You started this enterprise in lockdown, what inspired you?

I have been doing tie dye since I was a child, it’s always something I’ve done.

When lockdown started I was unable to work, and I had 2 laundry bags full of old white clothing I wanted to dye, so I thought what better time.

I had a lot of interest to the pieces I was sharing online, and I started getting enquiries, so I decided to set up shop.

 

Was this a reaction to BLM to raise money or did the two go hand in hand?

I’d already started the shop when I decided to do a capsule collection for a charity.

I teamed up with a make-up artist I work with who supplied me with some beautiful organic carbon neutral tees to dye.

The T-shirt’s being finished coincided with the BLM marches in Thanet organised by People Dem Collective. It is a cause I feel very strongly about, so I decided to donate all proceeds from the capsule collection to BLM UK.

 

What’s your technique, what processes do you to? Do you anticipate how each piece will look or is the unknowing all part of the fun?

I’ve been experimenting with loads of different techniques and methods. Initially it’s all about experimentation, but now I apply bespoke dye colours and patterns to individual pieces, so I know how I want it to come out. The beauty of hand dye though is that no two pieces will ever be the same, so there is still an element of surprise even when planned.

 

Will this be something you’ll carry on post lockdown?

Yes, definitely. I love it, it’s a brilliant creative outlet and I love seeing people wearing my pieces so I hope to continue my little cottage business after lockdown

 

You’re an amazing stylist and work with some incredible people when it comes to fashion, do you think you’ll be using your pieces in main fashion shoots or is this a side-line bit of fun?

Thank you! Yes I’m sure a bit of Casa Curio tie dye will be popping up in my work once I get back shooting!

 

Finally, how and where can we buy your pieces?

At the moment I’m selling through my Instagram shop @casacurio but I’m hoping to be developing a website over the next few weeks, and I may be popping up in some much loved Margate establishments soon so watch this space!