive, and done by hand
Once the fabric is bound, it’s immersed in a dye bath. For Deep Sea, this is a deep indigo tone. The fabric stays in the dye for several hours, with time and technique carefully controlled by the artisans.
After setting, the fabric is unbound, revealing soft layers of light and shadow — the result of the dye moving freely around the folds. No two pieces ever come out the same. The fabric is then rinsed and dried in the shade to protect its delicate colour gradations.
Kyra, Reimagined
Our signature silhouette in a new expression
This is the first time we've applied tie-dye to the Kyra. While the shape remains unchanged, the Deep Sea colourway brings a new dimension — fluid, airy, and rooted in craftsmanship.
It’s not a departure from our values, but an extension of them. A thoughtful nod to tradition, explored in a new way.
Made With Care, Not Rush
Because good things take time
The Badal tie-dye process can’t be rushed. It takes time to prepare the fabric, to fold and bind each section, to dye and set it properly. It also takes experience — artisans must know just how tightly to bind and how long to let the dye develop.
This careful, considered approach is at the heart of Deep Sea and a reflection of the slow fashion values we hold close.
With Love,
Daughters of India xx
