Lost in the glittery world of her mother’s old magazines, Malathip Phenglamphan took a keen interest in embroidery and design from an early age. And coming from a dressmaking family, it’s no surprise that she followed in her mother’s footsteps, albeit on a grander scale.
Setting foot in Sakoun Lao is like a glimpse into another world, or perhaps even another time. An eclectic mixture of the extravagant and the traditional, this exclusive silkwear boutique offers designs that are meticulously handcrafted from the first stitch to the final product.
Model: Phounsap Phonnyotha
Malathip dreams up all her designs by herself, and diligently maps them out in pencil on rolls of graph paper. Next, the designs are carefully embroidered by hand until the pattern in her mind’s eye gradually becomes a reality, and the intricate designs begin to take form.
“All our designs are one of a kind. If you purchase a piece from Sakoun Lao, you won’t see this anywhere else,” says Malathip.
And second only to the uniqueness of the embroidery, comes the quality of the fabric.
“Our embroidery designs are made with silk imported from France, because the quality is higher than that produced in Laos. But the material is handwoven here in our workshop by Lao artisans.”
And the difference is clear; the silk produced in the Lyon region of France has been going strong for over 500 years, so its long history yields a quality almost unmatched in other parts of the world.
The smooth, lustrous and waxy feel of the silk is prized by her customers, and in the skilled hands of Lao weavers, the fabric produced at Sakoun Lao outmatches its counterparts.
Model: Phounsap Phonnyotha
Malathip Phenglamphan
Understandably, many of the customers at Sakoun Lao include young and budding brides, ready to be outfitted in an unforgettable
Lao wedding gown. It is the exclusive designs and the overall experience that brings brides to the boutique, often commissioning a particular design for the bridal party, and a matching but matchless piece for the bride herself.
Adding value to the experience, Malathip has begun offering various extra services, such as wedding invitation publishing and even a handbag spa!
And so the young girl with big dreams, poring over magazines, has grown into an elite artist, offering exclusive pieces that are truly a cut above the rest.
“Because if you stay where you are, you’ll never get anywhere,” says Malathip.
Traditional practices accompany contemporary trends in Depths, the inaugural exhibit of Elevations, a non-profit art initiative launched this month in the Southeast Asian nation of Laos.
Launched last Friday night in the Lao capital Vientiane and continuing until January 16th, the exhibition is both an international event, including artists from China to Cambodia, and a celebration of work of three local artists, Tcheu Siong, Bounpaul Phothyzan and Souliya Phoumivon.
This month, the trio will become the first-ever group of artists from Laos to be included in Brisbane, Australia’s Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, the Queensland Art Gallery’s Gallery of Modern Art’s flagship exhibition.
Depths is divided into three “chapters”—Other, Lands and Selves—reflecting themes explored in the work of Siong, Phothyzan, and Phoumivon respectively.
Depths, an exhibition by Elevations at I:Cat Gallery Simeuang Village in Vientiane, Laos. (Laos Briefly)
These sections, each occupying a room at I:Cat, present traditional visual and textile work alongside contemporary sculpture, installations and audio-visuals.
The result is a sprawling, impressive debut fitting an ambitious new organization.
Significantly, Depths showcases video and material installation by artists from Laos —including forms that have not always resonated with a local audience.
As Phothyzan explained in a panel at Elevation’s opening symposium; “When I exhibited conceptual work in Laos once before, the reaction was not good. The interest was not here—the thought was that the arts must be drawing, painting, visuals.”
In Depths, Phothyzan’s material installation is a trio of mounted bombshells, each precariously supporting an empty, white, hauntingly pristine birdhouse. His work powerfully reflects both on the devastations of Laos’ recent history of war and his late father’s career as a soldier.
At Elevation’s Symposium event, Lao artists spoke of the pressure to focus on traditional painting and sculpture as these forms remain the most lucrative, thanks to the demand that is driven by the tourist industry.
Phoumivon, who graduated from Laos’ National Institute of Fine Arts in 2008, found his departure from visual work met with outright disapproval: “People asked me, how are you going to feed your family, make money in Laos if you are not painting?”
Erin Gleeson, Elevation’s founding artistic director and curator, hoped to answer this question by developing a space supportive of both traditional and non-visual art forms. Says Gleeson: “We wanted to create an environment in which it felt right to show not only painting but also [installation] work artists might usually show outside.”
Phoumivon’s marvellous stop-motion animation—an eerie, playful series depicting humans transforming into a colorful herd of buffalo—represents, in part, Phoumivon’s struggle to resist social pressure and follow his artistic instincts.
“It’s easy to follow the train of society—to become a buffalo. If you simply follow trends, follow materialistic impulses, even highly educated people can become buffalos,” Phoumivon says.
While Elevations places Lao artists among their international peers in Depths, the organization also aims to encourage growth in the local art world. Public programs—ranging from film screenings to art-classes—offer support for emerging artists.
A reading room in Little House Café, a short walk from the gallery, allows patrons to browse texts on art history, theory and practice, while children can color on worksheets inspired by the gallery exhibition.
In addition to its public programs, Elevations is organizing a competition for local emerging artists on even years and a subsequent international exhibition on odd years.
Elevations was founded by Gary Stafford of the Spellbrook Foundation. Stafford served as a managing director of Brisbane-based copper and gold miner PanAust Limited, best known in Laos for its Phu Bia Mining subsidiary.During Stafford’s 18 years managing PanAust, he frequently travelled to Laos, his interest in art collection gradually familiarizing him with the local scene.
When he began investigating how to support emerging Lao artists he was introduced to Gleeson, who at the time was serving as curator and the founding Artistic Director of SA SA BASSAC in Phnom Penh.
The two collaborated to create a unique initiative that would best suit Laos, drawing on support from the Australian Embassy, STELLA, and I:Cat gallery.
Elevations aims to enrich an artistic ecosystem in Southeast Asia by nurturing connections between diverse artists. “If we bring the right people together, networks are formed and opportunities are made,” Gleeson says.
Guo-Liang Tan, an exhibiting artist from Singapore, attests. “Already we’ve exchanged many stories, developed personal and professional relationships.”
Tan also observed the opportunity for intercultural learning afforded by exhibiting abroad. “It’s a great chance for those of us not from Laos to learn about a place many of us have not yet been.”
The visiting artists were introduced to Vientiane on a tour led by Elevations last Friday, focusing on the city’s artistic and literary history.
Although Depths’ range can be dizzying, its lack of focus is often a strength—in moments, contrast creates a delightful tension between works.
Such is the case in the exhibition’s second chapter, Lands, in which a panel of austere, serene water patterns are shown beside destructive, explosive rivers in looping video footage of the impact of humanity on nature for our modern power needs.
Depths, an exhibition by Elevations at I:Cat Gallery Simeuang Village in Vientiane, Laos. (Laos Briefly)
Among a number of superb pieces—such as prints that transform abandoned lots into dreamy landscapes and a photo-series that documents a Hmong legend as lived out in America—the colorful, enigmatic needlework of Lao artist Tcheu Siong is not to be missed.
Siong translates her dreams into large-scale textiles, relying on Hmong mythology and her husband’s shamanistic practice as interpretive tools. While her work is rooted in tradition, the product is something utterly unique, and unlike the full canvases and bold geometric patterns of traditional Hmong textile.
Her textiles depict human figures engulfed in cheerfully polka-dotted creatures. Heart shaped decals flower across the canvas like otherworldly eyes. Appliqués appear simple geographic forms at first glance, but upon closer observation reveal themselves as bodied animals and humans.
The blend of old and new in Siong’s work perhaps best exemplifies Depth’s power as a conceptually modern exhibition that doesn’t belittle or dismiss traditional practices but considers how these may be used in fresh and unusual ways.
Text: Julia Case-Levine
Images: Laos Briefly
Depths, an exhibition by Elevations at I:Cat Gallery Simeuang Village in Vientiane, Laos. (Laos Briefly)
Depths, an exhibition by Elevations at I:Cat Gallery Simeuang Village in Vientiane, Laos. (Laos Briefly)Depths, an exhibition by Elevations at I:Cat Gallery Simeuang Village in Vientiane, Laos. (Laos Briefly)
Depths, an exhibition by Elevations at I:Cat Gallery Simeuang Village in Vientiane, Laos. (Laos Briefly)
Depths at I: Cat Gallery, Simeuang Village, Vientiane Capital, Laos until January 16, 2019.
Friends of Fur Gathering at Ball for A Wall At Laos' First Animal Sanctuary
“If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals” – Albert Einstein
Hey smart ladies and gents! Animal lovers!! All friends of the fur in Laos!!!
Vimaan Suan Foundation and Crowne Plaza Vientiane jointly present FurBall 2018, a fundraiser for the Vimaan Suan Foundation’s Sanctuary Building Fund that touches down in Vientiane on November 24, 2018.
Award-winning celebrities from Laos including Aluna Thavonsouk, Tot Lina, Ola, Sanonh Maniphonh will be joined by 2018 Pepsi Singing Contest Winner Kob to entertain supporters attending the gala dinner.
Vimaan Suan Foundation is the first foundation dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic animals/pets in Laos to be registered in the country.
Programmes supported by the Foundation include vaccination projects, school and youth education programmes, community service programmes, capacity building programmes and a sanctuary for senior and special-needs dog and cats.
Based on estimates, each ticket sold will help build about 1 square meter of a wall that is some 3m tall to that will help to protect the sanctuary’s resident animals.
All proceeds raised will be earmarked for the First Phase of construction for the sanctuary which is located in Vientiane’s Naxaythong district.
Exclusive partners for FurBall 2018 are BeerLao, Carlsberg, AEnoteca, BlueGrass Design Group, Sisane Artist and Rajah and Tann Asia.
Sponsors and supporters include Lao Tobacco Limited, Mercure Vientiane, Vientiane Dog Paradise, Yokohama Japanese Restaurant, Hangout Restaurant, intown Restaurant, LV Imex, International Veterinary Centre, RDK Group, Tukata Vientiane Nursery, Super BBQ, Coco Bar, The Laotian Times, Soap4Life, Bounxouei Foundation, iVET, Saoban, Panyanivej Organic Farm, MyVet, Planet Internet, KPY, Terminal 8, Lao Lake House, Animal Doctors International with more being added as they are confirmed.
Tickets are $120 and are available at Crowne Plaza Vientiane (please ask for Rhandy), Vientiane Dog Paradise, Yokohama Japanese Restaurant, intown Restaurant, Hangout Restaurant, LV Imex, Bar the Way and directly from Vimaan Suan Foundation volunteers. Tables of 8 are available for $100 per person (total $800) if purchased before November 22, 2018. Credit card sales are available at HangOut Restaurant, intown Restaurant and LV Imex.
Thailand Visa Application Appointment Process Online Sees 2-Week Wait Times
Could the cross-border retail and recreation-related dreams of foreign expatriates, non-diplomats and other non-Lao-non-ASEAN-passport-holding residents in Laos be about to come true across the Mekong in Thailand once again visa-free?
Laos’ near neighbour is reportedly considering removing the restrictions on land border entry affecting foreign expatriates in neighbouring countries including Laos for an initial period of two months, both The Nation and Bangkok Post reported on November 14.
Bangkok Post’s List of Planned Changes includes a proposed lift on restrictions on land border entry, potentially improving connectivity for expatriate residents of Laos.
The reported move from the country’s cabinet Tuesday comes amid efforts by Thailand’s policymakers to attract more visitor arrivals.
Other proposed measures also include double-entry visas for six months and special discounts at Thai malls under the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale: Passport Privileges” campaign that continues from November 15 to January 15, 2019.
Since the start of 2017, limits on land border entry have affected foreign non-ASEAN passport holding expatriates (including those eligible to a visa-waiver), restricting them to just two single visa-free entries on arrival via the country’s land border points per year.
It remains to be seen whether the mooted liberalization will come in the form of carving out an exemption for foreign expatriates or result in the removal of the two-times-per-year land border entry restriction entirely.
Either way, a loosening on the restriction is likely to be welcome news, particularly to those for whom visa application processes and fees have proved onerous enough to prevent them from regularly visiting otherwise accessible destinations located on the far side of mighty Mekong.
Distinguished aviation veteran Mr Bounma Chanthavongsa has been officially appointed as the new president of Lao Airlines. Champa Meuanglao caught up with him at his office to ask a few questions about his plans for the future of the airline.
Tell us a bit about your background prior to becoming the president of Lao Airlines?
I’ve been involved with the aviation industry since I completed military training with the Lao Air Force in 1972. I was sent to the Soviet Union for further study in aircraft mechanics, where I was tasked with repair of Mig-21 fighter jets. I completed my studies there in 1976, and returned to the Lao Air Force for a number of years. Then, in 2001, I was given the responsibility of managing a very small company that had nearly gone bankrupt, called Air Lao. I was assigned the task of turning the business around, developing it until it became Lao Skyways as it is known today.
So you have been involved in the aviation industry for a long time?
Yes, I’ve spent my entire adult life working in aviation. A good 40 years.
Is it true that the Prime Minister himself appointed you as president of Lao Airlines?
Yes, that’s true. The Prime Minister issued a decision on a Friday, and I signed on the dotted line the next Monday! Of course I wasn’t completely prepared initially, however as I mentioned in the press conference after my appointment, as the national carrier, we will continue our mission to grow and expand, to serve both domestic and foreign passengers, and to remain competitive among other international airlines. That’s still our goal.
You’ve now been tasked with revitalizing Lao Airlines. In which direction to you hope to take the airline?
My appointment as president (of Lao Airlines) was quite sudden, although they’d been talking to me about it for over a year. I haven’t made firm plans yet as to how to turn the airline around, and it will take time to make the right decisions. This is a big responsibility and Lao Airlines is a big airline. It’s the national carrier.
What are your plans for implementing this strategy?
The mission right now is to study the problems faced by the airline, which are numerous. One major problem is a financial issue, and to resolve this problem, we need to cut costs and increase revenue. As part of studying cost-cutting, I’ll need to review the efficiency of personnel, internal organization, and expense management systems. We must improve our services and ensure that Lao Airlines, the national carrier, remains in the hearts of our passengers. That’s our responsibility.
What do you think is the biggest strength of Lao Airlines?
I believe that Lao Airlines has great potential. We are unique, we are friendly and welcoming, and we can rely on the great potential of Lao people. I would like to ask society to help by giving us their suggestions, and we’ll take those ideas on board and improve our airline.
Which is your favorite Lao Airlines destination?
My favorite will always be Xieng Khouang (laughs) because that’s where I’m from. Xieng Khouang is a province with a lot of tourism potential. In my opinion, there’s more to see in Xieng Khouang than in Luang Prabang! It’s just that some of these tourism sites haven’t been promoted well. The climate is cool, there’s a lot of natural beauty, and there are unique ethnic minority cultures in Xieng Khouang. It is also a place rich in history, and with its own special cuisine.
Which countries would you like to see Lao Airlines flying to in the future?
We hope to see a flight to Japan in the near future, probably starting with a Vientiane-Fukuoka route, and then if possible Vientiane-Narita, as both governments have already agreed to the idea. I think that Lao Airlines should definitely include direct flights between Laos and Japan. We also hope to increase regional flights to places such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, and of course we’ll expand our routes within China.
Since you came from a career in Lao Skyways, do you think there is room for cooperation between the two airlines?
That’s a very good question! Both airlines are state enterprises, meaning they are both operated by government. Lao Skyways has a separate strategy, and I think the two airlines could cooperate well. I actually plan to hold a meeting between the two airlines to open discussions on this very topic.
Text: Cameron Darke & Jason Rolan
Originally published in Champa Meuanglao
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has welcomed Prime Minister Thongloun and counterpart government leaders from across the region at the 33rd ASEAN Summit and related summits from Nov 13-16.
The presidents and prime ministers of governments from across South-East Asia are in the island state for regional dialogue on global issues of importance at key meets during a time of rapid, landscape-shifting changes in the region and beyond.
Also on the way to the city are leaders of ASEAN dialogue partners such as China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Narendra Modi, Japan’s Shinzo Abe and Russia’s Vladimir Putin for the 13th East Asian Summit.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Adern and Australia’s PM Scott Morrison will also make an appearance.
They will be joined by US Vice President Mike Pence, who will head the US delegation in the absence of US President Donald J Trump.
Parkson Retail Group Ltd, is a subsidiary of Lion Group Malaysia, which became a publicly listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2005. Parkson operates 115 retail outlets across Asia, including shopping malls, department stores, and supermarkets. Its annual income reaches over 3.77 billion dollars.
What is Parkson preparing to do in Laos?
Parkson is preparing to open a shopping center in Laos located in Section A of the World Trade Center, next to Vientiane Center. In the future Parkson may invest in other activities such as property development, financial investment, duty free shopping, natural resources, and other areas.
How does Parkson position itself?
Parkson is a quality shopping centre for the community and for families within Laos.
What brands will Parkson be bringing to Laos?
The brands Parkson will be bringing to Laos will include international brands of cosmetics and international apparel. Parkson will also feature its own boutique supermarket, as well as food and beverage outlets from Thailand, China, and Malaysia. At the same time, Parkson will strive to attract even more international brands such as H&M, UNIQLO, KFC, McDonald’s and Starbucks to fill the gap in the Lao market.
What strategy will you use to attract customers to Parkson?
Parkson has a sound and proven business model which includes the Parkson Supermarket, Parkson Food Court, international cosmetics area, cinema, sports area, all types of Southeast Asian restaurants, gaming area, international clothing brands, children’s play area, training center, beauty and dental clinics.
Parkson guarantees that all products purchased in our shopping malls are genuine products authorized by their individual brand.
We will make every effort to ensure that our pricing is in line with that of products for sale in other countries to ensure an internationally accommodating consumer experience.
What kind of special activities or promotions will Parkson have?
Parkson will customize our promotion plan according to traditional festivals in Laos. We will also
hold fashion shows, make-up shows, music festivals, food festivals, and occasionally invite Lao celebrities to the shopping mall.
What is the capacity for parking?
The parking facilities at the shopping center include over 2,000 parking spaces. Parking will be free.
Do you have a plan to offer online shopping?
At the moment only the Parkson stores in China and Malaysia offer online shopping, because these countries have high populations and good conditions for online shopping. If the conditions in Laos were right, we would also offer online shopping here too.
How can we stay in the loop about Parkson’s promotions and activities?
You can get all kinds of info about Parkson by following the PARKSON LAOS Facebook page. After opening, Parkson will send promotional and event information to members through a special membership system.
Depths, an exhibition by Elevations at I:Cat Gallery Simeuang Village in Vientiane, Laos. (Laos Briefly)
