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OUR STORY

Naenna Studios

Studio Naenna was founded in 1988 by renowned textile researcher and author Patricia Cheesman, whose lifelong passion for the textile traditions of Thailand and Laos inspired a different way of working. Rather than bringing artisans into a factory, she built a model that enables women to continue weaving within their own villages, earning fair returns while maintaining their cultural traditions, family life and connection to their communities. Today, Studio Naenna brings together women weavers, embroiderers, designers and support staff through the Weavers for the Environment (WFE) network, uniting artisans from diverse ethnic communities across northern Thailand. Working with natural fibres, traditional techniques and environmentally responsible practices, they create textiles and garments that honour both people and place. Since 2001, Patricia's daughter, Lamorna Cheesman, has led the studio, combining generations of textile knowledge with contemporary design.
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OUR ETHICS AND SUSTAINABILITY PROFILE

Studio Naenna believes that exceptional textiles should enrich both people and the planet. Since 1988, it has worked alongside women artisans across northern Thailand through the Weavers for the Environment (WFE) network, creating fair livelihoods while protecting traditional knowledge and the natural environment. Women artisans work from their own villages, earning fair compensation while balancing family life, community responsibilities and their craft. This approach strengthens local economies, empowers women and ensures traditional weaving, embroidery and natural dyeing skills are passed to future generations. Environmental responsibility is central to the studio's work. Honouring over 2,000 years of textile heritage, Studio Naenna uses natural fibres and sustainably harvested dye materials from leaves, seeds and wood. Its renowned indigo dye vats, maintained for more than 25 years, reflect a deep commitment to traditional, low-impact dyeing practices. By connecting master artisans with responsible designers and global markets, Studio Naenna shows that handcrafted textiles can preserve culture, support communities and respect the environment, creating lasting value for both people and planet.