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T H E P R O C E S S
TEXTILES
The textiles in our jewelry collection represent a celebration of self expression. The women originally designed textiles for clothing and still do to this day. The intricate symbols and patterns tell a story, you can get to know someone by the story their clothing tells.
The traditional production processes are based on a concept that came into existence before fashion embraced unsustainable processes. Every piece in our collection is stitched by hand. We aim to reduce and limit chemical dye usage in our products. Our artisans use organic hemp, organic cotton, organic beeswax and all natural homegrown indigo dye for the production of our jewelry.
EMBROIDERY
Embroidery is a popular technique with communities in Northern mountainous regions of Vietnam because the women can embroider anywhere, at the market, in the fields, or while visiting. The women learn to embroider at a very young age. Traditional patterns are followed and passed on from generation to generation. Most of the motifs that appear in traditional Hmong embroidery are inspired by nature. All embroidery in our jewelry collection is done entirely by hand and without the use of machines. Every stitch is intentionally placed with care by the maker's own two hands making every piece in our collection entirely unique and one-of-a-kind.
BATIK
Batik is a saved dye technique where part of the fabric is protected by wax during the dyeing process. Patterns are drawn on to the fabric with melted wax and a variety of handmade tools made from curved copper and tiny bamboo tubes. When the wax is dry and the pattern complete, the fabric is dyed several times in a natural indigo bath and immersed in boiling water to melt the wax.
As the wax melts off, the protected patterns then appear as a light color against a rich indigo background.
INDIGO
The indigo plant has been used for generations in our artisan's tribes and communities. It is traditional to include indigo in the clothing that they create every year. Indigo has spiritual meaning and is representative of honor and devotion. Our artisans grow indigo plants and turn the green leaves into brilliant blue dye through fermentation. All indigo used for dyeing in our collection is grown in the mountains of Northern Vietnam.
FAIR TRADE
In support of our artisans being able to continue creating traditionally, they are the ones to decide what their time is worth and what they should be paid. Sapa Designs operates as a fair trade business and our artisans decide what their time is worth and want to be paid for every design made.
Sapa Designs brings you intricate jewelry designs of women who are devoted to their craft, their culture, and their families. Each piece is a unique statement made with care by the crafter. Wear with appreciation for a culture different than your own.
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