Our mission
History
In 1995, while visiting Cambodia as part of a mission for the NGO Enfants du Mékong, Philippe de Pougnadoresse met Neak Krou and his family in Banteay Chhmar. She tells him that before the Khmer Rouge genocide, the women of this northern region mastered the art of weaving silk. The transmission of this know-how hangs by a thread, because Neak Krou is the only one to still master each of the stages of weaving.
At the same time, he realizes that the situation of the families of this village, and in particular that of the women, is very precarious, so much so that many of them are forced to leave their homes for disreputable services in the casinos on the Thai border…
From the fusion of these two observations, an incredible and daring idea was born: relaunching this exceptional art of silk weaving to allow these women to find meaning in their lives and build a future for their families.
Since its creation, Soieries du Mékong has trained around a hundred weavers. These women see their art protected and their status as artisans recognized.
Impact 2023
Our story is one of commitment.
Because the empowerment of women is at the heart of our project, Soieries du Mékong regularly trains new Cambodian artisans in order to perpetuate the Khmer art of hand weaving.
Thanks to you in 2023, we provided dignified work to 65 people throughout the year; as a result, 350 people were able to benefit from it and participate in the economic life of a village of 2,000 people.
Our team made 7,500 pieces divided between the Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer collections as well as orders from our partners (Eric Bompard, Bensimon, etc.)
Tomorrow
From light scarf to light scarf , we are constantly pushing the limits of our know-how.
Diversification of materials, quest for new colors, research of new techniques on traditional weaving looms, expansion of our production center, improvement of working conditions to welcome and train ever more weavers...
Soieries du Mékong reinvents the art of weaving every day in the service of its committed project in favor of women.
