Household Materials | Ramie

In Household Materials An Irrational Element features materials that are inextricably connected to the An Irrational Element story. Ranging from fabrics to utilities that are used during the process of creation. This first installment focusses on a fabric that was first introduced in Collection 004 and is harvested from one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world native to regions in eastern Asia. Ramie!

Ramie textiles are woven from the processed inner bark fibers of the ramie plant. The highly fibrous qualities of this inner bark make the cultivation of the plant very demanding, this is one of the many reasons the ramie fabric was considered a luxury product. In the history of ramie both the nettle and fabric has both seen high acclaim in countries such as (S & N) Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan amongst many other countries and regions. As the ramie crops can only thrive in the right climate with the appropriate soil, the crops need well-drained sandy soil and in warm moist climates. Both the harvest and processing are slow processes hence the mentioned countries considered ramie as such an opulent material.

In South-Korea the Hansan region is known for its ramie production and is home to a museum that is dedicated to this nettle. Turn to South-Korea’s eastern neighbor Japan where the people of the Uonuma region are renowned for its ramie production techniques. Ojiya-chijimi and Echigo-jofu are the techniques applied to produce ramie, both techniques are part of the UNESCO Intangible Heritages list. In China the fabric is known in certain regions as Xiabu (summer cloth) and considered to be as light as cicada’s wings, as thin as rice paper, as flat as bright mirror, and as smooth as silk cloth. It is evident that each region where ramie grows or has grown the ramie fabric was considered a luxurious and rich fabric.

An Irrational Element’s very first item made from ramie was the Karl Shorts in a moss dye, a very suitable summer staple. One of the Reasons why we made this fabric part of our household materials is the richness that one can find in the fabric. Also, the way it ages and receives a highly textured patina after wear and wash is another reason An Irrational Element applies the fabric in all our latest summer collections. Most importantly is how a material works in movement and as an everyday item. This is where ramie excels in our experience as it is a fabric that can be cared for easily and can take a hit.

Intrigued by the heritage, qualities and sensibility of ramie there will be many seasons and items to come where An Irrational Element will apply this beautiful fabric. For the sunlit days that will be upon us very soon we have created a selection of ramie items that will hopefully be part of your household just as much as it is part of ours.