OKBET
Founder, Kristin Baucom
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Every year, tons of garments and toxic dye are wasted and soaked beneath the earth. I met Kristin through working at ARVO, a coffee shop/cafe on Oahu. She took our avocado pits and coffee grounds to dye the ARVO retail shirts! Stay awhile as Kristin shows us how fashion and nature can coexist using her natural dye methods.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how OKBET started.
My name is Kristin, and I’m the founder/creator of okbet. okbet is a multidisciplinary project juxtaposing streetwear and nature.
I started okbet in 2021 through my appreciation and love of nature and fashion.
How did you learn to do natural dyes and what's your dyeing process like from beginning to end?
I was exposed to the art form of natural dyeing through my experience of making soap. I learned by way of trial and error, reading books and blogs, and watching videos.
My process is quite extensive. I like to have a plan before I begin, having a garment and dye in mind. Before I dye, I weigh out the dry fabric. Next, I’ll do a series of calculations and prepare the garments for its first bath. Every garment undergoes 2 baths before its dyed. Some garments are dyed multiple times to achieve a darker hue. Natural dyeing takes a lot of patience and time.
Who have you collaborated with so far?
I’ve been fortunate to work with talented individuals and businesses.
ARVO, Banan, Here., and Sig on Smith are businesses in the community I work with.
I collect food waste and have established relationships with Down to Earth, The Curb, and Poai by Pono Potions in collecting their food waste.
In what ways is OKBET sustainable and eco-friendly?
okbet supports sustainable practices by way of collecting food waste, re-using dye baths, and utilizing recycled packaging.
What are your future goals and do you plan to expand your line of products?
My goal for 2022 is to create original pieces, expand my product line, and prepare for my upcoming exhibit at Bās bookshop this upcoming August.
Follow @okbet.af on Instagram to see what she dyes next!