Ava and Co Tu brocade
(QNO) - Aldegonde Van Alsenoy, commonly known as Ava, has dedicated her life to the traditional brocade weaving of the Co Tu people in Quang Nam province.
Ava, from Belgium, is a globally famous fashion designer with the AVANA brand.
In 2010, she opened her AVANA fashion store in Hoi An. Ava discovered Co Tu brocade weaving in Dhroong village (Dong Giang) in 2012 and established the Yaya Cotu Cooperative in 2013. The Cotu Yaya Dhroong brand was officially recognised in 2014.
According to Ava, Co Tu women are "designers." Their brocade is of high quality with a diversity of unique cultural elements. Thus, Ava began to find the way to introduce Co Tu brocade to the world.
Ava’s Cotu Yaya collection was born from the fusion of Co Tu brocade, silk, and European design.
Ava is dedicated to sustainable fashion, focusing on helping local communities build sustainable livelihoods while preserving their indigenous culture and knowledge.
Besides Avana, Ava, in cooperation with Belgian designer Nele de Block, launched a high-end fashion brand "Co’tu,re" blending Co Tu brocade with modern design. Their products are available in Belgium, Vietnam, Japan, France, and Italy.
The fusion of Co Tu traditions with contemporary style has created sustainable livelihoods for the Co Tu women in Dhroong village. Reportedly, Ava will open the second fashion boutique in Hoi An, with a sizable section for Co Tu brocade.