OUR MATERIALS

LEFTOVER MATERIALS

Reusing existing resources has always been a fundamental part of our approach. We continuously work to find new ways to repurpose leftover materials, giving textiles a new life while minimizing waste. Many of our collections are created using recycled and surplus materials, which we seamlessly integrate into our designs. By working with 'deadstock' materials from our suppliers, we transform these remnants into limited-edition items. In this way, we maximize the potential of existing resources and reduce unnecessary waste. 

VINTAGE SARIS

Vintage saris were the original source of inspiration when SISSEL EDELBO was founded, and they have remained a signature element of our collections ever since. The sari is one of the world’s oldest traditional garments and has been worn by Indian women for generations, both in everyday life and at festive occasions. At SISSEL EDELBO, we repurpose saris to honor their rich history while reinterpreting them in our own designs.

Since Indian saris do not come with care labels, we cannot precisely specify their material composition. Saris may be made from cotton, polyester, viscose, or blends including silk. This variation makes each sari unique, with its own distinct print and vibrant color palette. Every sari is carefully selected and inspected by our quality team to ensure it meets our standards for softness and durability.

ORGANIC COTTON

We work with organic cotton, adding a new dimension to our collections. Cotton is one of the most widely used fibers in the textile industry, and our choice to use organic cotton instead of conventional cotton is a step towards a more conscious approach to production. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals or synthetic fertilizers, reducing environmental impact while also supporting better working conditions for those involved in its production. 

KANTHA

As part of our dedication to repurposing Indian textiles, we reimagine vintage kantha in new and creative ways. Kantha is a traditional embroidery technique that has been cherished by women in India for centuries. This method gives old cotton saris a new life, transforming them into quilted blankets, cushions, and clothing – reflecting our love for vintage materials. The recycled saris are layered on top of each other and sewn together by hand, carefully matched in patterns and layers before the kantha embroidery begins. Kantha is characterized by its uniform, visible stitches, meticulously sewn in straight lines or decorative patterns. Each kantha is therefore entirely unique, with its own print and vibrant interplay of colors.

BLANKET WEAR

Our Blanket Wear collection is crafted from hand-embroidered blankets, inspired by India’s long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and our passion for slow fashion. With a focus on the history of the materials and traditional techniques, we transform blankets into new designs. We use both newly produced and vintage blankets, created using methods such as suzani embroidery, appliqué, and patchwork. These techniques are carried out by skilled artisans in India, adding a unique character to every design. Suzani embroidery is a classic and traditional handcraft technique where characteristic suzani chain stitches are used to decorate kantha blankets and other textiles. Patchwork focuses on combining leftover fabric pieces in new and creative ways, sewing them together in intricate patterns using a variety of techniques.