Maison Métisse introduces its Zen Weaving session
Weaving has been one of the many creative mediums that champions culture and preserves heritage. In the Philippines alone, there are unique tapestries in every region, each presenting ancient stories, traditions, and customs. It is an art form that requires precision, patience, and time for one to be a true master, which is why many find it intimidating to try.
But there is one weaving style that is beyond perfection. Created by Misao Jo in Japan, Saori weaving is loved by many for its sense of freedom, spontaneity, and anti-perfect aesthetic, making it a style of weaving dedicated to artistic expression. From geometric lines to discarded fabric inserts, one has numerous ways to loom the textile of their dreams. Lucky for us here in the capital, we don’t need to book a flight to Japan just to experience this type of textile-making.
Homegrown brand Maison Métisse brings the art of Saori weaving to Makati City with the opening of its pop-up at Power Plant Mall. Set up in the store are three two-pedal looms, which are used for the brand’s Zen Weaving session. Leading the session is the brand’s founder, Adrienne Charuel. She first encountered Saori weaving during her time staying in New York. What she loved about it is its freestyle spirit. According to her, it is through this craft that she discovered her creative identity which led her to start Maison Métisse. It’s been weeks now since she started offering the class and she was surprised about people’s reaction to it.
“I’m very surprised that it is received very well,” Adrienne tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “People tend to be intimidated when it comes to weaving. , all you just need to learn are the basics and then you can start experimenting.”
Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got the chance to experience Saori weaving with Adrienne. If there is one word that we could describe it, it is calming. The session lasted for two hours, with its first part involving Adrienne briefing you about the history of Saori, demonstrating how to work with the loom, and explaining the different techniques you can try as you weave.
The next part is picking the threads you will use for your tapestry. After selecting, Adrienne will guide you on how to thread the spool and attach it to the boat. You will also be provided with other materials you can use to decorate your tapestry like swatches and fibers, which are the brand’s excess materials from its production. After everything is settled, the weaving begins.
Working on the loom is pretty easy. What’s hard is really letting go of the idea of perfecting the tapestry, which makes this session pretty much like a meditation. Apart from the brand’s latest collections, the space is also beautifully decorated with Saori weaves made by handicapable individuals and children with special needs, in partnership with Saori Hands of Love - St. Francis Integrated Arts School. Seeing their works on the walls is a perfect way to ignite inspiration. As you slide your boat onto the loom, you get new ideas to try or new colors to play with. And once you’re done with your two hours, you just can help but smile at your finished masterpiece.
Apart from sharing her passion for Saori weaving, Adrienne also aims to give people a better understanding of how textiles are made. With fast-fashion dominating the industry in the past and our continued pursuit toward a greener fashion industry, this Saori weaving session offers a charming glimpse into how hand-looming textiles aren’t just special, or a form of release, or an avenue for artistry, but is also a key way to practice sustainability.
Maison Métisse’s two-hour Zen Weaving session is priced at P3,500, which includes all the material you need for the class. It is also the brand’s way to help individuals with special needs as 15 percent of its proceeds will be given to its beneficiaries. If purchasing the displayed textiles crafted by children with special needs, 80 percent of the sale will go to Saori Hands of Love - St Francis Integrated Arts School.
To learn more about it, visit @maison.metisse on Instagram.
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