2006 Craft Victoria Scarf Festival

Congratulations! First time entrant, the Lao Sericulture Company, received a
‘Jo Sharp’ Award at Craft Victoria’s annual Scarf Festival 2006 in Melbourne last June.

Among the 400 scarf entries, the design weaving ‘Mixed Pattern – Ikat, Rice Flower & Gourd Seeds and Small Naga Dragon’ by Kommaly Chanthavong was ascribed the ‘Most Innovative Use of Luxury Fiber in a Scarf’ Award.

The award recognizes and encourages the ‘collectiveness’ of organic methods of silk production, weaving skills and techniques, and artistry of Lao women and village farmers of northern Laos.

Lao collective exhibits - silk textiles

Lao Sericulture Company exhibits of contemporary textile designs of Naga, the mythical dragon and rice flowers and nature’s seeds go on display at the Craft Victoria 2006 Melbourne Scarf Festival from June 15 to 17.

Designed by Lao weaver Kommaly Chanthavong, her three scarf entries are crafted using naturally dyed, fine silk fibre. Complex weaving techniques, distinctive of the Tai Leu and Tai Neua mountain people, are used to produce exquisite fashion pieces.

Boby Vosinthavong’s presentation Exposure and Exchange: The Craft of Lao Silk Weaving explores the collective nature of silk production, weaving culture, traditions and techniques on Friday June 16 at Craft Victoria Library, 31 Flinders Lane from 12-1pm. Information on contemporary weaving residencies in rural Laos will be available. Entry free.

For bookings please phone Craft Victoria on 03 96507775 or email:scarf2006@craftvic.asn.au