Exploring the Past to Illuminate the Present
Sewing is not just a technique; it is a philosophy. It is the pleasure of authenticity, the search for what has soul and meaning. In Verónica Gutgar’s workshop, garments are not only created daily, but values are also passed down. Each thread is a link to the past and a promise for the future.
Last November, Verónica embarked on one of these searches. She traveled through Thailand, exploring ancient techniques that have withstood the test of time. There, among natural dyes and handwoven fabrics, she discovered the soul of a craft that, far from disappearing, remains alive in the hands of those who practice it with devotion.
Armed with just a small suitcase and an open heart, Verónica took her first steps toward the city of Chiang Mai, accompanied by the delightful scents of jasmine and sandalwood, mixed with the sweetness of coconut and the spices from street stalls.
Following her journey, we see her venture into one of the most iconic places on the outskirts of the city: the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, nestled in the hills of Mae Rim. There, winding paths lead her through greenhouses filled with exotic orchids, ancient ferns, and aromatic gingers, until she reaches the Canopy Walkway—a glass bridge suspended high in the trees that offers breathtaking views of the cloud forest.
For Verónica, the connection between body, mind, and spirit is reflected in the use of healing plants, and in that garden, surrounded by them, she felt the deep respect for an ancient practice that has endured for centuries. Through infusions, ointments, and rituals, the people of Chiang Mai have preserved their holistic healing traditions, where medicinal plants continue to play an essential role.
A few days later, Verónica knew it was time to fulfill the purpose that had brought her there. She had to find the communities that safeguard the origins of her craft.
And so, with a carefully tailored guide, she met Matt, a driver used to following set routes, but who decided to veer off his usual path to accompany her on this special quest. Together, they ventured into Thailand’s most remote corners, traveling lesser-known roads, beyond the familiar, in search of communities that still preserve the ancestral art of weaving and natural dyeing—places where even the locals rarely venture. This was the beginning of Verónica’s true encounter with the essence of her art.
After relentless searching and navigating hidden paths, Verónica finally found Mrs. Zuag, a guardian of textile artistry who shared the intricate technique of Hmong embroidery. This embroidery, originating from one of Chiang Mai’s oldest communities, is distinguished by its geometric motifs, where each shape serves as protection for its wearer and marks them as a being of abundance in this world. Surrounded by organic cottons, woven on ancient looms and crafted by hand, Verónica witnessed the creation of unique pieces of exquisite quality and dedication, passed down through generations.
Similarly, the Karen ethnic group—whom she also had the privilege of meeting—preserves a deep ancestral meaning in their textiles.
Their iconic Karen spine motif runs through their embroidery in repetitive patterns, symbolizing strength and connection to their roots. This design, woven with vibrant threads on hand-spun cotton, not only embellishes the garment but also serves as a protective amulet, just like the intricate Hmong symbols.
Both communities have managed to preserve their textile art as a living language, where each stitch tells a story of resilience, identity, and tradition—one that must be celebrated and upheld.
Following this enriching experience, Verónica embarked on a new stage of her journey, determined to explore the preservation of natural dyes. As she traveled through northern Thailand by road, she encountered the Thai Yuan ethnic group and met Kum Somchai and Kum Porntip, who explained how they extract colors from the mountains, the tropical jungle, and their surroundings. Later, they cultivate their own cotton and process it manually until it becomes a naturally dyed fabric.
Every stitch, every weave, and every color tells a story. And in Verónica Gutgar’s workshop, we will continue to honor these traditions, fusing ancestral knowledge with contemporary innovation. Because fashion is not just aesthetics; it is a reflection of values, identity, and respect for what truly has soul and meaning.
-Written by Belén Giménez Rodríguez