Organic clothing inspired by the colorful ethnic cultures of Asia and beyond.
Inspired by a name that recalls a colonial past in which the West confronts the "Orient," the reclaiming of the word Annam here--a reference to modern day Vietnam derived from French colonials--is a way to find the intersection between the traditional and the contemporary. While globally conscious lives send us speeding forward, a past still lingers. This hearkening to the past, where native cultures bear on our present, is a way to acknowledge our complex history and our inevitable movement towards tomorrow.
At Annam we explore history and traditions through our attention to textiles. How something is made, where it is made, and whom it is made by is important, relevant, and meaningful for us. The minority people of Vietnam, for example, weave their stories into the textiles they create. Texture, color, movement, flow, weave--these characteristics of textiles are at the center of each piece of our clothing line.
Handwoven hemp, rare and labor-intensive, is one of the most important traditions for the minority people of Vietnam. We work closely with local artisans to create the textures that retain natural characteristics in order to produce unique, one-of-kind garments. The hemp we use is untreated and organic. We work with the hemp straight off the weaving looms, giving the fabric a distinct "raw" quality.
Indigo is also another hallmark of Annam. The indigo-dyeing tradition spans many different countries in southeast Asia. Our version pays homage, once again, to the work of the minority peoples in the Sapa region of northern Vietnam. It is an instantly recognizable cloth and color, but we take pride in crafting garments that have a distinct ease and style. Again, we believe in respecting the handmade tradition, so our garments have the stamp of a history and a people. We love that the imprint of the maker is on the garment in such a unique way.
Silks are also a tradition in Vietnam, although these belong to the more refined traditions, dating back to the imperial courts of our emperors. The use of silks is a nod to the luxury and movement of the fabric itself. The inherent lightness and flow of our silk is a reference to the changing times. Where heavy silks were de rigueur in the past, our fast-paced lives require a fabric more suited to movement and ease. Annam is committed to bringing a touch of historical luxury to the everyday garment.
Apparel and Accessories
