YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

Initially, we were unaware of a social enterprise in Prakhon Chai, let alone Buriram province, that utilized natural dyes. Our interest was piqued upon learning that Salaeng Thon Naturally Dyed Textile Community Enterprise employed natural materials, specifically the leaves of the Strychnos nux-blanda tree—locally known as the Salaeng tree—to dye their threads. This revelation was particularly striking, given the village's namesake. The Salaeng leaves yield a beautiful, soft yellow hue. Moreover, the villagers create gray threads by utilizing mud from ancient, man-made ditches surrounding the village. This discovery led us to believe that the village has a rich history, potentially dating back to the Khmer Empire era, when they inhabited the lower northeastern region of present-day Thailand.

The social enterprise aims to preserve the village's heritage through its woven fabrics, while incorporating modern designs for handbags. Pha, the leader of the social enterprise, explained that selling raw woven cloth had become challenging. The enterprise needed to transform the cloth into finished products to reach customers. However, their existing product designs were outdated, prompting them to seek design assistance. Handbags emerged as a preferred product due to their ease of making. Furthermore, handbags are versatile, making them suitable for individuals of all sizes.

We proposed the idea of collapsible handbags, which were trending at the time. The designs we developed allow for the addition of various accessories, such as extra straps, enabling the enterprise to expand its product offerings. In line with their commitment to natural processes and environmental sustainability, we also recommended eliminating plastic packaging. The collapsible nature of the handbags allows them to be rolled and secured with a paper label, promoting biodegradability.