Kent Gregory

Thailand-born Kent Gregory didn’t take the standard art/design school path to becoming a fashion designer, nor did he have a background in the clothing or textile business. Gregory, whose fascinating tribal designs are woven and sewn by Karen hill people, was originally a linguist with a background in medicine.

Gregory’s father was a physician, and mother was a nurse, both of whom were engaged as missionaries in Thailand. They moved to Lakeport, California, when Kent was 13. Gregory eventually studied medicine at Loma Linda University, got a BA in Communications, and eventually received his Master’s degree in Linguistics.

Sop Moei Arts Fashions

In 1977, he began his field work, documenting the pre-literate Pwo Karen group, where he also began treating villagers for malnourishment. Assisted by the Swedish government, he operated healthcare programs, primarily for women and children, carrying a small field dispensary on elephant, as there were no roads in the area. By 1988, he had developed an interest in preserving their arts and crafts, and gained funding to initiate a textile weaving project, employing women in 14 villages. This venture created an indigenous industry that would bring needed income to the area, thereby providing a means to better nutrition. Gregory eventually met an Oxfam volunteer in the area, who was coincidentally a clothing designer. Together, they created fashion out of the textile business, and the concept eventually leading to Sop Moei Arts was born. In 1992, production was increased to include baskets woven by men.

Sop Moei Arts Fashions

Today, the village project encompasses seven weaving villages, two villages specializing in baskets, and two large refugee camps. 80 men and women are engaged in weaving, and 50-60 individuals weave baskets. Their products sell in Gregory’s shop, and are exported as well.

Gregory’s project has made a huge dent in child malnutrition, and many villagers now receive enough income to hire others to do their farm work while they create Sop Moei designs. His goal is to further enrich the Karen area by increasing demand, so he can bring other villages into the process. About his philosophy of production, Gregory notes: “We’ve opened this shop not merely to provide the world with new shopping choices, but to make it possible for our Pwo Karen constituents to join the modern world without having to give up their cultural heritage.”

Over 60% of the net income from the shop goes directly back to the villagers, and the remainder, after overhead, goes to a scholarship fund for Pwo Karen students.

Sop Moei Products

Sop Moei carries garments for men and women, and accessories such as scarves and handbags. Its goal is not to replicate traditional tribal designs, but instead to encourage weavers to reinterpret tribal designs, and create new designs from them. Generally, weavers create textiles in one color scheme and design to a maximum of 10 meters in length before stopping production, ensuring a continual series of new fashions at Sop Moei shops.

Sop Moei Arts

A significant portion of the production involves home design items, with ornate table runners and cushions among the most popular items. They are woven from cotton and silk, and include modern and tribal motifs. So far, Japan is Sop Moei’s largest export market, so the shop has clothes appropriate for Thailand’s tropical climate, as well as items suitable for fall and winter in temperate climates.

Gregory recalls that his parents taught him that everyone was born for a purpose, and the goal in life was to determine what that purpose is. It would be hard to disagree that if Kent Gregory hasn’t yet determined his ultimate purpose, he’s certainly on the way.

See Sop Moei's colorful and fascinating collection!

In Chiang Mai, buy Sop Moei's creations at:

Sop Moei Arts, 5 Charoenrat Road, Chiang Mai 50000. tel: (053) 213-962. Kent Gregory’s exceptional shop features delightful, tribal-inspired fashions for men and women, table runners, and fashion and home accessories. Everything is woven by Karen tribespeople, and your purchases have a positive effect on the life of the villagers. Gregory is a designer, linguist, and a benefactor, and his shop is well worth a visit. www.sopmoeiarts.com
GPS: N18°47.458’ E099°00.295’

In Bangkok, shop for Sop Moei Arts at:

Sop Moei Arts, Sukhumvit Soi 49/9, Bangkok. tel: (02) 712-8039. The shop is located in the Racquet Club complex, on Soi 49 between the BTS Phrom Pong and Thong Lo Skytrain stations.