Hmong fashion show unveils new talent
A 16-year-old beauty, Ms Yer Vang, won first prize at a Hmong fashion
show held in Xaythany district in Vientiane over the weekend.

The well presented and intelligent Ms Yer is a member of the well-
known performance group Nasala, which explains her excellent singing,
dancing and stage presence.

Audience members were captivated by her beautiful voice when she sang
the traditional song Khubthoum , bestowing praises on government
leaders in her mother tongue...more info and photos >>

Ms Yer also won the popular vote from the audience in addition to
being awarded first place by the judges.

Over two nights, audiences flocked to enjoy the spectacular fashion
show and performances of traditional Hmong dancing and singing.

Thirty-one participants from the district were selected to take part
in the show by showcasing traditional Hmong clothing and culture,
while competing for prizes.

Ms Chua Her, a 17-year-old participant taking a course in
environmental studies at the National University of Laos, said after a
month of rehearsals and preparation she had learnt how to live
alongside different people and express and share ideas and feelings.



She decided to take part in the show because she wanted to entertain
people with her singing and dancing skills.

“I felt so excited about performing on stage with friends in front of
a crowd. I believe the show has helped build up my confidence and
ability,” Ms Chua Her said.

A highlight of the event was a group dance involving all participants
dressed in traditional Hmong costumes that originated from Luang
Prabang, Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces.

Various community groups from Xaythany district were invited to
entertain audiences with singing and dancing performances during the
event.

Xaythany District Governor Bounthong Phommachan said the fashion show
was held to coincide with the Hmong New Year which occurs next month,
and aimed to promote tourism in the district.



“We spent a lot of effort and resources to organise this show because
we want to preserve and encourage Hmong culture, so people in Laos and
foreign countries can learn more about Hmong people and their customs
and traditions,” he said.

“Their performances on stage will provide much pride for Hmong people
and encourage them to preserve and promote their cultural identity.”
Mr Bounthong hoped the success of the event would encourage other
ethnic groups to organise similar shows to preserve their cultures.

Organisers hope the event will became an annual affair.

By Vientiane Times
More photos at
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=22755395

The Lao Brewery Company Limited chose Phouvong Jewelry to design the Jewelries for 2008 Beer Lao calendar girls.

"I feel very proud that the Lao Brewery Company Limited chose us to be a designer of Jewelries for 2008 Beer Lao calendar girls"

"Their style is different and was never made before because their cost is very high. Or it can be said that Beer Lao is the initiative of this production."

Mr Phouvong Phamisith, owner of Phouvong Jewelry in the Morning Market said: “This is the first work especially for Beer Lao and it is never made for others. Even though this work is hard, taking two months to finish and the cost is high, dressing and jewelries of every girl will be more distinctive than other years.”...more info

Based on the patterns book of Master Bounleung, patterns on the jewelries are modified to fit the girls and the era. In particular, the jewelries have big and thick shape in order to create excitement at their difference.

The most special aspect of the jewelries is that they are made of real gold bullion, comprising of four pairs of earrings, 11 bracelets, six big lockets, two buckles, a belt and a gold necklace. The total cost (both material and labour cost) reaches not less than USD 20,000. We make the special jewelries particularly for Beer Lao free of charge (sponsorship).

Mr Phouvong Phamisith added: “We will keep this set of jewelries as souvenirs in our museum and we do not sell them because they are the outstanding product with special uniqueness. They are shown off to the public as well as foreigners with the aim of helping them know the pattern art of Laos.



He concluded: “In the past 5-6 years we designed and made silver jewelries for many parties for the purpose of advertising and calendar producing. Therefore, if you are interested in it, please contact our shop at the shopping mall in the Morning Market.

Source: targetlao magazine
More photos of Miss Beer Lao
http://picasaweb.google.com/samakomlao/LaoIdols