What started as a one-way ticket to Shanghai became a journey that changed everything. From the markets of China to the backstreets of Vietnam, the jungles of Thailand to the heart of India, I found inspiration in fabrics, people, and culture—and a deeper awareness of fashion’s impact after visiting Mumbai's slums.

Shanghai Nights

My love story with the far east began in 2009 when I sold almost everything I owned, packed a backpack and boarded a one way flight to China. When I set off I didn't know how long I would be gone for but it turned into three unforgettable years - soaking up the colours and the chaos of this new and exciting place.

Explosion of City and Culture

I shopped in every market I could find. Every small boutique in the French Concession was visited looking for treasures I couldn't find at home. I explored the city and its culture, tasted the food, wandered around on foot with my camera photographing locals.

I learned to speak Mandarin and immersed myself in local culture and groups to find out more about the city. I met artists, fashion designers and authors from China and the USA. I also met some lifelong friends.

I didn't know it then but those few years sowed a seed in mind that some 16 years later I would come back and revisit.

Wander Lust in Vietnam

By 2012 the wanderer in me had resurfaced so I packed my flat up and set off across Vietnam - starting at the top in Hanoi and ending up in Ho Chi Minh.

As a photographer the whole experience was breath-taking. By day I jumped on the back of moped taxis with my camera in one hand and holding on (for dear life in some cases) with the other. By night I would edit my work in the hostel bar.

I met some amazing people on this trip including two ladies who I travelled to the mountainous region of Dalat with.

Silk Weaving in Dalat

It was on this trip to Dalat that I first saw a silk weaving factory run by indigenous women. Watching the whole process made me appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into artisan crafts and after spending time with the villagers in their homes - made me realise that every thread really does have a story.

I learnt that many of these women didn't attend schools, had no access to medical care and would have worked hard labouring in rice paddy fields if they didn't weave. I saw them pass down to their daughter's these skills and I still own a beautiful piece of traditional cloth that a young girl made today.

After Vietnam I headed into Thailand. That first trip was short but impressionable and over the next 11 years I would visit Thailand 10 times. In 2019 we returned as a family for a marriage celebration on the beaches of Koh Samui with our 18 month old son. Thailand is such a part of my soul I event learned to speak the language so that I could integrate better when we visit.

Some of the textiles you see in our collections are inspired by trips to Thailand including the Hill Tribe Embroidery. I love the bright and bold patterns on these and always brought a bag or a purse back with me from my travels. Our Hill Tribe denims come from Chiang Mai where we have a lovely artisan that creates these to support her family. The Chailai Shrug was a design that came from Bangkok where a light throw over is essential for the evening - something that's not too warm but also adds a pop of colour to your outfit. The name also transaltes as 'pretty' in Thai.

Inspiration in India

In 2022 I visited India for the first time and discovered new styles and fabrics that are now the backbone of The Global Bohemian. From designing my own clothes in Fort Kochi to soaking up the fabrics of Jew Town - the clothing I found along the way has been reawakened in my sari silk collection from the Peace Lily to the Revival Wraps. Every time I design in sari fabric I think about floating along a bustling market in a wrap skirt taking in all the colours and the chaos.

Imbalance and Western Consumerism

India also opened my eyes to working and living conditions of the Dharavi Slum in Mumbai - home to hundreds of factories producing goods for the wester world. This included fast fashion goods. I saw first hand the waste polluting the rivers from fabric dyes, material wastage and the conditions that people in the slum lived in; including children.

The impact consumerism in the west has on emerging countries is truly shocking and for the most part hidden behind glossy marketing campaigns. It really left a stain on my soul. And, it was that combined with a love of exotic eastern fabrics and styles that made me want to create something better.

A Creation Story

After some truly eye opening experiences over the years (both good and bad) it made me question how we view each other, the world and our place in it. The Global Bohemian was created to help address some of these issues and celebrate the positive bits. I'm not saying that one small brand can change the world but I like to think it can help a little along the way. If every person does their own bit (however big or small) we can all affect change on a larger scale.

This brand is supposed to be a slow, soulful alternative to the high street. I've spent a long time sourcing the right partners to bring our designs to life and make sure that I have an ethical supply chain; from the ladies that hand stitch our blankets to the team that pull our designs together.

I hope this brand supports our planet, and the people living on it, to be happier and healthier even if it's only on a small scale. Every bit we do helps preserve this planet for our children - and that surely has to be worth it.

Namaste

Louise x

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