Natural indigo dye on a deconstructed canvas Air Jordan One functions as a material study in plant-based pigmentation, surface transformation, and CMF methodologies. As part of a broader investigation into natural dye processes, the study examines how form geometry affects absorption, resistance, and visual outcome.
A natural indigo vat develops over several days using a fermentation-based kit. Material testing spans plant-based, animal-based, and synthetic textiles to study pigment absorption, resistance, and tonal outcome. These trials establish a baseline understanding of natural dye behavior, informing the treatment process applied to the final canvas form.
The deconstructed Air Jordan One offers a rare combination of industrial form and craft potential. Its raw canvas upper strips back structural overlays, exposing a surface that invites material intervention. Applying natural indigo builds on this quality, connecting the sneaker’s pared-down construction to historical dye practices. Framed through a contemporary CMF lens, the project focuses on how natural pigment interacts with geometry, texture, and finish. Beeswax functions as the most effective resist—its crayon-like form enables direct, controlled masking across curved and angular surfaces.
The result is a material study and a surface prototype, linking traditional dye processes to contemporary production. It offers a flexible foundation for developing a scalable CMF system around natural pigments, with potential applications in commercial product contexts where material storytelling and surface variation contribute to the foundation of product strategy.