Threads is a photo project I never thought I’d do until Motherland Orphans came along. My relationship with lao clothing is a metaphor for the internalized racism I had growing up. My love for the clothing now is a symbol of how I came to love and accept my lao culture. At the beginning, I hated lao clothes because I thought it was ugly. I didn’t see the beauty, and I also thought they were itchy and uncomfortable, which didn’t help. It really wasn’t until the end of my freshman year of college when I met the members of LSA UMN, the Lao Student Association of the University of Minnesota, I met peers that love the lao culture, whereas I just passively understood it. Seeing people my age actively take part to be a part of the community and are excited to educate other people in the lao culture sparked something inside me. It was inspiring. I never hated my culture; I just definitely didn’t fully appreciate all the facets of it until college.

This project, Threads, delves into my deepening knowledge of lao clothing. Threads specifically is focusing on the embroidery of the traditional clothing. The technique of embroidery is called goldwork, a process of laying down gold threads and stitching that down to the fabric. In the last 2 years, I’ve found a passion for embroidery. I love watching the picture come to life with every stitch.

When you see the collage, you’re going to get an immediate or even overwhelming feeling of color and lines, which then forces to lean in to look closer and discover all the intricacy of the handmade embroidered lao clothes

Each model represents a special symbol in Laos and Lao culture. Melee is the national flower of Laos, Dok Champa (frangipani). Christina is the buddhist mythical snake, the Naga. I am the national animal of Laos, the Elephant. You can see these motifs through the make up, hair, and clothes.

Models : Kelly Huang , Melee Moua , Christina Chanthamontry Photography Assistant - Tyler Chandee

Clothes and Jewelry - Pou Homesomebath & Chanhom Huang