Igor Ilanga, Founder ILANGA, Designer & Natural Dyer

Igor Ilanga at Scen Studio for Your Favorite

Igor Ilanga is a visionary designer and sustainability advocate redefining the future of fashion through ILANGA by turning food waste into plant-based dyes. By repurposing materials like onion skins, avocado pits, and coffee grounds, ILANGA offers natural dyeing services that breathe new life into textiles and garments — either by upcycling unsold inventory or integrating sustainable color from the start of the design process. 

Driven by a mission to "modify perspectives," Igor blends cultural research, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness to challenge the fast-fashion status quo. His work not only reduces textile waste but also invites brands and consumers to embrace the beauty of imperfection, unpredictability, and authenticity in design. 

Recognised as a TEDxAmsterdam Impact Program finalist, Igor is also a candid voice on the realities of building a sustainable brand. He openly shares the sacrifices behind ILANGA’s growth — from financial risk to long hours — while staying committed to fair wages, ethical production, and circular design. 

Through ILANGA, Igor is not just dyeing fabrics — he’s colouring a more conscious, creative, and regenerative future for fashion.

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Let’s start at the beginning. What drew you to natural dyeing?

It began with my background in fashion, where I saw the massive amount of waste generated by the industry. I felt a strong urge to make a difference. Initially, I started by offering workshops, teaching fashion students, interior designers, and companies how to use natural dyes. It was a way to share the beauty of sustainable color and connect people with more mindful practices.

So you began with workshops. What inspired you to use food waste?

Food waste is something we see every day — peels, scraps, things discarded without a second thought. But I realized that these materials, like avocado peels and onion skins, carry natural pigments. For example, avocado peels produce beautiful pinks, and onion skins create warm, golden yellows. Unlike synthetic dyes, which can be toxic to the environment and harmful to your skin, these natural dyes are safe to use and better for the planet. But it's still a slow, traditional practice. To make an impact, we need to understand how we can normalize using natural dyes. Using them not only reduces waste but also provides an alternative to synthetic dyes, allowing us to color both new textiles and rejuvenate existing ones in a natural, sustainable way.

Natural dyeing is a slow, artistic process. But you’re exploring ways to scale it. How do you approach that?

Scaling natural dyeing is something I’m still exploring. Right now, I’m focused on building partnerships with restaurants, food suppliers, and scientists who can help turn food waste into pigments on a larger scale. It’s a lot of testing and experimentation — figuring out which methods are most efficient without losing the natural beauty of the colors. I’m also actively seeking subsidies to fund R&D, which would allow me to invest in better equipment and refine my techniques. But as I explore these options, I’m careful to protect the essence of the craft — using only natural ingredients, respecting traditional dyeing methods, and staying true to sustainability.

Balancing tradition and innovation can be tricky. How do you maintain that balance?

It’s about intention. I always start with the traditional methods, respecting the cultures and knowledge that came before. But then I ask myself, how can we make this accessible and impactful for a larger audience? Sometimes that means bringing in science and technology, but always with the heart of the craft intact.

What’s your favorite dyeing ingredient to work with?

That’s a tough one, but if I had to choose, I would say Waakye leaves from Ghana. They create the most beautiful pink-brown-gold tones, which have an earthy feel. But it’s more than just the color — it’s about the cultural connection. I’m Ghanaian and Congolese, so using Waakye leaves is a way of honoring my heritage.

In Ghana, colors have meaning, and gold is a symbol of wealth and tradition, especially with the Ashanti tribe. So for me, using Waakye leaves isn’t just about dyeing fabric — it’s about connecting with my roots, preserving stories, and bringing a piece of that culture and history into my work.

Your company is called ILANGA, which means "sun" in Zulu. What does that symbolize for you?

“ILANGA means ‘sun’ in Zulu. The sun is a symbol of life, light, and transformation. It is the center of our solar system, giving energy and life to everything around it. Without the sun, there is no life. For me, ILANGA is about that same idea — connecting cultures, celebrating nature, and showing that nothing truly ends, it just changes form. And because it’s my last name, it makes it even more personal.”

— Igor Ilanga

Your brand’s motto is "modifying perspectives." What does that mean to you?

For me, "modifying perspectives" is about changing the way we see the world — looking beyond the obvious and questioning what we think we know. It’s about taking a step back and seeing things from a different angle. Growing up, I was surrounded by different cultures, which taught me that there’s never just one way of seeing or doing things. It made me curious, always wanting to understand what’s beneath the surface.

At ILANGA, that’s the mindset I try to bring — showing people that there’s beauty where they least expect it, that a discarded material can become something valuable, or that a slow, traditional craft can still have a place in our fast-paced world. But it goes beyond dyeing. It’s about opening minds, challenging assumptions, and inspiring people to think differently. It’s also about mindful consumerism — understanding the impact of our choices, valuing quality over quantity, and appreciating the stories behind what we wear or use.

I want ILANGA to be a reminder that change begins when we’re willing to see things in a new light.

“Modifying perspectives is about changing the way we see the world — looking beyond the obvious and questioning what we think we know. It’s about taking a step back and seeing things from a different angle. Growing up, I was surrounded by different cultures, which taught me that there’s never just one way of seeing or doing things. It made me curious, always wanting to understand what’s beneath the surface.”

— Igor Ilanga

Circularity is a key part of your philosophy. How do you define circular design?

For me, circular design is like the sun — it has no end. It is always present, constant but ever-changing, just like light touching everything around us. Circularity means keeping materials in use, transforming them again and again. I wanted to bring that philosophy into my work. By using food waste as dye, I’m giving new life to discarded materials, turning them into something valuable and beautiful.

If ILANGA was a place, what would it look like?

It would be a serene space, blending Japan’s calm minimalism with the bold African colors. A place where cultures meet, where stories are told, and where natural beauty is celebrated in every shade.

You’ve lived and worked in both Antwerp and Amsterdam. How would you describe the difference between the creative energy of these two cities?

Antwerp is more slow-paced and focused on craftsmanship — there’s a sense of taking your time, but it can be harder to break through. Amsterdam, on the other hand, is fast, vibrant, and open, offering more business opportunities. It’s like a melting pot where ideas and cultures constantly mix. For me, that energy is inspiring, but it also means I have to put myself out there more.

What do you miss about Antwerp, and what have you learned from these two cities?

I miss the quiet, reflective nature of Antwerp. I’m naturally an introvert, so that calm atmosphere suits me. It’s a place where you can slow down, focus on craftsmanship, and take your time. But in Amsterdam, I’ve had to be more outgoing. It’s fast-paced, full of energy, and constantly pushing you to connect with new people and ideas. Living in both cities taught me to balance quiet reflection with active engagement. Antwerp showed me the value of taking time with my craft, while Amsterdam teaches me the power of embracing new connections and opportunities.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned building ILANGA?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t do it alone. When I first started, I thought I had to figure everything out myself, from experimenting with dyes to managing the brand. But over time, I realized the real magic happens when you bring other people in.

You need to find people who share your values — they give you direction and keep you grounded. But you also need to surround yourself with people who see things differently. They challenge you, push you to think in new ways, and help you see beyond your own perspective. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s always worth it.

And ILANGA isn’t just mine — it’s bigger than me. It’s a shared journey. To make an impact, you need a team — partners who supply food waste, scientists who turn it into pigments, textile companies that embrace natural dyes, and even regulators who ensure standards. Real change is always a collective effort.

Last words of wisdom?

“Don’t be afraid to do the unsexy work. Everyone wants the perfect picture, that cool job — but real impact comes from solving real problems. Choose something meaningful, something that creates real change, even if it’s not flashy. The work that matters most is often the work no one sees.”

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