LAO SILK BACKGROUND
In Laos, you will see exclusive collections of silk fabrics. These are made by using naturally dyed silk and are meticulously handwoven on traditional Lao-looms. In the past, many colorful textile fabrics were carried by the Silk Road Traders centuries
Silk Cocoons
Lao textiles are created from various types of silk threads. From one cocoon we gather 3-4 qualities of threads. The thread from the outer layer is chosen for the warp. The finer second and third layers are ideal for the weft. Unique to Laos is the naturally yellow silk from a specific kind special cocoon which provides a natural look and soft texture. The more common white cocoon is used for its pastel color.
Quality
Color
All quality inspections have been established under the guidance of the Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center (QTEC) and has to correspond to Japanese textile standards. All our products have met with and subsequently passed stringent QTEC quality control inspections thus guaranteeing international buyers and consumers of silk products, high quality, durability and utmost reliability.
In order to keep a high standard and consistency in the colors, Lao producers are very selective about the plants that they use to extract their natural colors from. Blue, black and green are extracted from the indigo plant. Red, purple and lilac are derived from lacquer. Dry earth and brick red are taken from the Burma Mahogany tree. Grey is achieved from ebony fruit, orange from annatto seeds, yellow from jack fruit, green from the bark of Indian trumpet flower.
DYES
Thanks to the numerous sources of natural dyes, Lao producers are able to continue dyeing using the same techniques that have been used by their ancestors.
Training detail
Lao producers trained weavers in the art of weaving since centuries. Handloom weaving facilities teach Lao women skillful weaving and complex techniques. Each course is adapted to foster weaving experience as well as creative design. Young women from rural areas are selected for their high motivation and commitment. After 5 years of training, these women are master Lao textile artists of tomorrow.
Members of the Lao textile industry have agreed to subject their products to 7 individual quality control inspections for:
- Fading discoloration from repeated washing fading discoloration from sunlight
- Fading discoloration from perspiration fading discoloration from rubbing fiber identification
- Percentile rate of dimensional change
- Tear strength
The brand name 'Chai Lao'
Thanks to the numerous sources of natural dyes, Lao producers are able to “Chai Lao” which literally translates to The Heart of Laos’ in Lao, is a new certified brand of Lao national textile products uniquely com-posed from Lao silk and cotton.
Success
The colorful and intricate motifs are among the most beautiful in the world today. Nowadays, our superior accessories and contemporary designs developed for you by Art of Silk, are exposed at Design-Centers in Tokyo and exported to New York, Osaka, Paris and Zurich
