Some say that to better understand a country, one can appreciate the clothing of its citizens. Clothing is not limited to simple fabrics and body adornments. It also reflects, in a way, the culture of a people.
This Monday in Maputo, some fashion lovers have the opportunity to get a taste of Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country in the South China Sea, known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and frenetic cities, as can be easily discovered through simple research.
A glimpse of that country, whose capital is Hanoi, named in honor of Ho Chi Minh – a name familiar to Mozambicans, as some of the avenues of this pearl of the Indian Ocean are named after him – can be seen in the fashion items of the Vietnamese brand Chula, known for its multicultural features.
These items arrived in Maputo through an exhibition and craft fair presented at the Fernando Leite Couto Foundation (FFLC). The fashion collection is showcased by the designer and co-founder of the brand, Laura Fontán Pardo, in an environment where exclusive pieces from the brand will be exhibited, as well as discussions about the context of their production.
According to the Fernando Leite Couto Foundation, Chula was founded by Laura and her husband Diego Cortizas, who passed away in 2021 after a trip to Vietnam in 2003. Impacted by the vibrant energy, multifaceted culture, and unique textiles of the country, the couple decided to leave their jobs and move to Hanoi for a sabbatical year.
Over the past twenty years, the Foundation notes, Chula has become a benchmark in the Vietnamese fashion and art scene, being the only foreign fashion brand to participate in every Vietnam Fashion Week since 2011.
Their collections have also been presented on international runways: at the Grand Canyon in Colorado (2014), at the Dubai Expo (2019), in Ethiopia, Ghana, Paris, New York, and many other locations.
Memorably, in 2020, Diego and Laura were awarded the Medal of Civil Merit by the King of Spain, Felipe VI, for their work building bridges between Spain and Vietnam.
From the beginning, Chula has stood out for its artistic, colorful, and narrative style. Each piece is conceived as a visual story, incorporating hand embroidery, illustrations, and local artisanal techniques. The brand has become a benchmark in the concept of slow fashion, prioritizing ethical production, quality, and durability as opposed to fast fashion.
The Fernando Leite Couto Foundation adds that one of Chula's most important pillars is its social commitment. The company employs and empowers artisans, including people with disabilities, promoting inclusion, autonomy, and community development. This social dimension has become a central part of the brand's identity.
(By MozaVibe)
