Lao Textiles by Carol Cassidy

Silk weaver at Lao Textiles.

Tools of the trade at Lao Textiles.

Template used for creating the pattern during the weaving process.

Preparing silk thread on a spindle.

Work in progress on the loom.

Washed fabric drying in the sun.

The old French colonial era villa that houses Lao Textiles.

LAO TEXTILES, by Carol Cassidy, creates sublime and striking silk fabrics. Everything is designed and mostly produced in this French colonial era villa. A second facility for land mine victims in Cambodia, supplies textiles as well, based on contemporary designs from the Vientiane operation.

After ringing the front door I was shown into the showroom, toured the workshops, made some purchases and even spoke to the owner. Carol Cassidy, orginally from the United States, has lived in Laos with her husband for a number of decades. Her training and experience in textile design and production began with studies in Norway, Finland as well as at home. Best of all Carol Cassidy gave me a book showcasing examples of her Lao textile output which is depicted in page after page of full colour images.