Following the Vietnam War many Hmong people were forced into refugee camps in Thailand or immigrated to America, Australia, Canada and France. You may remember Clint Eastwood’s film Gran Torino was based on a Hmong American community in Michigan.
Hmong people are often referred to as “flower Hmong” for their vivid pa ndau embroidery, meaning “flower cloth.”
The fabrics were originally worn for celebrations such as births, weddings, and New Year, but can also be seen in everyday items like baby carriers strapped to womens’ backs. Dazzling Lanna is an Etsy shop that creates one-of-a-kind handbags from vintage, handsewn Hmong baby carriers.
Model Abbey Lee Kershaw has been spotted carrying her own Hmong bag on numerous street style blogs.
So much work goes into each piece, from growing and dying the hemp to hand-sewing the embroidery. Cheaper alternatives are available on eBay but keep in mind that the cheaper price points usually means cheaper, machine made textiles.
I’ve already fallen for them and made a purchase of my own, and I receive compliments every time I wear it! Their one-of-a-kind vintage appeal is something you just don’t find everyday or at the mall!
*images by David Sutherland, Jane Gjestland, Rose.M, Craig Arend, StockholmStreetStyle, DazzlingLena
