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  • Piles of yellow silk on a plastic table at Dai Hung, a village specialising in producing silkworms and thread, Ha Tay province, Vietnam. With Vietnam’s growing population making less land available for farmers to work, families unable to sustain themselves are turning to the creation of various products in rural areas.  These ‘craft’ villages specialise in a single product or activity, anything from palm leaf hats to incense sticks, or from noodle making to snake-catching. Some of these ‘craft’ villages date back hundreds of years, whilst others are a more recent response to enable rural farmers to earn much needed extra income.
    23 Dai Hung_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk thread on a back-strap loom at home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027552cc_1.jpg
  • A young dressmaker woman uses a needle and thread to sew together a home-made dress that shes created from a pattern in her home, on 6th March 2021, in London, England.
    dressmaking01-06-03-2021.jpg
  • A young dressmaker woman uses a needle and thread to sew together a home-made dress that shes created from a pattern in her home, on 6th March 2021, in London, England.
    dressmaking02-06-03-2021.jpg
  • An elderly woman spins lotus plant fibre at In Paw Khone, a village of stilt houses on Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanmar (Burma). The thread will be used for making woven textiles out of a combination of lotus plant fibres and silk.  Lotus textiles are one of the most expensive textiles in the world. After picking, the fibres are extracted by pulling out, twisting and handrolling together with water and then spun, washed and woven into fabric, an extremely labour intensive process.
    A0014798cc_1.jpg
  • A Ko Loma ethnic minority woman weaves ribbon on a loom outside her home which she will use to decorate her traditional clothing, Ban Lao Leo, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  In some areas, Loma women still grow, gin and spin cotton into thread and set up their looms outdoors for weaving cotton. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0015631cc_1.jpg
  • A Ko Pala woman weaves home grown, organic cotton fabric on a basic loom outside her home in Ban Lao Li, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  In some areas, Pala women still grow, gin and spin cotton into thread and set up their looms outdoors for weaving cotton. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0013668cc_1.jpg
  • A woman offers prayers after she has tied a sacred thread to a prayer wall in the Medicity in Gurgaon, near Delhi, India<br />
<br />
The Medicity, Gurgaon is India's most technologically advanced multi disciplinary hospital. Founded by India's leading cardiac surgeon, Dr Naresh Trehan, it will when completed also contain a medical school and 1600 beds with over 48 operating theatres.
    SFE_100216_007.jpg
  • Green and orange cotton thread spools placed on a traditional Nepalese material being crafted by a Nepalese woman in her home in Kathmandu, Nepal.  The woman is able to provide for her family from selling rugs and carpets and her children have been able to return to school education.  She was assisted to buy the loom by Voice of Children charity.
    Nepal-cottage-industry-weaving-7558_...jpg
  • A Ko Loma ethnic minority woman weaves home grown, organic cotton fabric on a basic loom outside her home in Chalakao, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  In some areas, Loma women still grow, gin and spin cotton into thread and set up their looms outdoors for weaving cotton. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0015550cc_1.jpg
  • Sitting on the floor, an elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk threads on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027560cc_1.jpg
  • Sitting on the floor, an elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk threads on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027558cc_1.jpg
  • Sitting on the floor, an elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk threads on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027544cc rt_1.jpg
  • A close up of hemp fabric on a loom showing the warp and weft threads in the Hmong village of Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Hmong weavers in Houaphan province use a back strap loom where the tension of the warp is controlled by the weaver wearing a strap around their waist. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026889cc_1.jpg
  • Sitting on the floor, an elderly Hindu Cham woman weaves a priest's turban with cotton and silk threads on a back-strap loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027567cc_1.jpg
  • A woman threads her loom at a weaving workshop in Inpawkhone, a village of stilt houses on Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanmar (Burma). The fabric will be woven out of a combination of lotus plant fibres and silk.
    A0014800cc_1.jpg
  • Shades of yellow and brown coloured cotton threads are seen in an open drawer used by couturier Margaret Howell is displayed in the company's workshop in Edmonton, North London. England. They lies diagonally, as flat neighbouring tones and ready for use in the many fine garments manufactured in this small factory. Howell is one of Britain's more understated of couture brands alongside more flamboyant personalities. Howell admits to being "inspired by the methods by which something is made .. enjoying the tactile quality of natural fabrics such as tweeds, linen and cotton in a relaxed, natural and lived in look."
    margaret_howell19223-05-2007 .jpg
  • A Lao Phong woman weaves fabric using the 'mutmee' tie-dye weaving technique, in Ban Saleuy, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Ikat, called mutmee or matmee in Lao, is the Malay word for tie. Threads are tied to resist the dye, then coloured in the dyebath to pattern them before being woven as plainweave. The colours on the fabric blur at the edges like tie-dye.
    A0021834cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027540cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves a traditional belt using a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam.  The belt is worn with a traditional sarong style skirt by Cham women on special occasions or sold to local customers in the village. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027486cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027513cc_1.jpg
  • A Tai Neua ethnic minority woman weaves colourful striped cotton fabric for make Sinhs (traditional Lao skirt) outside her home in Ban Si Li Houng, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    16-11_1_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman wearing a Hello Kitty t-shirt creates a fringe on a piece of narrow handwoven cotton and silk fabric outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The fabric is used as a decoration during Cham religous ceremonies. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    DSCF3881cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman wearing a Hello Kitty t-shirt creates a fringe on a piece of narrow handwoven cotton and silk fabric outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The fabric is used as a decoration during Cham religous ceremonies. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    DSCF3875cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027619cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027617cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027516cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk ribbon with a floor loom outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027509cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman weaves cotton and silk fabric on a back-strap loom at home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam.  The resulting fabric is used to make the traditional sarong style skirt worn by Cham women on special occasions or sold to local customers in the village. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027939cc_1.jpg
  • A Hindu Cham woman wearing a Hello Kitty t-shirt creates a fringe on a piece of narrow handwoven cotton and silk fabric outside her home in My Nghiep village, Ninh Thuan province, Central Vietnam. The fabric is used as a decoration during Cham religous ceremonies. The Cham people are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa (7th to 18th centuries) and are recognised by the government as one of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
    A0027931cc_1.jpg
  • Using her own sewing machine, a young dressmaking hobbyist woman sews together the seams of a home-made dress that shes created from a pattern in her home, on 6th March 2021, in London, England.
    dressmaking06-06-03-2021.jpg
  • An Oma woman sewing her traditional clothing in Ban Nam Leng, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0026144cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Nuquie woman sewing her traditional clothing in Ban Phanghok, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0026055cc_1.jpg
  • A Mounteun ethnic minority woman sews her traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Mounteun, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0016739cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Nuquie woman sews traditional clothing with her young daughter by her side in Ban Nam Sa village, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0014064cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a Ko Pala ethnic minority woman sewing outside her home in Ban Lao Li village, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  She is wearing the Pala traditional headdress typical of the married woman of the Pala ethnic minority and plastic bead. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0013647cc_1.jpg
  • Mai Xiang, an elderly Hmong women from Ban Kok Wa villagemakes textile products with an elephant appliqué design to sell at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A0010433cc_1.jpg
  • Na Kia, an elderly Hmong women from Ban Kok Wa village makes a bag with an elephant design to sell at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.
    A0010352cc_1.jpg
  • In the school holidays, a young Tai Dam girl embroiders her first sinh (Lao traditional skirt), Ban Na Mor, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. She has been watching and learning from her mother and other female family members since she was a young child.
    A_17336cc_1.jpg
  • In the school holidays, a young Tai Dam girl embroiders her first sinh (Lao traditional skirt), Ban Na Mor, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. She has been watching and learning from her mother and other female family members since she was a young child.
    A_17325cc_1.jpg
  • In the school holidays, a young Tai Dam girl embroiders her first sinh (tradional Lao skirt), Ban Na Mor, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. She has been watching and learning from her mother and other female family members since she was a young child.
    A_17316cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Yao woman wearing her traditional clothing sews outside her home in Ban Nammy, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR.  One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    18-05_1_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman weaving hemp outside her home in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026402cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman sewing her traditional skirt, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The woven hemp fabric is decorated by batik, a wax resist technique which is the basis for red cotton applique and colourful cross stitch embroidery.
    A0026833cc crop_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman sewing her traditional skirt, Ban Pom Khor, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The woven hemp fabric is decorated by batik, a wax resist technique which is the basis for pink cotton applique and colour cross stitch embroidery.
    A0026749cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman weaving hemp outside her home in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026417cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman weaving hemp outside her home in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026409cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman weaving hemp outside her home in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026402cc_1.jpg
  • A Miao ethnic minority woman from Weng Xiang village sews part of her traditional costume, Guizhou Province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    121-08_1.jpg
  • A Qing Miao (Long Horn Miao) ethnic minority woman wearing her traditional costume sews outside her home in Longga village (Ghao Xin), Guizhou province, China. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    105-04_1.jpg
  • A man makes garlands from flowers to offer at the shrine in a Hindu temple Janakpuri, New Delhi, India
    SFE_090901_029.jpg
  • A 17 year-old girl studying the British A-Level Textiles qualificatio, makes her own garment using a family sewing machine. Carefully sewing and stiching the materials together to make her home-made clothing, she allows the needle to travel across the edges, mindful of keeping her fingers away from the shap point that moves fast.
    ella_sewing03-02-04-2013_1.jpg
  • A Nepalese female factory worker operates a sewing machine making clothes in the Surijha Traders garment factory in Kathmandu, Nepal.  The garments produced in the factory are exported around the world. The factory works closely with the Friends of Needy Children organization in providing fair employment opportunities for young Nepalese men and women.
    Nepal-Kathmandu-Garment-Factory-6496...jpg
  • Using her own sewing machine, a young dressmaking hobbyist woman sews together the seams of a home-made dress that shes created from a pattern in her home, on 6th March 2021, in London, England.
    dressmaking09-06-03-2021.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman spinning cotton, Ban Pakha, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    DSCF4742cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman spinning cotton, Ban Pakha, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    DSCF4737cc_1.jpg
  • A Lanten ethnic minority woman spinning cotton, Ban Pakha, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. The Lanten or Yao Mun are a small but distinctive group of the Yao ethnic minority residing in northern Laos, Vietnam and China.  Maintaining a strong cultural identity, they are easily recognised by their hand woven, indigo dyed attire. Unlike many other ethnic groups who have relinquished their traditional dress, each Mun family still cultivates cotton and indigo for spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing into clothing. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.
    A0032830cc_1.jpg
  • A 15 year old married Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman sewing outside her home in Ban Pang Hok Kao village, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  She is wearing the Akha Nuquie traditional costume made from hand woven cotton and dyed with indigo and decoarated with hand embroidery typical of the Akha Nuquie sub-group; the high headdress distinguishes her as a married women. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0013871cc_1.jpg
  • Dyeing silk fibre with a natural dye from plants at Houey Hong Vocational Training Centre for Women, Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Centre was founded in 1998 to train disadvantaged women (and men) from rural areas in weaving, dyeing and tailoring. The centre has established a database about natural dyes from plants enabling participants to produce high quality silk products and reproduce traditional patterns from old textiles.
    A0010025cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha Nuquie woman sewing her traditional clothing in Ban Phanghok, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0026051cc_1.jpg
  • A Mounteun ethnic minority woman sews her traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Mounteun, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0016746cc_1.jpg
  • A Phouxang ethnic minority woman sews her traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Phouxang, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0016601cc_1.jpg
  • A Ko Loma ethnic minority woman sews traditional clothing in her home, Ban Lao Leo, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0015608cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of an Akha Cherpia ethnic minority woman sewing traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Nam Hin village, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0014278cc_1.jpg
  • Two Mouchi ethnic minority women (sisters) sew traditional clothing outside their home in Ban Nam Sa, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups.  These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0014198cc_1.jpg
  • A Mouchi ethnic minority woman wearing traditional clothing and carrying her baby son on her back sews traditional clothing outside her home in Ban Nam Sa, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals.  Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0014189cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of a 15 year old married Akha Nuquie ethnic minority woman sewing outside her home in Ban Pang Hok Kao village, Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR.  She is wearing the Akha Nuquie traditional costume made from hand woven cotton and dyed with indigo and decoarated with hand embroidery typical of the Akha Nuquie sub-group; the high headdress distinguishes her as a married women. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    A0013863cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman sews a piece of a young woman's traditional  New Year costume.  The Hmong of Laos earn a sizeable supplementary income by sending handmade traditional costumes to their overseas relatives for sale.
    A0010255cc_1.jpg
  • Yee Song, an elderly Hmong women from Ban Kok Wa village makes textile products with a cross stitch design to sell at the Luang Prabang night market, Lao PDR. The Hmong have recently settled in the town of Luang Prabang - a consequence of the government’s efforts to suppress both the cultivation of opium poppies and slash and burn agriculture, which they have traditionally practiced, and of their own desire to take advantage of the expansion of tourism, which provides an important outlet for their crafts. Using their skilful embroidering and combining the sophisticated, colourful motifs that have traditionally adorned their clothing they have created aprons, tablecloths, cushion and bed covers, slippers and more which they sell to tourists at the Luang Prabang night market.<br />
<br />
Portrait of Yee Song,
    A0010162cc_1.jpg
  • In the school holidays, a young Tai Dam girl embroiders her first sinh (Lao traditional skirt), Ban Na Mor, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. She has been watching and learning from her mother and other female family members since she was a young child.
    A_17357cc_1.jpg
  • In the school holidays, a young Tai Dam girl embroiders her first sinh (traditional Lao skirt), Ban Na Mor, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. She has been watching and learning from her mother and other female family members since she was a young child.
    A_17317cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Yao woman wearing her traditional clothing sew outside her home in Ban Nammy, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR.  One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has 49 officially recognised ethnic groups although there are many more self-identified and sub groups. These groups are distinguished by their own customs, beliefs and rituals. Details down to the embroidery on a shirt, the colour of the trim and the type of skirt all help signify the wearer's ethnic and clan affiliations.
    19-10_1_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman weaving hemp outside her home in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026417cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman weaving hemp outside her home in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026409cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman weaving hemp outside her home in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026406cc_1.jpg
  • Weaving hemp fabric on a back strap loom in the Hmong village of Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026893cc_1.jpg
  • Weaving hemp fabric on a back strap loom in the Hmong village of Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north.
    A0026890cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong woman sewing her traditional skirt, Ban Long Kuang, Houaphan province, Lao PDR. The woven hemp fabric is decorated by batik, a wax resist technique which is the basis for red cotton applique and colourful cross stitch embroidery.
    A0026828cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Hmong woman weaving hemp outside her home in Ban Tatong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Making hemp fabric is a long and laborious process; the end result is a strong durable cloth with qualities similar to linen which the Hmong women use to make their traditional clothing. In Lao PDR, hemp is now only cultivated in remote mountainous areas of the north. The remote and roadless village of Ban Tatong is situated along the Nam Kang river (an offshoot of the Nam Ou) and will be relocated due to the construction of the Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project Dam 7.
    A0026406cc_1.jpg
  • An Aini ethnic minority woman sewing her traditional clothing outside her home in Xiang Dao Ya village. Costume styles in the past were identified by discrete regions and sub regions, but due to a number of factors some groups are more widely dispersed.  This may be due to migration or search for land, and more recently, as a result of re-settlement of groups by the Chinese government, made necessary by the construction of new roads, reservoirs and hydroelectric schemes. The People's Republic of China recognises 55 ethnic minority groups in China in addition to the Han majority. The ethnic minorities form 9.44% of mainland China and Taiwan's total population and the greatest number can be found in Yunnan Province, 34% (25 ethnic groups).
    61-07_1.jpg
  • A boy, silhouetted against the sun, tries to fly his kite in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. Kite flying is a national pastime for the Afghans but was banned during the rule of the Taliban
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  • Lucy (13 ) photographed in one of the classrooms at Attnas Kandie School. She collects rubbish when she’s not at school. She is one of five children – the eldest is at college but the other siblings help to support him by sorting rubbish. Lucy’s mum sometimes washes clothes for other people but is sick and can’t often earn enough to feed the children. Lucy is now in primary school and gets lunch there every day thanks to Mary’s Meals. Making a living from collecting rubbish is no easy job; disease, injury, substance abuse and even the threat of violence is an everyday reality for the people who live and work at the dumps in Eldoret.  It’s especially hard for the mothers and their children forced through poverty to scrape a living of around $1 dollar a day.
    Eldoret06_1.jpg
  • Lucy (13 ) photographed in one of the classrooms at Attnas Kandie School.<br />
She collects rubbish when she’s not at school. She is one of five children – the eldest is at college but the other siblings help to support him by sorting rubbish. Lucy’s mum sometimes washes clothes for other people but is sick and can’t often earn enough to feed the children. Lucy is now in primary school and gets lunch there every day thanks to Mary’s Meals.<br />
<br />
<br />
Making a living from collecting rubbish is no easy job; disease, injury, substance abuse and even the threat of violence is an everyday reality for the people who live and work at the dumps in Eldoret.  It’s especially hard for the mothers and their children forced through poverty to scrape a living of around $1 dollar a day.
    Eldoret05_1.jpg
  • A Nepalese female factory worker operates a sewing machine making clothes in the Surijha Traders garment factory in Kathmandu, Nepal.  The garments produced in the factory are exported around the world. The factory works closely with the Friends of Needy Children organization in providing fair employment opportunities for young Nepalese men and women.
    Nepal-Kathmandu-Garment-Factory-6499...jpg
  • A Nepalese woman embroiders a traditional Nepalese material in her home in Kathmandu, Nepal.  The woman now is able to provide for her family from selling rugs and carpets and her children have been able to return to school education.  She was assisted to buy the loom by Voice of Children charity.
    Nepal-cottage-industry-weaving-7556_...jpg
  • Using her own sewing machine, a young dressmaking hobbyist woman sews together the seams of a home-made dress that shes created from a pattern in her home, on 6th March 2021, in London, England.
    dressmaking04-06-03-2021.jpg
  • Lying horizontal in a busy salon, a lady passenger receives eyebrow threading treatment during a beauty session at the Blink Eyebrow Bar in World Duty Free, Heathrow Airport's terminal 5. The beautician holds the thread that squeezes the woman's eyebrow follicles, removing the tiniest and finest hair right from the root. Threading is a technique that China has been using for centuries but has recently become popular in western countries. Amid the busy departures terminal of this international aviation hub, this is a corner of quiet and tranquillity before the woman traveller boards her business flight after this few minutes of pampering. From writer Alain de Botton's book project "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary" (2009).
    heathrow_airport194-13-07-2009_1.jpg
  • A Red-Thread Miao ethnic minority woman, wearing her colourful appliqued traditional costume, splices ramie, Yi Xin village, Guizhou province, China. Ramie is one of the oldest fibre crops, having been used for at least six thousand years, and is principally used for fabric production. It is a bast fibre and the part used is the bark of the vegetative stalks. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    092-08_1.jpg
  • A barber threads a man's eyebrows at a roadside stall in New Delhi, India.
    SFE_160424_023.jpg
  • A woman wearing an  advertising outfit on the busy Oxford Street. Waxing, tanning, nails and threading.
    11-London-9301.jpg
  • Handspun cotton prepared for ‘mutmee’ or tie-dyeing in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. In Savannakhet most textiles are dyed with natural dyes according to longstanding traditions. 'Mutmee' is a tie-dye weaving technique that is special to the Phu-Tai ethnic group where the string is tied in each row wherever the colour is not wanted and then removed after dyeing.
    DSCF2808cc_1.jpg
  • Handweaving organic cotton with a mutmee/tie dye design in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. In Savannakhet most textiles are dyed with natural dyes according to longstanding traditions. 'Mutmee' is a tie-dye weaving technique that is special to the Phu-Tai ethnic group where the string is tied in each row wherever the colour is not wanted and then removed after dyeing. Although only plainweave, the weaving is slow as each weft row needs to be lined up to maintain the pattern.
    DSCF2789cc_1.jpg
  • Handweaving organic cotton with a mutmee/tie dye design in Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. In Savannakhet most textiles are dyed with natural dyes according to longstanding traditions. 'Mutmee' is a tie-dye weaving technique that is special to the Phu-Tai ethnic group where the string is tied  in each row wherever the colour is not wanted and then removed after dyeing.
    DSCF2798cc_1.jpg
  • Indigo dyed handspun cotton hanging to dry in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. In Savannakhet most textiles are dyed with natural dyes according to longstanding traditions. 'Mutmee' is a tie-dye weaving technique that is special to the Phu-Tai ethnic group where the string is tied in each row wherever the colour is not wanted and then removed after dyeing. Although only plainweave, the weaving is slow as each weft row needs to be lined up to maintain the pattern.
    DSCF2747cc_1.jpg
  • Handspun cotton hanging to dry in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Cotton has been grown in Laos for centuries, mostly on a small scale for household use. The people of the Phu Tai ethnic group have a long standing tradition of cotton production which they hand weave for clothing and household use. Cotton is planted by hand and watered by the monsoon rains. It takes 8 months for the plant to produce the cotton flower, then it is picked by hand, ginned by hand and then spun into yarn by hand.
    DSCF2811cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Phu Tai ethnic minority woman weaves handspun cotton, Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Cotton has been grown in Laos for centuries, mostly on a small scale for household use. The people of the Phu Tai ethnic group have a long standing tradition of cotton production which they hand weave for clothing and household use. Cotton is planted by hand and watered by the monsoon rains. It takes 8 months for the plant to produce the cotton flower, then it is picked by hand, ginned by hand and then spun into yarn by hand.
    DSCF2834cc_1.jpg
  • An elderly Phu Tai ethnic minority woman weaves handspun cotton, Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Cotton has been grown in Laos for centuries, mostly on a small scale for household use. The people of the Phu Tai ethnic group have a long standing tradition of cotton production which they hand weave for clothing and household use. Cotton is planted by hand and watered by the monsoon rains. It takes 8 months for the plant to produce the cotton flower, then it is picked by hand, ginned by hand and then spun into yarn by hand.
    DSCF2828cc_1 (1).jpg
  • Handspun cotton hanging to dry in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Cotton has been grown in Laos for centuries, mostly on a small scale for household use. The people of the Phu Tai ethnic group have a long standing tradition of cotton production which they hand weave for clothing and household use. Cotton is planted by hand and watered by the monsoon rains. It takes 8 months for the plant to produce the cotton flower, then it is picked by hand, ginned by hand and then spun into yarn by hand.
    DSCF2850cc_1.jpg
  • Handweaving organic cotton with a mutmee/tie dye design in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. In Savannakhet most textiles are dyed with natural dyes according to longstanding traditions. 'Mutmee' is a tie-dye weaving technique that is special to the Phu-Tai ethnic group where the string is tied in each row wherever the colour is not wanted and then removed after dyeing. Although only plainweave, the weaving is slow as each weft row needs to be lined up to maintain the pattern.
    DSCF2800cc_1.jpg
  • Handweaving organic cotton with a mutmee/tie dye design in the Phu Tai ethnic minority village of Ban Lahanam, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. In Savannakhet most textiles are dyed with natural dyes according to longstanding traditions. 'Mutmee' is a tie-dye weaving technique that is special to the Phu-Tai ethnic group where the string is tied in each row wherever the colour is not wanted and then removed after dyeing. Although only plainweave, the weaving is slow as each weft row needs to be lined up to maintain the pattern.
    DSCF2784cc_1.jpg
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