Kilomet109 is the brainchild of Thao Vu, a notable designer, artist, and eco-entrepreneur based in Hanoi. Thao is known for her versatile garments designed for both women and men, which are described as being at the intersection of statement pieces and essential basics. The adaptability of these garments is reflected in their flexible panels, detachable scarves, pleats, and more, allowing for unique personalization based on one’s own style preferences.
- All garments are handcrafted: Every piece tells a story, each unique and hand-stitched, standing against the mass-produced ethos of today’s fast fashion.
- Collaboration with local artisans: Thao joins hands with craft artisans across Vietnam. This collective effort emphasizes the ‘slow fashion’ movement, cherishing human touch in every creation.
- From seed to garment: The entire production chain of Kilomet109 is rooted within local craft communities, solely relying on locally-sourced materials and environment-friendly dyes. It’s a true embodiment of sustainable fashion from the ground up.
- Beyond just design: Thao believes that the value of Kilomet109’s pieces is intertwined with the culture of its creators and the pressing environmental concerns of our times.
Kilomet109 revives fading traditions, like the ebony fruit dyeing of the Mekong Delta and traditional indigo dyeing, by integrating them into contemporary designs. They’ve also incorporated the ancient technique of beeswax batik drawing, collaborating with the Blue H’mong community in Hoà Bình, Vietnam. Through these endeavors, Kilomet109 not only delivers unique fashion pieces but also preserves and celebrates the rich tapestry of Vietnamese artisanal craftsmanship.