The Far East at Château Mercier
Château Mercier in collaboration with the Ecole de Couture du Valais, Sierre and CMarts in Crans-Montana are pleased to present a selection of South East Asian textiles from the Tai Lue and Katu ethnic groups through a collection of garments concocted by Swedish designer Marika Feinsilber who has reimagined the European work wear, and Franco-American designer Zoe Arméniades who inspired by the way women in Laos wrap fabric around their bodies, created loosely draped skirts and dresses in the classic 1960´s style. In direct collaboration with weavers Tai Lue and Katu, Cmarts' Senmai project aims to preserve the traditions of Lao weavers by offering them the opportunity to access Western markets.
The initiator of this project is of Lao origin. Her interest in preserving the traditions of her native country and her concern to help Lao women in the most precarious positions encouraged her to set up this project, which was made possible thanks to Ecole de Couture du Valais for the production and the support of several associations and private individuals.
These two unique collections will be completed with a Valaisan collection with fabrics woven in the former weaving workshop of Marie Métrailler in Evolène.
Opening: 27 January 2022 at 18.30 at Château Mercier, Sierre
Reservation before 20 January 2022 at phitsamone@gmail.com
TAI LUE COLLECTION LAUNCH
SenMai proudly announces the opening of the TAI LUE COLLECTION. This exhibition showcases the traditional Asia fabrics reimagined as European work-wear by designer Marika Feinsilber. As a collaboration between Switzerland based charitable association CMARTS and the Tai Lue weavers of the Nayang village in Laos, SenMai aims to preserve the traditions of Lao weavers by providing opportunity and access to western audiences and markets.
The exhibition offers a modern take on the traditional beauty of these textiles, featuring deep indigo colours of the traditional weaves incorporated into contemporary design. The exhibition is curated by CMARTS Director Phitsamone Souvannavong, whose Lao heritage and interest in preserving Lao traditions inspired this project’s creation.
OPENING 16 December 2021
Email for reservation : phitsamone@gmail.com
First Slot 15:00-17:00 / Second Slot 17:00 - 19:00
Open House 17-18 Dec 11:00-17:00
19 Dec 10:00-13:00
Galleri Yamanashi
Köpmantorget 1,
111 31 Stockholm,
Sweden
galleri-yamanashi.com
KATU COLLECTION PRE-LAUNCH
SenMai proudly announces the pre-opening of the KATU COLLECTION at the Annual trade fair for Arts and Craft at the invitation of the Lao Embassy in Paris. This exhibition showcases traditional Asian fabrics reimagined by designer Zoe Armeniades who was inspired by the way women in Laos wrap fabric around their bodies to create loosely draped skirts and dresses as well as classic 1960s cuts. Some sample of the woven fabrics will be on sale.
As a collaboration between Switzerland based charitable association CMArts and the local Katu weavers of Houyhoun Tai village in Laos, SenMai aims to preserve the traditions of Lao weavers by providing opportunity and access to Western audiences and markets. The exhibition offers a modern take on the traditional beauty of these Katu textile, with their distinctive feature of weaving beads into a textile to create patterns.
The exhibition is curated by CMArts Director Phitsamone Souvannavong, whose Lao heritage and interest in preserving Lao traditions inspired this projects creation. The expertise and connections of Dr. Linda McIntosh have been invaluable for the project.
OPENING 26 November 2021
26/11 - 14:00-20:00
27/11 - 10:00-20:00
28/11 - 10:00-19:00
Pavillon Baltard
Salon de l’Artisanat et des Metiers d’Art,
94130 Nogent-sur-Marne,
France