Samatoa Lotus Fabric featured on ARTE, Futuremag, 24/04/2016

The Lotus Sutra By Samatoa
«We are all part of creation, all kings, all poets, all musicians; we have only to open up, only to discover what is already there. » (Henry Miller)
In South Asia, the sacred Lotus is omnipresent in religious history. For Buddhists, it's a symbol of every man and woman's ability to surpass their conditions, no matter their origin, and accomplish themselves, just like the lotus flower growing tall until it floats above the muddy waters. As such, everyone has the potential to elevate themselves and to reach Buddha's state "without letting the world pollute them, like a lotus on water" as spoken by the Lotus Sutra, one of Buddhism's most important educational texts.
Equally a symbol of fertility and erudition, as well as longevity, the plan on which Buddha is frequently seen sitting expresses all the promises of the future and of becoming a better man. We can equally read the Sutra as an encouragement to actively engage in others' lives as well as society.
Samatoa believes in the symbolic strength of this text and it's using this same positive and humanist dynamic that it has developed its economical, social and environmental project, allowing vulnerable women from small Cambodian village to become autonomous, to live and to support their family decently.
Samatoa, the ethical choice
« Ideas are like lotus seeds, sleeping only to grow better » (Fatou Diome)
Used in religious rituals, and also in domains like medicine, cuisine and cosmetics, the lotus is far less known for its textile use.
Without a doubt, the weaving of lotus fiber was once known and used across South East Asia. However, this activity has begun to fall into obscurity. Only the inhabitants of Inle Lake's floating villages have continued to perpetuate this ancestral craft.
Awen Delaval, a militant Frenchman at the heart of a fair-trade promotion association, was exposed to (and toughened by) the poverty in Cambodia during a trip to Asia. He had the idea of developing this activity and bringing it back to life in Cambodia.
Seduced by the teaching of the Lotus Sutra, he created an itinerary in the same humanist vein.
An ethical alternative in the powerful textile industry, contrasting productivist and socially exploitative attitudes, particularly with women, it's a change from how typical factories run by big textile brands operate.
A product of unique and unparalleled quality
« The soul spreads itself like a lotus with innumerable petals »
(Khalil Gibran)
What new symbol can we find, with its millions of fibers, living in lakes and rivers? Once worn by Buddhist monks, it's now seducing high fashion's biggest names.
It's experiment after experiment, and research conducted in remote villages, that led to Samatoa's rebirthing of a skill long since forgotten. The main harvest happens on the immense Lake Kamping Poy near Battambang, Cambodia. Lotus flowers have been harvested here for generations.
Starting with this uniquely soft and breathable fabric, Samatoa has developed an exclusive collection of clothing designed by well-known stylists that are creative and loyal. High-quality clothing, brought to you by rare and unique authentic lotus fabric... All made possible thanks to the precision of these little hands with unparalleled 'savoir-faire', resulting in a painstakingly precise and detailed creation.
Pioneering the ethical sewing market in Asia, Samatoa has received a UNESCO award of excellence for South East Asia in November 2012, with a Sarong made entirely with natural silk and lotus fibers.
Fostering powerful social engagement
« Certain observe the mud at the bottom of the pond, others contemplate the lotus at the surface, it's about the choice » (Dalai Lama)
It's with great pride that Samatoa bridges the gap between the rich and the poor using fair-trade and ethical commerce, allowing for the formation, emancipation and international recognition of them. To offer a chance to each man, and consequently vulnerable woman, to surpass their condition and elevate themselves, to accomplish "like the lotus flower growing above the muddy waters".
Awen Delaval, General Manager
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