According to the theory blue is one of the three primary colours of pigments which can be mixed to form a wide gamut of colours. And emotions. Blue can be the colour of harmony, faithfulness and confidence. Blue is the infinity and the imagination. And there is also something about “feeling blue” that fits naturally to this intriguing colour.

When it comes to indigo dyeing, the fashion world immediately evokes hand-made Japanese selvedge denim and the traditional Japanese Aizome, astonishing deep blue colour of a rather thick and rough fabric very often accompanied by the contrasting white patterns. But the technique actually dates back to bronze-age civilisation of today’s India. From there it was spreading both eastwards to Japan and to the West. Once it reached the Persian trading crossroads, the expansion to Europe couldn’t be stopped.

According to the theory blue is one of the three primary colours of pigments which can be mixed to form a wide gamut of colours. And emotions. Blue can be the colour of harmony, faithfulness and confidence. Blue is the infinity and the imagination. And there is also something about “feeling blue” that fits naturally to this intriguing colour.

Slovakia is the only remaining place in Europe where the indigo dyeing tradition still lives. Brought to Europe in the 16th century by Dutch sailors and traders, Modrotlač – which means literally “blueprinting” – began its proper rise in the early 17th century, when Slovak craftsmen formed the first dyeing guilds.

It was late in the 18th century, when the blueprinted fabrics properly entwined with the Slovak culture. Womens’ aprons, skirts, head scarfs, kerchiefs, shawls, but also camisoles and blouses were the most popular pieces of the Slovak blueprinting fashion.

The two most important components of Slovak blueprinting are Kypa and Pap. Kypa is the dyeing solution made from coal-like indigo, water, copperas and slaked lime. Pap is the masking mix on the base of painting clay and acacia.

Using the wooden stamping blocks the Slovak dyeing craftsmen would imprint the Pap on the fabric in different styles and patterns. When dried the Pap masked the fabric thoroughly so that the Kypa solution wouldn’t reach the imprinted areas. The master then soaked the masked fabric in Kypa and the number of soakings determined the final shade of blue.

After washing away the Pap and proper drying the dyeing process was concluded with mangling to make the canvas firm, smooth and shiny. And also to emphasise the white patterns on dark background.

Using the wooden stamping blocks the Slovak dyeing craftsmen would imprint the Pap on the fabric in different styles and patterns. When dried the Pap masked the fabric thoroughly so that the Kypa solution wouldn’t reach the imprinted areas. The master then soaked the masked fabric in Kypa and the number of soakings determined the final shade of blue.

There are some mysterious legends about different regions and dyeing masters. It is said that some of the Slovak masters used to add children’s urine into Kypa to support the fermentation of the solution and make the resulting colour truly outstanding.

Slovakia is the only remaining European counterpart to Japan in terms of traditional indigo dyeing. In NEHERA the east meets west. Our fabrics and designs are the modern interpretation of the unique artisanal heritage, both Slovak and Japanese.

The first ever indigo dyed pattern we decided to use was the traditional grid from Orava inside the circle typical for Japanese Kamon designs. The mountain region Orava in the north of Slovakia is also the home of our indigo dyeing master who hand-produces all the blueprinted fabrics for NEHERA.


Explore NEHERA defile collection Spring Summer 2017




According to the theory blue is one of the three primary colours of pigments which can be mixed to form a wide gamut of colours. And emotions. Blue can be the colour of harmony, faithfulness and confidence. Blue is the infinity and the imagination. And there is also something about “feeling blue” that fits naturally to this intriguing colour.

When it comes to indigo dyeing, the fashion world immediately evokes hand-made Japanese selvedge denim and the traditional Japanese Aizome, astonishing deep blue colour of a rather thick and rough fabric very often accompanied by the contrasting white patterns. But the technique actually dates back to bronze-age civilisation of today’s India. From there it was spreading both eastwards to Japan and to the West. Once it reached the Persian trading crossroads, the expansion to Europe couldn’t be stopped.

Slovakia is the only remaining place in Europe where the indigo dyeing tradition still lives. Brought to Europe in the 16th century by Dutch sailors and traders, Modrotlač – which means literally “blueprinting” – began its proper rise in the early 17th century, when Slovak craftsmen formed the first dyeing guilds.

It was late in the 18th century, when the blueprinted fabrics properly entwined with the Slovak culture. Womens’ aprons, skirts, head scarfs, kerchiefs, shawls, but also camisoles and blouses were the most popular pieces of the Slovak blueprinting fashion.

The two most important components of Slovak blueprinting are Kypa and Pap. Kypa is the dyeing solution made from coal-like indigo, water, copperas and slaked lime. Pap is the masking mix on the base of painting clay and acacia.

Using the wooden stamping blocks the Slovak dyeing craftsmen would imprint the Pap on the fabric in different styles and patterns. When dried the Pap masked the fabric thoroughly so that the Kypa solution wouldn’t reach the imprinted areas. The master then soaked the masked fabric in Kypa and the number of soakings determined the final shade of blue.

After washing away the Pap and proper drying the dyeing process was concluded with mangling to make the canvas firm, smooth and shiny. And also to emphasise the white patterns on dark background.

Slovak traditional indigo dyeing is a rough but magical technique. Printing by hand gives the patterns a unique character hidden in the smallest inaccuracies and irregularities. There is nothing wrong with fabric leaving the trace of blue on your skin. On the contrary, it’s the evidence that the indigo dye is genuine and hand-made. Ask the proud Touaregs of the vast Sahara desert who are also known as “the blue people”. Guess why?

There are some mysterious legends about different regions and dyeing masters. It is said that some of the Slovak masters used to add children’s urine into Kypa to support the fermentation of the solution and make the resulting colour truly outstanding.

Slovakia is the only remaining European counterpart to Japan in terms of traditional indigo dyeing. In NEHERA the east meets west. Our fabrics and designs are the modern interpretation of the unique artisanal heritage, both Slovak and Japanese.


The first ever indigo dyed pattern we decided to use was the traditional grid from Orava inside the circle typical for Japanese Kamon designs. The mountain region Orava in the north of Slovakia is also the home of our indigo dyeing master who hand-produces all the blueprinted fabrics for NEHERA.

Explore NEHERA defile collection Spring Summer 2017