Weaving is an art all of its own, but for Ta Oi people in the mountainous region of A Luoi in central Vietnam, \u2018Zeng\u2019 is more than an art; it is a cultural tradition, a reflection of their heritage continued through generations (and now recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage).<\/p>
Coats Vietnam is working in partnership with Fashion 4 Freedom (an organisation dedicated to helping designers develop and produce items with fair, ethical, and sustainable considerations) to help sustain the ancient weaving traditions of the Ta Oi people. \u2018We saw an amazing opportunity to bring two extremes together as a collaboration – a large global manufacturer and a small tribe of people, and there was a common thread. We found a way to use excess Coats threads to do good.\u2019 Said Victoria Ho, Co-founder and Creative Director of Fashion 4 Freedom.<\/p>
\u2018Zeng\u2019 is a complicated tapestry of colours woven into a wealth of motifs and the artisan Ta Oi weavers are masters of the technique. This traditional craft is delicate, personal and beautiful and cannot be replicated by modern machinery. The Ta Oi use a back-strap loom where the weaver sits on the floor with the wrap of the loom stretched from a strap around her back attached to a bamboo rod held out by her feet. These painstaking woven textiles are created using thread supplied by Coats and helps to support economic development and improve the social impact within the community.<\/p>
The art of \u2018Zeng\u2019 is a cultural heritage steeped in tradition and the woven cloth reflects the stories of the Ta Oi people. Bill Watson, Managing Director of Coats Vietnam says, \u2018We\u2019ve heard that there are woven languages all over the world and that in some cases the symbols used in one community could be understood by another they\u2019ve never communicated with. I think we could look to supporting a number of these communities by donating Coats excess thread in conjunction with Fashion 4 Freedom.<\/p>
FASHION4FREEDOM<\/a><\/p> Ta Oi ethnic weaving added to national intangible cultural heritage<\/a><\/sup><\/p> Ta Oi people\u2019s brocade weaving craft recognised as national cultural heritage<\/a><\/sub><\/p>