Journal
Processes
Ebony Fruit Dyeing in the Mekong Delta
A fading tradition from Vietnam's southern Mekong Delta region is given new life through Kilomet109 designs... Since 2016 Kilomet109 has been working with a family of artisans in Vietnam's Mekong Delta to make ebony fruit dyed silk for use in our collections....
Traditional Indigo Dyeing in Vietnam
Follow us on a trip to the remote Northwest corner of Vietnam and see how we create the indigo dye we use in our collections.
Beeswax Batik Drawing
Batik beeswax drawing is an ancient technique used to create patterns and motifs on dyed fabric... As part of Kilomet109's most recent collections, Phiêu and Miên, we collaborated with artisans from the Blue H'mong community in rural Hoà Bình, Vietnam. We...
Materials
Our Materials: Hemp
Hemp is one of the most versatile and socially significant plants in human history... With a genealogy that can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia and China, hemp is believed to be the first plant used for weaving fabric to make clothes. Throughout much of Asia and...
Our Materials: Indigo
Indigo dye is one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved pigments... In Vietnam, indigo dyeing has a legacy that stretches back centuries. Expertise is passed down from one generation to the next in many ethnic minority communities. This includes well worn...
Our Materials: Yam Root
Yam root dye creates a beautiful range of colors. Finding the elusive root, however, is a challenge... Yam root grows wild on large tree vines which line the forest floor in jungle areas of northern Vietnam. During the dry season our team treks to these remote areas...
Projects
Elle Fashion Runway HCMC
Elle Vietnam Magazine invited Kilomet109 to present our Phiêu Collection as part of the first fashion runway show dedicated to sustainable fashion. Have a look at some of the looks that graced the runway in Ho Chi Minh City.
A celebration of contemporary dance, music, and fashion
What do you get when you mash up Kilomet109 designs with contemporary dance at a nightclub on New York’s Lower East Side? An evening of spontaneous theatrics…
London Design Biennale 2018 Pavilion Debuts in Hanoi
Hanoi - June 2020 The Vietnam pavilion from the London Design Biennale debuted in Hanoi at Manzi Art Space this month. The exhibition marked the successful showcase of the pavilion in Vietnam, and the first time exhibiting in front of a Vietnamese audience.In 2018,...
Press
Kilomet109 interview with THE KINDCRAFT
THE KINDCRAFT sits down with Thao Vu for an in-depth interview on the origins of Kilomet109, her childhood in Thai Binh, and steering the brand away from copycat labels in Vietnam doing mainstream, commercially-safe fashion... Journalist Justin Lancy, one half...
CNA Luxury travels to Hanoi to visit Kilomet109
Kilomet109 debuts on CNA "Remarkable Living" program Thrilled to have Channel News Asia feature Kilomet109 on their Luxury Lifestyle platform Remarkable Living. This interview takes you into Kilomet109's design studio and Thao's textile inspirations. You'll...
Kilomet109 featured on CNN’s “Iconic Hanoi” Series
Kilomet109 debuts on CNN International Travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, and follow Kilomet109 founder Thao Vu as she reveals her work studio and retail shop during this episode of CNN's "Iconic Hanoi" series. The segment on Kilomet109 starts at the 1 minute mark of...