Selvedge World Fair Artisans
Image: (c) BUAISOU.
In the run up to Selvedge World Fair – 3 – 5 September 2020 – a celebration of cloth, culture and creativity, we are profiling some of the 100 artisans taking part. Today, we look at the work of Siju Shamji Vishram from India, Kyoko Buaisou from Japan and Carla Fernandez from Mexico.
Siju Shamji Vishram is a master weaver who focuses on traditional, centuries-old handmade techniques. Vishram’s father set up a weaving cooperative in the 1950s when power loom and mill made fabrics started entering their region, undercutting handmade fabrics. Vishram and his brothers have continued to develop the business and innovate with natural dyes and fabrics, “With our efforts we are happy that we have been able to sustain our traditional craft, innovate and create livelihood opportunities for hundreds of families in our region apart from the ones directly associated with us. Other weavers got inspired by our work to create new designs, experiment with new fibres and learnt how to work with outside markets.” You will be able to buy: Shawls, stoles, bedspreads and throws.
Image: Siju Shamji Vishram.
Kyoko Buaisou of BUAISOU is an indigo farmer and dyer based in Tokushima, Japan. BUAISOU creates indigo dyed garments and cloth from start to finish: processes which were traditionally divided into separate specialisations, are carried out within BUAISOU; from cultivating the raw indigo, fermenting the indigo leaves (Sukumo), dyeing, designing, all the way to production. In 2018, Kyoto was able to realise his original dream of making hand-dyed indigo jeans. BUAISOU’s future goal is to grow its own cotton and weave it. You will be able to buy: Indigo garments and textiles.
Image: Carla Fernández AW16 collection. Photographer Ramiro Chaves.
Carla Fernández is a Mexican fashion label dedicated to preserving and revitalising the textile legacy of the indigenous communities of Mexico. Traditionally, Mexican indigenous garments are made from hand woven squares and rectangles. These geometric pieces are folded and pleated to be transformed into clothes that take their own volume and form. Even though many countries have the same geometrical basis for their traditional clothing, Mexican pattern-making is still quite unique. Carla Fernández uses this textile origami to make contemporary clothing that is also reminiscent of ancient customs and traditions. You will be able to buy: clothing and accessories.
Selvedge World Fair early bird tickets are now available. The workshop and talks program is soon to be announced.