DESIGNER
AVANA founder and Belgian designer, Aldegonde Van Alsenoy (Ava), has managed retail spaces for over 20 years. Her experience of handweaving with refugees in Belgium initiated her love of fabrics and prints.
From 1997 to 2006, Ava ran a weaving workshop called BETET SKARA in Antwerp. A team of gifted weavers produced handwoven trimmings for clothes and accessory collections of international designers, including Dries Van Noten, Haider Ackerman, and Christian Wijnants.
In 2006, Ava moved to Vietnam. She opened her first boutique in the ancient town of Hoi An. AVANA is where decades of high fashion and philanthropy experience intersect to create a brand that’s accountable and innovative. Since launching, the store has seen great success Ava continues to create gender non-conforming wardrobes with artisans across the globe. Her most recent creative endeavour is The Design Tribe: a series of collaborative projects that bring together gifted artists and designers. Its aim is to provide a platform for authentic and cross-cultural collaboration.
CONSCIOUS
Supporting communities and dying crafts
Working and supporting artisans
Zero-waste fashion
AVANA’s creative process is largely inspired by the zero-waste movement.
We believe in a local and bespoke production. Our fabrics and textiles are carefully sourced from around the world, mainly Asian, African, and European regions. A beautiful Indian sari may be handpicked from a local market and transformed into a unique Western-style dress. The result is a rich blend of influences and cultures.
In addition to using reclaimed materials, AVANA collaborates with masterful artisans producing one-of-a-kind textiles. We work closely with the Co Tu tribe – an ethnic minority group from Vietnam’s highlands. Their local hand weavers use traditional techniques and rare tribal patterns.
First and foremost, AVANA operates responsibly; it’s integral that we share a common vision of sustainability with our partners. We work with our weavers and producers on equal footing and offer them training to help support their livelihood in the long-term.
CREATIVE
Hand-made clothes with a story.
One-off creations with a free spirit in mind.
Global designs. Locally-produced. Artisan-inspired.
AVANA’s creations are handcrafted with the free spirit in mind. Each item tells an individual story, with no two being exactly the same.
Our gender-fluid garments meld strength and sensuality. Sleek and timeless, they are easily worn by people of all shapes and backgrounds.
AVANA’s vision is to dispel boundaries. These one-off pieces empower men and women alike, while bridging the east and the west.
AVANA’s collections can be found in our retail store in Hoi An. The CO’TU,RE collection is represented in 5-star resorts across Vietnam and at pop up stores throughout Europe, as well as being available online.
Contact contact@avanavietnam.com
Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday.
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