Interview by Dylan Robertson

This is the second of a two-part interview with Dani Rippingale, a Tokyo-based yoga instructor and writer. Last time in Part I, I interviewed Dani about her yoga background and her experiences teaching yoga in Tokyo. Here in Part II, we get to learn about the eco-friendly bamboo fabric yoga wear she distributes here in Tokyo.

How did you first learn about bamboo fabrics, and how did you come across this line of yoga wear?

I decided about four years ago to re-evaluate my purchasing habits and among them decided I would only purchase clothing made from sustainable textiles. I kept what I had, but decided that anything new that I purchased would have to be created with environmental, cultural and social sustainability in mind. In my search for alternatives, I came across a local designer (Vancouver, Canada), who was making bamboo yoga and lifestyle wear. I loved her designs, which espoused the “less is more” philosophy by offering pieces can be worn inside – out for a different color, skirts became dresses – it’s very workable and great for travel.

Why is bamboo fabric better for the environment?

Synthetic clothing is derived from petroleum – a non-renewable resource and factories create a lot of industrial waste in the manufacturing of these textiles. In contrast, bamboo is a fast growing, hardy and disease-resistant plant that can be harvested and continue to grow without the need of chemical pesticides, fertilizers or fungicides and doesn’t require a lot of water resources.

When you said “sustainable fabrics”, one of the first things that came to mind was cotton.

When people think of “natural”, they think of wool or cotton, which are not synthetic so they must be good. But in fact, cotton is a vulnerable crop that requires a lot of support to grow and is one of the highest users of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides. It uses a phenomenal amount of water to grow. About a 1/3lb of chemical pesticides and about 300 gallons of water are used to create a single cotton t-shirt.

I love bamboo as a plant so I was very attracted to a well made bamboo product. There are many bamboo products on the market coming out of China that use a lot of toxic chemicals in the processing of the bamboo. Movement’s bamboo textiles are made, designed and produced in Canada and are unbleached or use Oeko-Tex dyes which are low profile dyes that hold to the fabric. Compared with cotton, which only holds about 50% of its dye and creates great industrial waste by polluting our waterways.

Comprised of 68% pure bamboo, 28% organic cotton and small amount of spandex for the stretch, at 4%, Movement clothing wears extraordinarily well. It is durable, keeps its color after repeated washings, and at the end of its life it is biodegradable without leaving a chemical footprint.

What other advantages do bamboo fabrics offer?

To me, there is no substitute when you compare bamboo to technical fibers that may wick moisture but are made from petrol chemicals. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it seems crazy to me to be wearing synthetic clothing for anything let alone yoga, where you’re seeking health and to live gently in the world!

I personally find that clothing made from bamboo fabric stays fresher and doesn’t require washing every time I wear it. Bamboo fabric is a wonderful layer and is great for summer and winter. In the summer the bamboo fibers have an almost down-like quality with pockets of air that make it breathable and protect you from the heat (and cooler than cotton). Whereas layered in the winter, it keeps the warmth. This makes it an all-seasons type of fabric.

Tell us about the maker of the range that you carry.

Amrita Sondhi was one of the co – founders of Lululemon which came out of Vancouver, Canada. She’s a yoga teacher herself and has published an Ayurvedic cookbook. She’s a very talented woman. We became friends through my interest in her line of clothing and as someone who’s committed to the earth and giving back to the community. A portion of sale proceeds go to the Pamoja Foundation, a micro-financing organisation in Kenya. With my moving to Japan, we decided to introduce Movement here.

What kind of designs and colors do you offer?

There are a lot of designs that are wonderful on and off the mat. The designs and colours are complimentary – you can layer the pieces, turn them around, inside-out, and you’ve got a whole different look. The collections include athletic yoga layers that offer support; beautiful t-shirts, long-sleeved tops and pants; and lifestyle pieces that include skirts, dresses, and jackets. Movement has a woman’s collection at present, but a men’s collection is coming, which I’m also excited about.

What has been the reaction of your customers so far in Japan?

The reaction has been fantastic, which doesn’t surprise me because she’s an amazing designer. The layering of the designs suits the style in Japan, and is extraordinarily flattering to all figures with sizes ranging from extra small to extra large (great for those in the foreign community who find sleeves and pant legs too short!). All my customers are repeat customers. They love the way it washes – it is low care , doesn’t require any special treatment and the colors don’t fade. It’s durable, doesn’t stretch out, and it feels amazing. Once you wear it your synthetic clothes will feel pretty weird – plasticy!

How can people in Tokyo purchase bamboo yoga wear by Movement?

People in Tokyo are welcome to come to my home where I have a showroom set up with samples and I have stock there for them to purchase directly. People that are outside of Tokyo can always review the designs on my website and check with me for availability. And there’s a small collection of the yoga wear at Yoga Tree in Hiroo.

What are your plans for the future with Movement?

I’m very passionate about educating people around sustainable options and thinking of the whole life-cycle of a product. We have an obsession with cheap things that are very disposable and leave a large environmental footprint. In Japan, a lot of clothing is thrown away. I believe that when you invest in quality, ethically made products you actually save money because they last and your conscience feels better. Movement is designed and made in Canada – it’s not made in a sweatshop and gives back via the Pamoja Foundation. It’s something that you can feel good about. I never sell with pressure – the product really speaks for itself.

For more information on Dani, her yoga classes and the Movement range of eco – friendly bamboo fabric yoga wear, visit www.ThatGirlDani.com.

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