Silk weaving has been part of Cambodian culture for centuries. Women across Cambodia have looms in their homes and practice the art passed down from their mothers and grandmothers, and on to their daughters. Unfortunately however, the ancient craft is dying out as the cost of imported raw silk continues to climb while the price of finished textiles drops.

The Khmer Rouge era decimated the mulberry tree population, the only food source of silkworms making it impossible for raw silk thread to be produced in Cambodia. Now, weavers must import the thread from neighbouring Vietnam or Thailand. Before the Khmer Rouge took power, Cambodia was producing an estimated 150,000 kilograms of silk per year, which dropped to just 800 kilograms after years of political and civil unrest.

Silk coccons being boiled to make silk thread                                                        A loom under a Cambodian house in the villages

We are doing our best to protect silk weaving by partnering with Tendance Khmere. Nina and Flavien, owners of Tendance Khmere have been struggling with the rising costs associated with the purchase of Cambodian silk but they are determined to work with the producers in order to protect silk production and tell the world about the wonderful silk products that can be produced in this beautiful country.

The price of raw silk thread has gone up by more than 60% in the last year and at the same time the price for the finished products has dropped by 56%. Many of the 20,000 estimated weavers in the country are trying to find other work. But Tendance Khmere has not given, instead they have adapted and designed a whole new innovative range where Khmer silk is mixed with patterned cottons from around the world.

We think that Tendance Khmere is a testament to what can be achieved if small producers stick together and we are very excited to be able to contribute to the protection of such a strong cultural tradition in Cambodia, even if only in a small way.

We were upset but not necessarily surprised to hear of the death of Cambodian environmental activist, Chhut Vuthy. Vuthy, 45 years of age was killed after he refused to hand over photographs he’d taken of illegal logging to military policemen. The Phnom Penh post reported that, “his death has rocked the country, turning a spotlight on the increasingly violent nature of land disputes.”

Land disputes are something that Smateria has experienced first-hand with their establishment of their women’s project in Andong. Smateria employs a team of 22 women in the village of Andong, which is an area for displaced people on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Smateria’s owner in Cambodia, Jennifer Morellato, describes Andong, “This village was established in 2007 when the Cambodian Government forcibly removed 8,000 underprivileged families from an area of Phnom Penh in order to begin new multi-national building projects. The families were moved to a region where there was no electricity or running water and where the large distance from the city centre made it no longer affordable for them to commute to their previous jobs, leaving them unemployed and destitute.”

These women were brought to Jennifer’s attention and she wanted to help them. They now help Smateria to manufacture the plastic fabric. “We have employed and trained them to collect the black plastic, wash it, cut it in to strips and crochet or knit it into a fabric that is both durable and soft – a recycled alternative to leather and an employment opportunity which may just save their families.” Jennifer said.


Andong lady crocheted black plastic bags for Smateria

Linked to the environmental aspect of Vuthy’s death, Tendance Khmere is a big advocate for protecting the natural environment which sadly was desecrated during the Khmer Rouge era. It is the Mulberry tree in particular that they would like to protect, the sole source of food for the ever precious silkworm which they rely on for silk production. Currently the silk that is produced in Cambodia has to rely on the importation of silk thread from nearby countries as the Mulberry tree population are not great enough to support local production. This threatens the long-term viability of silk production in Cambodia as the cost of imported thread rises rapidly.


Silk thread waiting to be woven for Tendance Khmere

When will the government step in to protect its own traditional industries and protect its citizens from the negative effects of ruthless big business?

Molly J moved into Summer Hill village in 2005. A cosy little shop, Molly J offers you a warm and welcoming environment in which to shop for gifts for a friend, family or simply to self indulge. Molly J sells a unique blend of affordable gifts, jewellery, accessories for the home, clothing, handmade gifts and some furniture pieces. Molly J have been huge supporters of Smateria and are one of our number one stockists!

1. How did you find out about Smateria products?

Brett's cousin spread the news to us regarding Smateria. She so proudly showed off her Smateria bag and once she told us that it was a year old, but yet it still looked brand new - we were sold! 

2. What is the number one selling point for Smateria products with your customers?

The story - customers love knowing that there is an interesting concept to the materials used and of course the opportunity it provides to the locals in Cambodia.  And the fact that the bags are so durable helps customers see that they are getting a lot of bang/bag for their buck.

3. What is your favourite Smateria product and why?

We would have to say the new Smoto satchels with red stitching - as it is a great price point, the products are sleek and suitable for both men & women....who said we had nothing in common??

4. What is the best way to display Smateria products in your shop?

Grouping all the bags together and displaying them in the window creates impact - as the bright colours and the uniqueness of the materials most definitely catches the eye of those passing by...and believe me, they stop to take a long look.

5. What advice would you give to other Smateria stockists to get these products walking out the door?

Along with your display, print out some photos and type up a description of each of the materials used and the background of Smateria - as this will have your customers intrigued and they will ask further questions which will get them engaged to buy.