A new retail space featuring handmade Lao silk and cotton from Houey Hong Vocational Training Centre for Women and Ma Té Sai. True Colour also has an excellent in-house tailor and dress-maker, Ms That, who specialises in both Lao and Western garment making.
: The Houey Hong Vocational Training Centre for Women (www.facebook.com/HoueyHongVientiane) :
The Centre provides training and employment for Lao women from disadvantaged backgrounds in the areas of natural dyeing, traditional Lao weaving, tailoring and small business administration. Their workshop and studio, just outside the city centre, produces exquisite handwoven silks and cotton products, all handmade and dyed with natural dyes. The studio hosts weaving and dyeing workshops where both beginner and more advanced participants can learn from masters in their craft.
: Ma Té Sai (www.facebook.com/mate.sai) :
Ma Té Sai means “where is it from?” in Lao language. We handpick and design beautiful gifts, textiles and homewares that are handmade by people from villages across Laos. Some artisans are from remote and rural Laos, making traditional handicraft; some are farmers growing local produce; and some are disadvantaged, working in workshops in villages of Vientiane, where they are developing new skills and a better life. All are proud and happy to share their craft and traditions with you, and we want you to share this connection with our artisans as much as we want to ensure them a fair and sustainable income. Ma Té Sai is a member of Fair Trade Laos.
