Source: nationmultimedia.com
Hemp from Chiang Rai is showcased in a range of home and personal products at Hemp Thai
FOLK WISDOM blends with innovation at the Hemp Thai boutique in Thanya Park shopping mall which, as the name suggests, is a treasure trove of handicrafts and home decor items made with one of the most durable materials known to man. Among the goodies for sale are waterproof shoulder bags, fireproof wallpaper and aromatic bags, all of them made from naturally dyed hemp textile.
"My aunt is a specialist in hemp. She worked with a research team in Chiang Rai that looked at the usefulness of hemp, which had been declared illegal decades ago. The team showed that hemp is useful in daily life. It can be used to produce durable clothing, shampoo, medicines and much more," says marketing manager Arthit Ritrawee.
"She decided to introduce her own brand, Hemp Thai, in 2003. At first, we only exported unique hemp textiles to Japan but after five years, we expanded our reach to cover a line of lifestyle products and home decor items, some of them incorporating other materials like denim and rubber."
The entrance to the store looks like an old-fashioned textile factory with its old wooden looms being worked by villagers weaving the hemp fabric.
Inside the shop is divided into three zones showcasing the latest selection of home furnishings, fashion apparel and accessories as well as handicrafts created by hilltribes in Chiang Rai province.
No chemicals are used in the processing and only natural dyes are used to give the products colour. The yellow is extracted from marigolds, the brown comes from bark and the red is natural lac.
"Chiang Rai is our main source of organic hemp. Research has shown that hemp fibre when grown organically has many properties. It's durable, waterproof, ventilated, sun proof and 10 times stronger than cotton. We work closely with villagers and the proceeds from sales goes to them. We want to help increase incomes and encourage their offspring to conserve local culture," Arthit says.
"We mainly export to Japan. We have five outlets in Japan and some of our collection is available at Takashimaya department store in Singapore. Footwear brand Converse used our woven fabric to produce a limited edition of sneakers and they turned out to be best sellers in America."
The designs are simple and functional and inspired by the traditional weaving techniques of hilltribes and nano technology adds value and guarantees quality.
Among the highlights are waterproof bags and Oxford shoes for men with rubber and leather soles as well as a shoulder bag filled with nano capsules that, when scratched, emits scents of eucalyptus, green tea and rose.
The boutique corner offers a range of simple but smart blouses, T-shirts, cardigans, pants, skirts, hats and scarves. Alongside are tote bags made from hemp and denim, messenger bags, handbags, wallets, passport cases and multi-purpose bags.
The home decor line includes baskets and buckets in different designs, placemats, pillowcases, bed sheets and cushions made from hemp bark.
"We also ensure zero waste by allowing young villagers to use our leftovers to create handmade shopping bags. All the proceeds go to them." Arthit says.
ROLL ON UP
>>Hemp Thai is located on the ground floor, D building, Thanya Park. It's open daily from 10am to 7pm. Find out more at www.HempThai.com.
"My aunt is a specialist in hemp. She worked with a research team in Chiang Rai that looked at the usefulness of hemp, which had been declared illegal decades ago. The team showed that hemp is useful in daily life. It can be used to produce durable clothing, shampoo, medicines and much more," says marketing manager Arthit Ritrawee.
"She decided to introduce her own brand, Hemp Thai, in 2003. At first, we only exported unique hemp textiles to Japan but after five years, we expanded our reach to cover a line of lifestyle products and home decor items, some of them incorporating other materials like denim and rubber."
The entrance to the store looks like an old-fashioned textile factory with its old wooden looms being worked by villagers weaving the hemp fabric.
Inside the shop is divided into three zones showcasing the latest selection of home furnishings, fashion apparel and accessories as well as handicrafts created by hilltribes in Chiang Rai province.
No chemicals are used in the processing and only natural dyes are used to give the products colour. The yellow is extracted from marigolds, the brown comes from bark and the red is natural lac.
"Chiang Rai is our main source of organic hemp. Research has shown that hemp fibre when grown organically has many properties. It's durable, waterproof, ventilated, sun proof and 10 times stronger than cotton. We work closely with villagers and the proceeds from sales goes to them. We want to help increase incomes and encourage their offspring to conserve local culture," Arthit says.
"We mainly export to Japan. We have five outlets in Japan and some of our collection is available at Takashimaya department store in Singapore. Footwear brand Converse used our woven fabric to produce a limited edition of sneakers and they turned out to be best sellers in America."
The designs are simple and functional and inspired by the traditional weaving techniques of hilltribes and nano technology adds value and guarantees quality.
Among the highlights are waterproof bags and Oxford shoes for men with rubber and leather soles as well as a shoulder bag filled with nano capsules that, when scratched, emits scents of eucalyptus, green tea and rose.
The boutique corner offers a range of simple but smart blouses, T-shirts, cardigans, pants, skirts, hats and scarves. Alongside are tote bags made from hemp and denim, messenger bags, handbags, wallets, passport cases and multi-purpose bags.
The home decor line includes baskets and buckets in different designs, placemats, pillowcases, bed sheets and cushions made from hemp bark.
"We also ensure zero waste by allowing young villagers to use our leftovers to create handmade shopping bags. All the proceeds go to them." Arthit says.
ROLL ON UP
>>Hemp Thai is located on the ground floor, D building, Thanya Park. It's open daily from 10am to 7pm. Find out more at www.HempThai.com.
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