FABRIC: ACADIAN BROWN COTTON
Region: Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
Fabric Name:
Acadian Brown Cotton
Origin:
Gossypium hirsutum
Who made our fabric:
The Acadian Brown Cotton Project, founded by Sharon Gordon Donnan.
Weavers: Suzanne Breaux (white stripe woven) and Darcy Fabre (organic swirl woven)
Natural history and ecology:
Coton jaune, Acadian brown cotton, has been grown for hundreds of years in southern Louisiana by the Acadians or Cajuns. This cotton is a variety that originated in South America and made its way to Louisiana through Mexico and Texas.
What makes this so special: This naturally brown cotton Gossypium hirsutum comes from the Acadian Brown Cotton project which unites a community of farmers, artisans, and enthusiasts in Louisiana, dedicated to revitalizing the naturally brown-colored cotton. This collaborative effort not only celebrates the state's historical cotton heritage but also fosters regenerative farming practices that empower local communities. By emphasizing cultural preservation and eco-friendly alternatives, this initiative is weaving a close-knit network committed to both heritage and environmental stewardship.
Heirloom seeds of Acadiana being revived for a new generation of farmers and processors...
“I’ve decided to dedicate my life to developing regenerative farming practices best suited for the Gulf Coast and develop a regenerative food system and economy here in Acadiana. Field to Fashion has big future ahead. I believe this is the first of many efforts to bring regenerative agriculture to Acadiana.”
-Brennon “Bruno” Sagrera
Conscious Cajun Farms, Vermilion Parish. Courtesy of Hilliard Art Museum, LaFayette, Louisiana. (Photo courtesy fo Darcy Fabre)
Suzanne Chaillot Breaux
Suzanne, the weaver behind one of the Acadian brown cotton samples in ATw80Fabrics collection, whose mother, Jane Bernard Chaillot, was an Acadian historian who played a significant role in shaping her interest in Acadiana region and Acadian brown cotton. During the early 1970s, her mother purchased their first loom from Audrey Bernard. With a keen understanding of the concepts of zero waste construction and a background in costume design, Suzanne possesses valuable skills in working with handspun and handwoven fabrics. Suzanne has a passion for sharing her knowledge and advice on creating household items and garments.
Sharon Gordon Donnan
Twelve years ago, Sharon, a textile conservator, and anthropologist, stumbled upon a handwoven blanket of brown cotton in an antique store in Louisiana. She began unraveling the history of Acadian Brown Cotton, connecting with weavers and cultivators who held tightly onto these traditions and knowledge. Today, the group, Field to Fashion in Acadiana, Acadiana Fibershed Affiliate, is a vibrant community-led initiative including textile and seed revivalists, farmers, weavers, mills, and community organizers, increasing access to this important fiber. Sharon is a passionate advocate for Acadian Brown Cotton and continues to bring this community together to one day have a full farm-to-cloth mill in the region.