FABRIC: LOTUS
Regions: Siam Reap, Cambodia
Fabric Name:
Lotus
Origin:
Nelumbo nucifera
Who made our fabric:
Samatoa, Siam Reap, Cambodia
Natural history and ecology:
No chemicals or toxic products are present in lotus fiber or added during the process. It is completely naturally sourced, and woven into light, water-resistant, wrinkle-free fabric.
What makes this so special: This fabric is produced from the fine, fiber stalk strands of the stem of the lotus plant Nelumbo nucifera. Cambodia-based Samatoa, recognized in 2012 by UNESCO for its handicraft excellence, uses only locally sourced materials to create its line of unique fabrics including lotus. The lotus plant is believed to host healing qualities. Rising from the mud into the light, the lotus plant also has deeply sacred and spiritual symbolism for Buddhists. No chemicals or toxic products are used or added during the process from fiber to finished cloth resulting in an antimicrobial, lightweight, water-resistant fabric.
Delicate strands from the stem of a lotus plant create a truly sustainable fabric.
Our fabric was made by Samatoa, a social textile enterprise whose goal is to “create a viable alternative to the textile industry” while also keeping the historical and spiritual fabric alive.
In 2012 Samatoa was recognized by UNESCO, given the Prize of Excellence for their lotus fiber.
Photo courtesy of Samatoa
In the studio at Samatoa
