Hemp production and indigo dyeing are still practised by the Black Hmong around Sapa, as well as beautiful embroidery to embellish their outfits.

On a walk through nearby villages, I stopped to watch women embroidering new belts and other parts of new outfits to be worn at New Year, when everyone wears new clothes that they have made over the previous year.

Making a beautiful outfit is especially important for the teenage girls, because it not only attracts attention with it’s beauty, it advertises the girl’s skill in an area considered essential to married life.

How does she get her indigo shiny? Find out at Black Hmong Techniques