Once Upon A Time in Esan

Our passion for arts and designs and genuine interest in distinctive cultures are the cornerstone of our brand. We aim to deliver you enchanting wearable arts and celebrate stories behind them alongside. Our first collection "Once Upon A Time in Esan" is inspired by a trip to Esan, northeastern region of Thailand. This is where our story begins...

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Once upon a time in Esan, handwoven textiles were invented to be used in daily lives and for ceremonial purposes. Historical evidence suggested that people in the region have been weaving textiles for more than 5,000 years. Through the years distinctive patterns have been developed in each region forming its own traditions. Innovation and technology have come into play significant roles in preserving and developing this symbolic inheritance by making it more practical to use in daily lives. Esan textiles, both cotton, and silk have long been widely recognized for their distinctive beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. Thousands of years later, we're still fascinated by them.

Inspired by these artistries, Rosa Supra's mission is to create contemporary apparel collections that feature local traditional patterns and to broadcast stories behind them. We aim to support Thai artworks and the artisans behind them. In 2019, we began our research in Thai textiles and started our journey with Esan art. Our mission goes even further to collaborate with other local producers elsewhere in Thailand and in other parts of the world.

Chapter 2: The Invitation

In December 2019, we traveled up to Esan for the first time to meet several local textile producers. Six hours' drive from Bangkok, we found ourselves surrounded by golden rice fields, trees, and mountains.

We visited our producers in Khonkaen, Chaiyaphum, and Nhongbualamphu. In each place, we tried to learn about their cultures and made some new friends. Different regions in Thailand have distinctive cultures, food, and language both dialect and accents. We fell in love with the nature, sincerity, and hospitality of the local people there. The local producers were very friendly, helpful and informative about their work, cultures and even their personal lives. They all greeted us with smiles, invited us for their homemade meals and introduced us to their families and friends.

Chapter 3: Heart and Handcrafting

In Esan, there're many weaving villages. Each village has its own unique pattern design or weaving methods. Most of the houses in these villages have at least one or two looms to weave at home. There is usually one gathering house in each village where people come to socialize and work. It’s a hobby and work at the same time. During the dry season when farming is not an option, local villagers would weave textiles to earn extra money. Many of these producers are the elders who no longer have the energy to go farming. The lady in the video here is more than 70 years old. She loves going to the Non-Salao community area to weave textiles every day.

Chapter 4: The Making

Back in Bangkok with big inspiration and some sample products and textiles, we started designing and making several samples with our tailor. The goal is to make contemporary apparel collections that can be easily worn and taken care of to fit in a modern-day lifestyle. We mixed handwoven textiles from Esan with machine woven textiles locally found in Bangkok. After some trials and errors, we finalized the design in early March 2020.

Chapter 5: The Launch

We're thrilled to show you our heart and handmade collection "Once Upon A Time in Esan" which is inspired by our first trip to meet local producers in Esan. While we're launching this during the time of the Coronavirus crisis, we deeply hope that our designs and contents will help you uplifted and optimistic while staying at home in this transient time into a new era.