Laos, Ock Pop Tok, Tai Lue Cotton Jacket Long Sleeve
This beautiful, colorful jacket features hand-stitched embroidery along its border. The asymmetrical front and embroidered border is inspired by traditional jackets of the Tai Lue. The Tai Lue of the Nam Ou and Tha waterways are masters of the indigo and stick lack dyes (blue & red respectively). Back in the early days, OPT was looking to expand its repertoire of natural dyes and had heard of a village in Nam Bak district, Ban Na Nyang that was producing naturally dyed cotton fabric. On arrival it was instantly apparent that the journey was going to be worth it. The village, set in a lush river valley is a model of traditional cultural life. The elegant stilted houses stood filled with looms, cotton ready for spinning spilled out of baskets and colourful yarns dried in the sun. The weavers needed product diversity training and access to markets. We partnered with the local Department of Trade and Industry and 15 years later still have a thriving partnership. Now Na Nyang is a vibrant cotton weaving village with its products popular with hotels and businesses. Because their story is inspiring for others to hear, Ock Pop Tok has taken the weavers of Na Nyang to other provinces, and even as far as Peru.Made by Tai Lue artisans part of the Village Weavers Project. Dispatch time 20 days.