Phnom Penh & Photo Gallery: The CULT Mother's Day Market at Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Last Sunday, the Raffles Hotel Le Royal celebrated Mother's Day with a market of committed and responsible designers proposed in collaboration with the "CULT" collective (Cambodia's Ultimate Lifestyle Trade), a platform bringing together ethical and responsible Cambodian brands.

"Weavers Project", a brand dedicated to rebuilding the village economy in Cambodia thanks to cotton scarves handmade by craftsmen in Cambodian communities

From 10 a.m., in the midst of nearly 30 vendors, the public had the opportunity to exchange ideas and discover the local brands involved. From natural beauty products to silk weaving skills and upcycling products, the Kingdom's culture shone through like never before.

An event that promotes and encourages local brands, Anne-Laure BARTENAY, head of "CULT", shares her vision of these markets.

"That's what CULT is all about, giving them access to markets, giving them visibility and, above all, access to their customers. These markets give them the opportunity to sell. The advantage is that most of them practise traditional skills, which means they can perpetuate them through their production. Our vision is based on ethical, responsible and sustainable products", she says.

"Phkar Suor", a brand of organic roll-on perfume with natural coconut oil

From love grigris to French colonial guard dolls and furniture, the "Bassac Studio" brand, created in 2019, reflects Khmer heritage in some of its designs, but also Parisian-inspired modernity, thanks to the various products created by hand by Tommy (Tom).

Tommy Hin (left) and Annie Hin (right), co-founders of the "Bassac Studio" brand (studio upstairs, rue 294).

Tommy Hin (left) and Annie Hin (right), co-founders of the "Bassac Studio" brand (workshop upstairs, rue 294)

"With our products, we want to bring a bit of colour and fun back into life here in Cambodia, with some fairly modern touches. The idea of coming to this kind of event is to show what we do to a wider audience and to introduce the brand to a broader target," explains Annie Hin.

"Alice Varini Jewelry" is a responsible, made-to-measure jewellery brand created with unique stones from Cambodia.

"Alice Varini Jewelry", a responsible, made-to-measure jewellery brand

"From stone setting and polishing to soldering and engraving, we work locally with craftspeople we know. Our stone sellers are Cambodian families with whom I've been working for a long time. The short circuit and the ethical and local aspect of the brand reflect our values", says Alice Varini, founder of the "Alice Varini Jewelry" brand.

CULT", an event to celebrate Mother's Day, was a great way of bringing together a large public to discover the expertise of the Kingdom and its ethical, responsible and committed brands.

More photos here...and here