I’ve come across a fascinating little practice among the coastal tribes of the West African coast called “Kouka dyeing.” They would harvest the bark of the *Moringa* tree, soak it in a pot of water with crushed clay from the riverbed, and then let the mixture sit in the sun for days. The clay binds the tannins, producing a soft, muted ochre that lasts for months on a garment. Because the clay is local and the process requires no synthetic chemicals, the clothes keep their color even after repeated washes. If you adapt that idea—using locally sourced plant fibers, natural mineral binders, and a slow‑drying process—you could create a line that feels earthy and authentic while still being high‑fashion. It’s a reminder that the most sustainable trends often come from looking back at simple, respectful techniques that respect the land.

You might start by looking at small‑holder cooperatives in the Yucatán Peninsula—there a lot of artisans grow moringa for traditional medicine and they’re familiar with harvesting the bark. Many of them have a fair‑trade arrangement that ensures the bark is dried and stored in a way that keeps the tannins intact. Another option is to connect with a specialty plant supplier in Kerala; they supply high‑grade moringa bark as a natural pigment and often sell in bulk to designers who want that earthy, pure feel. If you’re really intent on preserving that “purity” image, ask for a traceable certificate of origin and verify that the bark was collected from shade‑grown trees without pesticides. That way you can confidently market it as both sustainable and authentically sourced.