Trendy bags, wallets from Laos feature ethnic elements

Designs are embellished with handwoven cotton or silk textiles that often feature traditional motifs.

A combination of traditional and contemporary elements enables Laos suppliers of bags and wallets to make their products stand out from the competition. Mountains, diamonds and other motifs typically found in the textiles and artwork of the Hmong people and other ethnic groups are being incorporated in styles popular in the international fashion scene.

Among the latest designs are top-handle structured handbags, circular designs, and clutches with silver- or gold-colored chain straps. In line with effort to provide an up-to-date selection, suppliers are offering designs in brighter hues or customizing colors to buyers' requirements. Shades created from natural indigo dyes, however, remain popular.

Makers are also combining different materials in a single product to offer greater variety. Recent mixed-media releases include wicker bags decorated with handwoven, naturally dyed cotton fabrics. Amid the trend for environment-friendly fashion accessories, rattan and bamboo are the top options for the bodies of such bags.

Silk bag in salmon pink

Naree offers the Lachance model with a silk exterior in salmon pink. The 22x13x5.5cm bag features a Lao pattern in the middle of the flap and comes with a chain strap.

Silk wallet comes in various colors

The Naree Pocket is a 10x20.5cm wallet made of silk. Color can be customized.

Wallet made of handwoven cotton

Model NK-LB-WC from Nikone Handicraft is a wallet made of handwoven cotton. The 15x20cm accessory comes in various colors.

Bamboo wallet decorated with handwoven fabric

This 23x14cm wristlet wallet from Phakaned Handicraft is made of woven bamboo. The top part of the wallet is decorated with a handwoven fabric featuring a traditional pattern.

Wallets in naturally dyed cotton

The Sengsavang Organization offers the wallets in hand-dyed, handwoven cotton. Indigo, gray, green, red, pink and black versions are offered. Natural dyes are used.

This article and its contents are provided by the Hinrich Foundation, a partner of Global Sources in promoting trade across Asia. The products and the suppliers featured in this article are export assistance program beneficiaries of the Hinrich Foundation.