ETHNIC ARTISAN HANDICRAFTS
Various designs made while consulting for Borderline Collective on the Thai-Burma border. In addition to bags and toys, we experimented with pillowcases, aprons and other clothing. I worked from start to finish with different ethnic minority women's groups in Mae Sot and Chiang Mai, making designs, drawing patterns & technical details, sourcing materials in the market, and training the samplemakers. My goal was to use original ethnic fabrics in contemporary designs that would be appealing without heavy reliance on the producers' stories. Photos show designs from Women's Development Group, United Lahu Youth Organization, Kachin Women's Association of Thailand, and Overseas Mon Women's Organization.
Various designs made while consulting for Borderline Collective on the Thai-Burma border. In addition to bags and toys, we experimented with pillowcases, aprons and other clothing. I worked from start to finish with different ethnic minority women's groups in Mae Sot and Chiang Mai, making designs, drawing patterns & technical details, sourcing materials in the market, and training the samplemakers. My goal was to use original ethnic fabrics in contemporary designs that would be appealing without heavy reliance on the producers' stories. Photos show designs from Women's Development Group, United Lahu Youth Organization, Kachin Women's Association of Thailand, and Overseas Mon Women's Organization.
Pillowcases were originally designed in partnership with Global Goods Partners for The Little Market, which did not end up buying.
The scarves were poly-chiffon, but the liberal use of pom-poms is traditional to Lahu and Hmong costume. The scarves were a modern ultra-long length.
Travel slippers in Kachin fabric, that fold up into their own matching carrying cases.
