lemiCompellingly beautiful, Vietnam’s charm comes from natural beauty—from its modest landscapes to its unpretentious culture
Spinning Garments From Silk Cocoons
Hanoi, Da Nang
It may surprise some people that Vietnam is a mecca for fashion-hungry sartorialists. Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms and production of fabric, has been an ancient tradition enjoyed by both residents and foreigners alike. As early as 2nd Century BCE, Vietnam was trading its precious textiles on the Maritime Silk Route. Seaside port towns like Hoi An were crucial outposts where artisans nurtured the craft, and by extension, a breed of world-class tailors was born. Heartfelt service, care for details, excellent fit, ethical production—every box is ticked off here. Find, or commission, your next favorite outfit at one of Vietnam’s most respected silk-makers and tailors! You’ll even learn about the craft in the process!
Observe the magic at work while browsing lovely products at Cocoon! The secrets of the silkworm are on full display; young worms feed on mulberry leaves in a round winnowing basket, while older ones have begun to spin their silk cocoons on a mesh frame. In sericulture, these cocoons are collected and unspooled for their precious threads. The spectacle is an effective lure, leading passers-by to the shop’s array of supple shawls and colorful neckties. Ms. Ly, the owner and shopkeeper, even teaches guests how to check silk for authenticity by a burn test! The real deal withers (not melts) and smells like singed hair when touched by a flame.
- +84 1289 091939
55 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Vietnam
Stay at Hoi An Silk Village to experience luxurious wellness treatments and retail therapy! The resort and spa whisks its guests into a paradise of mulberry gardens, lotus ponds, and horticulture farms. Watch dozens of artisans in the silk-weaving workshops as they go through every step: unraveling the cocoons, running the long wooden loom, and forming pretty patterns. Finished products are available in the prestigious Showroom. There are items for both the gentlemen and the ladies: ties and suits beautifully complement the scarves and dresses. Bring home some raw fabric to D.I.Y. your transformation!
- +84 235 3921 144
28 Nguyễn Tất Thành, Tân An, Vietnam, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
- http://www.hoiansilkvillage.com/
Vạn Phúc Silk Village is a town frozen in time, calling back to its glory days of dressing royalty and dazzling foreign audiences. Plenty of shops still dot the streets, along with their enticing array of silken goods. The village has become known for the fabric that they have their own distinct style called Van Silk! Seek out the Trieu Van Mao Silk Factory for a glimpse into a former master’s workspace. Trieu Van Mao restored the art form back into the hearts of locals at a time when the community’s passion was fizzling out. He has passed away, but his legacy lives on in Vạn Phúc Silk Village.
Vạn Phúc, Vietnam
Be Be Tailor 1 started as a mom-and-pop shop nine years ago, custom-building beautiful garments for their customers. Now, they’re a well-respected boutique with various locations. Ethical shoppers will also be pleased to note that everything is made on-site (not in a sweatshop). They even hold tours of their production facilities! They’ve made the process quite simple: a design session, measurements, fittings, then pick-ups (or delivery)! It is all very quick. First fittings take place the very next day, and tweaks are applied then and there. There may be more than two fittings on the same day as the staff at Be Be Tailor 1 are determined to get every detail right until you are fully satisfied.
- +84 235 2212 670
5-9 Hoàng Diệu, Sơn Phong, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
- https://bebetailor.com/
Tourists on a tight schedule don’t have to go all the way down to Hoi An for a handmade keepsake. The nation’s capital has its own Silk Street—Hàng Gai! Keep an eye out for some traditional dresses, called the áo dài. It’s the quintessential Vietnamese garb that will turn heads wherever you strut. Sweep the racks and bring home a massive haul from the various stores that line the street. Nab a dainty stitched masterpiece from Tan My Embroidery. Then, revamp your wardrobe with ready-to-wear items, silk ties, and embroidered accessories from Le Minh Silk. The shop also has a fabulous raw fabric selection that you can save for future use!
Hàng Gai Street, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Self-made couturiers should head straight to Chợ Hôm Market, which offers the most extensive collection of fabrics in the city! You’ll be right at home with local tailors on the hunt for their next textile inspiration. Head straight to the second floor where hundreds of stalls are brimming with silk (along with cotton, linen, wool, tweed, brocade, nylon, and so many more)! Bargaining tip: start negotiating from 50% and pay no more than 70% of the original asking price. Merchants are used to haggling shoppers, so bring your A-game!
79 Huế Street, Ngô Thì Nhậm, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi, Vietnam
Suit up at Minh Quang Bespoke Tailor! They’ve been outfitting dashing gentlemen in exquisitely made coats and trousers with only the utmost attention to detail. Their eye for design is always on point and unabashedly stylish, so consultations are bound to be fun. Whether you’re getting dressed for your wedding day or the all-important business meeting, Minh Quang’s premium pieces give you the boost of confidence you need. It doesn’t come cheap, but at a few days of construction time and world-class quality, you know every cent is worth it.
- +84 98 836 78 88
Shàng Bông, 175 Phùng Hưng, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- https://minhquangbespoke.com/
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