Mean Sonyta and her iconic dress, which combined the Khmer identity with contemporary fashion at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. - Mean Sonyta FB
PHNOM PENH: When Unesco congratulated Cambodia for the inscription of the iconic woven krama on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Monday (Dec 2), the entire kingdom celebrated with congratulatory posters and messages flooding social media.
Among those celebrating was Mean Sonyta, affectionately known as the “Queen of Krama”, who has spent the last seven years promoting the craft and supporting the fabric weaving community through her design boutique, Slanh House.
Sonyta, who is also a model and actress, took to her official social media page to express her joy.
“I, Sonyta (the Krama Queen), am truly delighted to have the Khmer krama inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco,” she said.
“This was my hope and dream and that of all Cambodian people. Our team and all Cambodians are committed to preserving and protecting the Khmer krama, which is an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and I will continue to develop, design, and create it for future generations of Cambodians,” she added.
Mean Sonyta (left) and Miss Global 2017 Brazil Barbara Vitorelli (right) at Phnom Srok district’s Paoy Snuol village in Banteay Meanchey province, some years ago. - Mean Sonyta FB
Sonyta's passion for the krama began during her visits to Angkor Wat and other tourist destinations, where she was disheartened to see imported goods masquerading as local products.
Determined to revive the fading tradition of krama weaving, she established the Slanh Community, a group of 20 women who produce high-quality, authentic krama products. By providing a sustainable market for their handcrafted goods, she aims to keep this traditional craft alive.
Her journey led to the creation of Slanh House, an online store that later expanded to a physical location in Phnom Penh’s Boeng Keng Kang I, launched on her birthday in February 2017.
Within her store, Cambodia’s national fabric has been transformed into a variety of products, from clothes, wallets and scarves to headscarves, socks and even hammocks. The store also offers krama-inspired daily wear and evening gowns.
Mean Sonyta shows off another of her krama-inspired pieces of fashion. - Mean Sonyta FB
“I started with online sales before opening a physical shop. The most important thing is I really want to revive the krama market. Nowadays, you see fewer people using it, so I decided to incorporate the fabric into everyday outfits. I especially want to see people continue to value the legacy of hand-woven krama,” Sonyta said.
While her products may be more expensive than mass-produced items, she emphasises the value of supporting local artisans and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
“It takes two days to make one krama, which will be sold to support their families. People ask why it is so expensive compared to those in the local market, and I say it depends on the quality, whether it’s handmade or cheaply manufactured,” she explained.
Sonyta's dedication to the krama has earned her the title “Krama Queen” of Cambodia. She made headlines as “The Queen of Krama at Cannes Film Festival 2024” in May, dazzling in a dress with a 5-metre-long-train that combined her Khmer identity with modern influences.
“I’m Sonyta in Cannes, and I’m very proud to bring a unique Cambodian fashion design to the international stage. We successfully created the unique and fashionable dress of “The Queen of Krama Yantra Khmer. I’m thankful for the dedication of all Khmer ancestors, designers and all of my supporters both locally and overseas for their encouragement; without them, I would never have had this chance to be here at my dream event, the Cannes Film Festival,” she announced with pride.
Her Cannes ensemble featured a Khmer krama pattern accompanied by ancient magical Bali Sanskrit, and a krama hat design inspired by traditional Khmer palm leaf hats, popular in Cambodian daily life.
“It was designed and inspired by the concepts of 'our culture, our pride'!" she said.
Her casual skirts are especially popular in the warmest months of the year, where the light but strong krama weave comes into its own. - Mean Sonyta FB
With the Unesco recognition of Cambodia's iconic krama, a versatile woven cloth, its cultural significance and role in the lives of Cambodians has been ensconced in history for all time.
A symbol of Cambodian identity, it serves multiple purposes, from a baby carrier to a sunshade or a prayer cloth. As such, it is deeply intertwined with the kingdom’s cultural heritage and traditions.
The inscription of the krama underscores the importance of preserving traditional weaving techniques and supporting local artisans. Unesco recognition will help to promote the krama globally and encourage sustainable economic development in rural communities.
By honouring the krama, Unesco acknowledges the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia and the vital role that traditional crafts play in shaping the country’s identity.
Sonyta's efforts to preserve and promote the krama are a testament to her commitment to Cambodian culture and the livelihoods of local artisans.
Her work ensures that the krama remains a vibrant part of Cambodia's cultural heritage for future generations. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
