32 Spirits was founded by two friends who, impressed by the artisan women weavers in Laos, committed to bring their beautiful handwoven textiles to the world.
We are guided by fair trade and work practices, dedicated to creating a global market so that women weavers can earn a steady income and be financially empowered while also preserving the art of weaving so important to the culture of this small Southeast Asian country. We procure our one of a kind textiles from weavers who work in their own homes at prices they set themselves. We source sustainable fibers, grown organically and dyed naturally, using local leaves, barks, and flowers. These fibers are spun and then woven by hand by women artisans who have developed traditional patterns and techniques handed down through generations.
Meet the Artisans
The talented women weavers from the Tai Lue tribe in northern Laos created our indigo textiles. Each textile highlights the weavers’ original artistry and incorporates the important Laotian symbology and spirits to fit seamlessly in the modern home.
These women artisans work at home on homemade looms, often with chicks or babies underfoot. We would stop to admire their work, and suddenly, a dozen women weavers would come bearing samples of their handwoven textiles, each one more complex and beautiful than the next.
“32 Spirits refers to the belief in the beauty and power of the animals, both mystical and earthly, rocks, rivers, flowers and insects that are woven into our textiles. For the people of Laos, these motifs are held in the highest regard and symbolize life's deepest desires for health, prosperity, and harmony.”
Founders
Christina Shane
Claire Hsiang Marx
Christina and Claire had both traveled to Laos with their families and discovered their mutual admiration for the intricate woven arts created by women artisans on looms whittled by their husbands. They returned to Laos together and went on an epic tour of Northern Laos with their friends and local guides Manh and Toubee to learn about the country, its culture, and the importance of the woven arts in nearly every aspect of life. They witnessed stilted houses clinging to the sides of mountains and drank Lao whiskey for breakfast with villagers. They met women weavers eager to show their fine silk and cotton handicrafts, grannies spinning cotton on makeshift spindles. They fell in love with the country and its friendly and resilient people. With Christina’s keen eye cultivated through her career as a designer for major labels and Claire’s experience in community development, 32 Spirits was born.
For more information and wholesale inquiries, please contact us.