The Factory is proud to showcase fashion designer, artist and eco-entrepreneur Thảo Vũ, of the sustainable fashion label Kilomet109, as part of ‘Creative Sessions’

With the global rise of hyper consumerism, environmental degradation, and increased tribalism, the social sphere is increasingly a contentious zone of conflict, crisis and unpredictable potentiality. What does this imply for the "social" in creative practice? How does it impact on the role of designers? And why is it important to create what she calls “rooted” designs? In her talk, Thảo Vũ will share how intangible values and human relations have become an important part of her holistic creative methods, helping to both intervene and address dysfunctions in the current design chain.

A designer, artist and eco-entrepreneur, Thảo Vũ founded the high-end sustainable fashion label Kilomet109 in 2012. The brand's style reflects an elegant interplay between Western and Eastern influences, blending simple flattering silhouettes with a sophisticated color palette, and subtle touches of Vietnamese heritage. Using eco-friendly fibers and traditional methods, Thảo has been working with different communities of local artisans and indigenous peoples to grow plants, source handmade fabrics, create natural dyes, and apply fast-disappearing traditional techniques of weaving and dyeing to create contemporary couture pieces. This not only elevates the art of traditional textile making, but also provides a valuable source of extra income for the women and artisans in these communities, helping to incentivize the preservation of fading traditions.

The talk will take place in Vietnamese with English translation.

More information on the event here: https://goo.gl/8DShgP