According to The Creator’s Project, “Few visitors set foot in Cao Bang, Vietnam, a remote village in the mountains north of Hanoi, but designer Vu Thao considers it a creative second home. Collaborating with ethnic women who live there, Thao grows and produces natural dyes and fabrics for Kilomet 109, her eco-conscious clothing line. Thanks to Vacation With An Artist (VAWAA), a program we covered previously that pairs travelers with creators around the world, curious visitors can join Thao in Cao Bang to spend five days learning the secrets of cultivating natural dye from the land.
Craftsmanship is deeply ingrained in the culture of Vietnam. The country is home to 54 ethnic groups specializing in distinct artisanal traditions. The women of Cao Bang make a living farming rice and corn and raising water buffalo, but they also grow indigo and magenta plants that produce rich, traditional pigments. Once out of design school, Thao reached out to ethnic women all over Vietnam to learn the art of natural dyeing, silk production, and fabric weaving.”
Great article on natural dyes, tradition and vacations we can only dream about. Read the full story on The Creator’s Project.
Lead image of designer Vu Thao in Cao Bang, Vietnam and yams courtesy of VAWAA