pah pae lao

a coffee table photobook of my family's traditional Lao textiles

Being in quarantine during my graduating semester had a great effect on this final project for my graphic and visual design class. Wanting to create something that was meaningful while also being resourceful with items I had around my home, I chose to create this photobook as a celebration of my Lao heritage as well as to serve as a catalog of my family's traditional clothing.

inspiration

initial sketches and ideas

iterations

photos and palettes

final product

future work

If I were to continue this project, I would like to create different volumes with each one focusing on a piece of clothing. While this photobook focuses on the skirt and sash aspect of traditional Lao female attire, the next book would focus on blouses and the wide variety that they come in. Other volume ideas include accessories/jewelry and traditional men's clothing. This project is by no means a comprehensive look at all traditional Lao clothing, but simply a look at my family's collection. I would love to do more research into the materials and production process as well as explore tribal clothing, as there are upwards of 230 Lao ethnic groups.

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