Textured textiles from Laos
At Maison & Objet September 7-11, 2023
Terrific textured textiles, that is what the manufacturers from Laos have nailed. We already knew about the stunning traditional patterns from Laos, the lovely shades of natural dyes and the wealth of local and sustainable natural fibers available to weavers, but they have now outdone themselves by creating textiles with a wonderful texture. Five companies will exhibit their new collections of home textiles at Maison & Objet. Come and explore textured stripes in natural dyes from Tai Baan Crafts, the delicate pinstripes of TAEC, the softest throws of Her Works, the natural jungle vine of Nikone and the outstanding handwoven patterns of Ock Pop Tok. All in touchy feely textures!
The five textile manufacturers from Laos are ready for exporting to the European market. They are eager to meet professional buyers at the show and are able to supply small to medium sized batches. They meet EU standards and offer suitable shipping options. They can customize products and are able to co-create with buyers.
Woman owned social enterprise
Her Works specializes in handmade and embellished textiles. They work with various ethnic groups across Laos, making use of the beautiful craftsmanship available. They are now setting up a new production centre, with wider looms, which mean they can now also supply throws and blankets with a width of 140 cm. The new collection includes a range of fluffy throws in the softest cotton.
Plant based palette
Tai Baan Crafts is known for their beautifully textured and naturally dyed fabrics. They are launching their new collection of handwoven striped fabrics at Maison & Objet. With their cotton fabrics, they make patchwork cushion covers, too, in lovely shades. Tai Baan works with producer groups in rural areas of Laos and is a provisional member of the World Fair Trade Organization.
Stunning handwoven patterns
Ock Pop Tok offers a world of interesting weaving techniques; from intricate supplementary weaving for cushion covers to sturdy rugs made using the tapestry technique. Their new collection includes lovely wall pieces. They are a social enterprise and have their own Living Crafts Center where most of the weaving takes place.
Boutique manufacturing
Nikone Handcraft has a small workshop in the capital of Laos, Vientiane, where they have over 20 skilled weavers making the intricate patterns by hand. They mix locally grown cotton with a jungle vine that is unique to Laos, which creates a beautiful textured effect. They enlarged a traditional pattern, giving it a contemporary look and feel.
Museum quality textiles
TAEC, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, is an exporter from Laos but they also show their textile expertise in their own museum. Their collection consists of home textiles from the Tai Lue community, as well as from a group in Southern Laos, called Nge. TAEC works closely with artisans from various ethnic groups and can co-create with fashion and homeware designers.
The new collections will be showcased at Maison & Objet in Paris, from September 7-11, 2023. You can find us in hall 8 stand A90, where you can meet the people of Tai Baan Crafts and Her Works. New product ranges of exporters from Bangladesh, Indonesia and Cambodia can also be found in the CBI booth.
CBI Export Coaching programmes
In 2019, CBI launched new export coaching programmes in 5 countries, in which over 80 small and medium sized businesses are participating. These aspiring exporters from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Indonesia are all preparing for targeting the European home decoration and home textiles market. Craftscurator is the coach for 11 companies from Laos, all specializing in textiles.
Irene will be there throughout the show. Come and say hi!
Contact Irene if you would like to meet at the show, or if you prefer to meet online.
