In association with the Center of Academic Services at Srinakharinwirot University, the Department of Cultural Promotion recently announced the winners of the Cultural Textile Awards 2021.
The new generation of designers referenced Thai Textiles Trend Book Spring/Summer 2022 in fashioning the winning fabrics.
Pemika Piaheng played with black hues in "Chromatography", which led to her triumph in the creative textile category.
"Black is universal, and every generation can wear it,'' she said. "I designed 'Chromatography' in brownish, reddish, blueish and other shades of black, and incorporated a variety of fibres such as eri silk, silk shell and new hybrid silk. Also, this piece was largely created with recycled fibres."
In contrast, "Efflorescence Of Feminine" in radiant shades earned Supatra Klahan an award in the cotton textile category. She drew inspiration from feminine glow, which is represented by bright colours such as yellow, indigo, brown and red, obtained from natural dyes.
Supatra Klahan and 'Efflorescence Of Feminine'.
"The piece is a result of an intricate process, from pattern designing, dyeing and madmee weaving," she noted.
The consolation prize winner in the silk category, Prapon Chanapon, revived a traditional dyeing technique to give the "Mon Sanae Songkhla" piece a vintage look.
"We are seeing a lot of new textile techniques, while ancient natural dyes such as those from banana sap and indigo are disappearing," said Prapon. "I wanted to stress the importance of using natural fibres and dyes that leave the least impact on the environment."
The Cultural Textile Awards 2021 is part of a national campaign of intangible cultural heritage promotion. It encourages contemporary designs that better cater to modern consumers while preserving local wisdom in crafting Thai textiles.
Pemika Piaheng and 'Chromatography'. (Photos: Montree PR)
