I've just returned from the beautiful Laos, the best description for this gorgeous country, its friendly people, amazing architecture and stunning temples is .... lovely. Everyone that visits here for the first time is always amazed at just how different it is from other countries in South East Asia. From the lack of traffic to the ease of bargaining and the genuine kindness of its people, Laos is definitely a place to see before the rest of the world discovers this tranquil oasis.
HOUEY HONG WEAVING CENTRE We also spent a morning at the fabulous Houey Hong Weaving Centre. I first visited the centre back in 2007 and am pleased to report that 10 years on they are still going strong and offering more fantastic classes and producing some of the most beautiful weaving you will see in all of Lao. Established to provide various skill levels, in weaving, dyeing and tailoring for women from rural areas who are disadvantaged, poor and/or who have a disability the centre is also an important player in the revival of Lao’s traditional crafts, such as natural dyeing and traditional weaving. We took the half day natural dyes class which focusses on using shibori dyeing techniques which was great fun. I look forward to going back again and trying out some of its other classes on offer! http://www.houeyhongvientiane.com/
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From clan to clan and village to village the style and colour of Vietnams ethnic minority groups showcase a vibrant and fascinating culture of textile traditions. One of the largest and most diverse of these groups is that of the Hmong. From the sedate indigo garb of the Black Hmong of Sapa to the explosive colour of the Flower Hmong around Lao Cai each has adopted a unique costume and identity. Here are just some of the beautiful Hmong I've encountered on my travels through Northern Vietnam.  Sapa is home to the Black Hmong. Most people that have travelled to Sapa will have encountered these beautiful women with their indigo hemp jackets, skirts and hats. The ubiquitous checked nylon scarfs are an ever present accessory across all the Hmong clans.  if you are in Sapa around the New Year you can see the Black Hmong from around the district celebrate the Spring Festival - where thousands gather in their full traditional costume for a day of traditional games and rituals. Whilst most women wear their tradtional clothing all the time - this festival is an opportunity to also see the men and boys all decked out.  Many of the Black Hmong women around the Lao Cai province can be seen winding hemp fibres as they go about their day.
 The Blue Hmong wear an outfit similar to those worn by the Flower Hmong - with the exception of all the decoration on their skirts and jackets being in blue.  Many of the White Hmong clans stopped wearing their natural hemp skirts when Uncle Ho decreed them impractical for working in the field. However you can still find some villages that wear their white skirts.  Without their white skirts you can easily recognise someone from a White Hmong clan by her black peaked turban.
 The White Hmong of this village no longer wear their white skirts but their peaked black turbans adorned with brightly coloured pom poms identify them as being White Hmong.  The Red Hmong around the Sinho area are usually recognisable by their red wool turbans.
 One of the brightest and most colourful of the Hmong clans are those of the Flower Hmong in the Lao Cai province.  In the past all the embroidery on the jackets and skirts of the Flower Hmong was done by hand - today its bought in ready made machine embroidered panels.
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AuthorI started running my textile focussed tours back in 2007. Over the years I've seen some of the most gorgeous textiles made by the most gorgeous women. This blog is a reflection on some of these Archives
April 2017
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