Arasia Archives

Hemp Clothing

The hemp textile fiber possesses exceptional qualities, and its cultivation is environmentally friendly. Discover our hemp clothing models and all the advantages of this noble textile that is making a comeback!

Clothing, fabrics, sails, ropes… Hemp is a very useful plant in many fields and has multiple advantages.

A plant with extraordinary properties.

Cultivated for at least 5000 years, hemp is a plant with exceptional qualities. It was widely used before the industrial era in many fields, then neglected in favor of other materials.

Food, cosmetics, paint, stationery, textiles, navigation, construction, medical applications, animal litter, soil regeneration… Its uses are numerous, and its cultivation requires neither chemical fertilizers nor pesticides.

In the medical field, hemp is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, anti-nausea, anti-emetic, stimulates appetite, and aids sleep. It proves to be very useful in the treatment of many diseases.

The oil extracted from its seeds is edible and possesses exceptional nutritional qualities.

Today, hemp is experiencing a resurgence of interest, thanks in particular to its ecological qualities and its contribution to sustainable development.

A high-quality textile

The qualities of hemp textile are numerous: this noble and eco-friendly fabric has many remarkable properties!

Thermoregulator: in winter it keeps warm as it is robust and thick, in summer it keeps cool as it allows the skin to breathe and does not stick…
Naturally antibacterial, it is ideal for sensitive skin and does not cause allergies.
Can be worn for several days without washing, does not retain body odors, and absorbs moisture. Moreover, after washing, it dries quickly in the open air.
Durable, resistant, and robust, it maintains the same shape throughout its life, does not shrink when washed, you can keep it for many years!
Environmentally friendly, hemp is an excellent alternative to cotton, linen, and preserves the environment and therefore human health.

A garment that reflects your essence

The clothes you wear can change your life! Hemp clothing brings you well-being and energy, supporting your creative potential as they resonate with your inner self… They help you listen to your body and your heart and develop your natural gifts!

Indeed, the clothes you wear can either block your energy or, on the contrary, balance and harmonize you. Like a second skin, seemingly tailored for you, hemp clothing supports you on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels, providing protection and freedom!

Arasia’s hemp clothing models

Our clothing helps you stay attuned to your sensations: They don’t stick to your skin and don’t constrict you… The feeling is both soft and sturdy… The color is natural and soothing… Energies flow… The shape is loose and comfortable, allowing you to forget it and focus on the essentials! You have great freedom of movement, you regain lightness, while cultivating respect for your body and the planet! Moreover, they will enhance your silhouette.

Our 100% hemp Thai pants are unisex and one size fits all. The fabric is very comfortable, natural, and durable. The mottled beige color is very natural. It adjusts to your waist size thanks to a series of folds, it is adjustable in width and height. There is a large pocket on the side.

How to put on your Thai pants?

[Link to the video]

Our men’s 100% hemp shirt with its Mandarin collar and two beautiful wooden buttons. It is available in 3 sizes.

Thai hemp Capri pants offered at Arasia boutique

These items come from fair trade with Thai artisans.

Soon we will offer you Thai hemp Capri pants and Thai hemp skirts!

Thank you for reading, and see you soon on the online store!

The beginnings of Arasia-Shop

Thailand

It all started in 2005, when during my first trip to Asia, I fell in love with Thailand!

This country is also known as “the land of smiles” and it was not a metaphor at the time. Victim of its tourist success, things have changed somewhat since…

I was seduced by the beauty and diversity of the landscapes and by the warm welcome of the inhabitants. From there was born my passion for Asian culture, the finesse of its craftsmanship, the kindness and spiritual wisdom of its inhabitants, as well as its incredible culinary richness, its spicy and tasty dishes…

So I naturally wanted to create Arasia to share all my discoveries with you!

Cambodia

After several months in Thailand with Jérôme, the co-creator of Arasia, we continued our adventure in Cambodia.

After an incredible journey in a dilapidated coach, we visited the sumptuous ruins of Angkor. Then we continued to the capital Phnom Penh, then the seaside resort Sihanoukville. Finally we discovered “Rabbit Island”, a quiet island without any civilization, road or means of communication near the Vietnamese border.

Cambodia is a very poor country, with a very violent history, which has deeply affected us.

Indonesia

During our second Asian trip in 2008 we landed in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. We suffered an impressive cyclone following which the city was largely flooded for several days. Everything stopped, there was no longer any means of communication and it was almost impossible to leave the city.

Once things were back to normal, we headed to Bali, “The Island of the Gods”. I had my second crush, for this island full of charm, traditions and spirituality!

Malaysia and India

We visited modern Kuala Lumpur, then crossed northern Malaysia by bus to the Thai border. From there we flew to South India with Chennai, Pondicherry and Auroville, then Mabalipuram, Cochin and Goa.

I discovered India, a fascinating and refined country, with millions of Gods and facets!

It is quite naturally that we came up with the idea of setting up a website offering articles from these countries! Now Jérôme has left Arasia and I continue to manage the shop with as much pleasure as at the beginning!

It’s a job that suits me very well and that gives me many opportunities: to meet interesting people, to travel, to visit places outside the tourist circuits, and to combine business with pleasure 🙂

Minerals and Chakras

One of the approaches on minerals consists in linking them, according to their colors, to one or more chakras. By placing a mineral of corresponding color on each chakra, you contribute to the opening of the chakras!

The ARASIA shop offers you minerals, in the form of rolled stones, or jewelry. But also advice to take advantage of their virtues on physical, mental and spiritual well-being on a daily basis.

The chakras are, according to traditional Indian medicine, the energy centers of information and consciousness in our bodies. They each correspond to specific functions.

The first chakra (minerals of black or red colors)

Red jasper, and red or black colored stones (black tourmaline, bull’s and falcon’s eye, etc.) are linked to the 1st chakra. It is the root chakra, the one that connects us to the Earth.

They are anchor stones, very useful to help us “keep our feet on the ground”! They help us become aware of our inner strength and feel secure in life.

The second chakra (minerals of orange color)

Carnelian, amber, and orange colored stones are connected to the 2nd chakra. It is the sacral chakra, which is the center of the emotions. These stones bring us creativity and vitality.

The third chakra (minerals of yellow color)

Yellow calcite, tiger eye, citrine, and yellow colored stones are connected to the 3rd chakra, that of the solar plexus.

These stones increase motivation and self-confidence.

The fourth chakra (minerals of green or pink colors)

Rose quartz, unakite and aventurine are connected to the 4th chakra, the heart chakra. They bring us love, compassion, openness of heart.

The fifth chakra (minerals of light blue or blue-green color)

Chalcedony and stones of light blue or blue-green color are connected to the 5th chakra. It is the throat chakra that is the center of communication.

These stones help us express ourselves, listen to others, and clarify and organize our thoughts.

The sixth chakra (minerals of dark blue color)

Sodalite, lapis lazuli, blue quartz, and dark blue, indigo and violet colored stones are connected to the 6th chakra), that of intuition and the 3rd eye.

These stones bring us clairvoyance, balance and capacity for imagination.

The 7th chakra (minerals of purple, white or gold colors)

Amethyst, and the stones of white, gold and violet colors, are connected to the 7th chakra, the crown chakra which connects us to the divine.

These stones push us to gain height over the little hassles of daily life, to put things into perspective, to calm our emotions. They open us to cosmic consciousness, spirituality and the divine.

Litho-therapy or how to use your stones?

A very effective way to benefit from the virtues of minerals is to put them, for a few minutes, directly on the corresponding chakra.

Lie down comfortably and arrange one or more minerals of corresponding color on your chakras. This is the basis of litho-therapy (alternative medicine using the energy of stones to heal).

During a litho-therapy treatment, it is important to have an anchor stone, black tourmaline for example. Place it at the level of the base chakra (at the level of the pubis, or between the 2 feet), in order to remain well connected to the earth.

It is also advisable to purify and recharge your minerals correctly before a litho-therapy session.

Litho-therapy is not an exact science. It is advisable to let your intuition speak to find out what suits you best.

The Powers of Minerals

The powers of minerals are many and varied, find here some of their daily benefits.

Stones to help you relax

Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Rock Crystal: the combined energies of these 3 stones bring love and comfort, softness, serenity and appeasement.

Different stones have calming and soothing properties, such as rock crystal, amethyst, rose quartz, aventurine, etc. These stones fight stress and facilitate sleep. They are also effective in relieving headaches of nervous origin.

Stones to increase your joie de vivre

Some stones bring vitality and good energy, such as tiger’s eye and carnelian. They help us see the world around us in a positive light. They are a valuable support in case of depression, sadness or fatigue. Avoid keeping them close while sleeping.

Tiger’s Eye is the symbol of self-affirmation. It is a stone of protection that endows its wearer with powerful and radiant energy.

Stones to develop creativity

Rock crystal, brecciated jasper, rose quartz and aventurine stones stimulate creative energy. They are very helpful in clearing the mind, relieving stress, and speaking in public. These stones also sublimate the sexual energy. They promote tenderness and empathy, and help remove emotional blockages.

Stones to promote clairvoyance and Spiritual openness

Stones such as lapis lazuli, sodalite, rock crystal, amethyst, etc. promote meditation, the opening of the 3rd eye and the connection with the spiritual worlds. They increase the ability to see and understand beyond the material world.

stones for protection

Indispensable in lithotherapy, they can protect you and your home from the harmful effects of various unhealthy influences: whether negative entities, spells, electromagnetic waves, wifi, bluetooth, as well as bad energy vibrations, whether they emanate from yourself or others…

Some protective stones act by absorbing bad energies, like a sponge, such as black tourmaline, labradorite, obsidian… While others act like a protective shield, repelling the bad vibrations, this is the case of tiger’s eye.

Among the stones of protection, you will find turquoise, jasper, lepidolite, hematite, bull’s eye, onyx…

To each person, and to each moment, corresponds a stone…

Each stone has its own power, an energy of its own and depends on its variety (quartz, jasper, agate, others…), its color (connected to one of the 7 main chakras),…

How to choose your stone or stone bracelet?

Minerals Bracelet: How to choose them and how to wear them?

The mineral (fine stone) bracelet, with round pearls, has become a very trendy fashion accessory. This phenomenon is strongly linked to the needs for renewal and spirituality that we are currently going through.

Indeed, the stones, because of their many powers, can support and guide us in this period of transition.

Each stone is different, and each person is different. In addition, in the same person, the effects felt on contact with a stone can vary depending on the day, the moment, the mood …

How to choose a stone or a stone jewel?

There are several possible selection criteria:

Feeling : the best and simplest method is to choose, letting yourself be guided by your intuition. If you feel attracted to a stone, or a jewel, it is that it corresponds to you !
The virtues of the mineral : choose according to the desired effect, and what you want to work on at the given time.
The corresponding color or chakra : each color has its own vibrational energy, and is linked to one of the seven main chakras.
Zodiacal connections : you can also let yourself be guided by the table below, and choose your stone bracelet according to your zodiac sign.

On which wrist to wear the stone bracelet?

Stone bracelets are a great way to enjoy the benefits of minerals. Because direct contact with the skin facilitates energy transmission.

In general, it is advisable to wear “active” stones on your right wrist (which bring courage, strength or vitality, for example). Indeed the right wrist is connected to the left cerebral hemisphere, which is the center of logical thinking, analysis, decisions, and action.

The left wrist will receive the “passive” stones, those which bring effects of calm, harmony, and which help in meditation. This wrist is linked to the right hemisphere of the brain, the center of intuitive thinking, sensitivity and the synthetic mind.

Can we wear several stones together?

You can wear several bracelets on the same wrist, if their virtues are compatible, if their colors are similar, or if they belong to the same mineralogical family (example: agates, quartz, jaspers, etc.)

In general, it is advisable not to carry more than 3 different stones on yourself simultaneously. Except in special combinations (example: 7 chakras, life path, etc.)

Rock crystal can always be worn with any other mineral. Its neutral energy purifies and strengthens the virtues of other stones!

Some additional tips:

Do not keep a stone on you permanently, or for too long. Because you will get used to its effects and these will tend to diminish over time.
In all circumstances, always trust your intuition. Because lithotherapy is not an exact science, the energy of stones is never frozen. It is experienced differently by people.
To offer mineral jewelry, you can apply the same selection criteria mentioned above. Feeling (thinking of the person to whom the gift is intended). Depending on the desired effect. Or the person’s zodiac sign.
Remember to purify and recharge your minerals and mineral jewelry on a regular basis.

Remember to purify and recharge your minerals and mineral jewelry on a regular basis

The poncho: a practical fashion accessory

Both ancestral and contemporary, the poncho is a garment that is part of the Peruvian textile tradition. The poncho has cross time and borders : present in Asia, but also in the Incas, Nazcas and Paracas cultures.

Here is the history of the poncho, the secrets of its popularity today, and the many ways to wear it.

Origins and history of the poncho

The poncho is a typical garment and a traditional heritage of Peru, it is designed as a simple coat that protected people from the cold of winter. It consists of a thick piece of fabric in the shape of a rectangle, cut in the middle to allow the head to pass. The fabric falls on the body and allows the arms to move freely.

The wool poncho is an outer garment that was originally used by the country folk and was a must for traveling on horseback. It is an ideal garment for protection against rain, dust, hot and cold. Among the Peruvians, each man had his own poncho and its use depended on the context and the situation.

In winter, the poncho was wrapped around the body to protect it from the cold, and in hot weather it was worn around the shoulder. On horseback, it was either wrapped around the belt or worn naturally to protect the body and thighs. The wool poncho was also widely used as a blanket for sleeping.

Why is the poncho so successful?

The poncho is a timeless piece of clothing that has crossed time and borders without aging. It can be worn in many ways and brings style, comfort and elegance. Whether at home or in the street, the poncho offers a relaxed style as well as a bohemian and ethnic look.

It is a garment that brings a cocooning aspect, while being chic and trendy and above all very practical. The poncho is indeed easy to wear and effectively protects from the cold and rain, and this is what makes it so popular.

If originally the poncho was worn in winter, for protection reasons, today it has been able to transform into a real fashion phenomenon, available in several versions. The ways to wear it are endless, and its cut advantageously emphasizes the silhouette by highlighting the legs. Just pair the poncho with slim fit jeans or leather pants and heeled ankle boots to be perfectly stylish.

How to wear the poncho in style?

The poncho easily adapts to all styles, all body types, and whatever the occasion. It certainly does not replace a large coat or down jacket but it is perfect in the fall period, to keep warm, with style and elegance.

The poncho is a garment that instantly revamps an outfit, even the most basic and classic. Do not hesitate to adopt it, for a furiously trendy look. Inspired by Latin American cultures, it brings an ethnic and fantasy style. You have the choice between a modern poncho that you find in supermarkets, or a handcrafted poncho, with Nepalese know-how.

The poncho in total black look

Being considered a universal coat, the black poncho is suitable for sophisticated outfits as well as a chic look. It is perfectly suited to all types of occasions and can be worn with a black dress or black pants. The total black look with a poncho is easy to compose, practical, and elegant.

Daring colors with the poncho

Originally, the poncho was made with organic fibers, and the peoples of America who wore it favored natural colors. Thus, the dominant colors were brown, burgundy, black or beige.

Today the range of colors and shades is much more varied and richer. It is found in the tones that are the trend of each winter and it adapts easily to all fashions. The modern poncho never goes unnoticed and it attracts attention by the class it brings to an outfit.

It comes in bright colors like red, pink or bright yellow, to enhance a classic outfit or to emphasize a more sober look. Otherwise a poncho in soft pastel colors is ideal for gray days to add some sunshine.

Dare the colorful poncho with a short skirt and boots, or with pants in classic colors.

Wear a poncho with a short dress

What if you could enjoy the good weather while staying warm under your poncho? According to your desires, and the colors you like, associate a light poncho with a dress in the same tones or black. Whether in cool weather or on milder days, the poncho will adapt and bring you the necessary comfort.

Don’t hesitate to try the black poncho with ethnic patterns, over a little black dress, for a chic and trendy look.

Add a beanie or hat

Get inspired by the peoples of America, and reproduce their look, by matching your poncho with a beanie. Whether with a modern hat or with a woolen hat, you can play with accessories to bring more style to your outfit.

Adopt a boho chic style with a poncho

If you are a fan of the hippie style or the bohemian trend, then the poncho is the garment you need. It is a fashion accessory that has re-appeared in the West with the rise of the hippie movement. This style has been so successful that today it has become a fashion must-have.

For a boho chic look, the poncho can be worn with a long dress, playing on layers of colors and tones.

Adapt the poncho to your body type

If you are small, prefer the graphic-chic poncho, with a contrast of colors at the edges. If you are taller, you can play it elegant by wearing your bohemian-chic poncho. For women who have a few curves, it is better to adopt flexible materials such as mesh, for a cool and easy-going style.

Tibetan bowl: how to make it sing?

The Tibetan bowl is traditionally used for prayer, meditation as well as for holistic therapeutic treatments (healing by sounds).

Their popularity is due to the remarkable sound they produce. They have been an integral part of Asian culture for centuries.

The best singing bowls are from the Dharamsala region in India, and are made of a seven metals alloy: bronze, copper, tin, zinc, iron, silver and gold, which corresponds to the seven planets of the solar system, seven chakras … etc.

Pure sound with harmonizing properties

A Tibetan bowl can produce two distinct sounds:

-The first sound is the easiest to make. It is obtained by tapping the bowl once with the stick in a flexible but firm manner.
-The second sound requires more agility, it is the “singing” of the bowl itself. It is obtained by circular friction of the stick around the bowl.

This sound, incredibly rich and beautiful, is in fact a harmonic (several notes) sometimes complex, and which is characteristic of each bowl.

How to make your Tibetan bowl sing?

If you are right-handed, place the Tibetan bowl flat on your left hand which must remain flexible. Fingertips should not touch the bowl. Hold the stick with your right hand. Start by gently and gently giving one or more small taps on the outside of the bowl to make it ring.

Then rotate the stick around the outer edge of the bowl, pressing more or less firmly on the bowl. You have to try to catch the sound with the stick, and manage to keep it with a regular rotating movement.

Fans of music and dexterity games will be in paradise! Also note that the smaller the bowl, the more difficult it is to make it sing, but after a little practice, you will obtain a very pure sound which has curative, purifying and calming properties.

The simple act of ringing your bowl is a meditation in itself, because you have to center yourself and be in the present moment (listening).

Arasia Tibetan bowls

All our bowls are sold with their stick which is covered in felt for a softer sound.

Our singing bowls can be simple or decorated with spiritual motifs and symbols (the mantra Om mani padme hum, or images of Buddha).

Arasia offers you handmade Tibetan bowls in Benares, the sacred city of India, as well as cushions for Tibetan bowls.

HAVE A LOOK ON OUR ONLINE SHOP HERE.

Arasia, an ethical initiative with its suppliers

Arasia has put in place an ethical approach with most of its suppliers in Asia.

We are concerned about the manufacturing conditions, and the comfort of workers. We made a point to visit the workshops to find out where our products come from.

An Arasia’s supplier

The Thai pants and Thai skirts, for instance, are ordered from a very nice Thai couple, Bank and Tete.

They have a small ready-to wear business that make, sells and export traditional Thai clothes.

Here is Bank, my main contact with whom I communicate regularly and who has become a friend. He runs several small shops on the side of Hua Hin a seaside resort (200 km south of Bangkok).

The large packages next to him contain Thai pants and skirts ordered by Arasia.

The depot in Chiang Mai

The following picture was taken in a small village near Chiang Mai (northern Thailand), at the depot where Bank regroups all its orders after the clothes are made. From left to right: Cindy the founder of Arasia-Shop, Tété the wife of Bank and Som the cousin of Tété. Both women manage the orders and the administrative part of the business.

The village seamstresses

Thai pants and skirts are made in a small village near Chiang Mai by local seamstresses. When a large order is placed, most of the women in the village are asked to give a helping hand and help to carry out the order as soon as possible.

A relationship of trust

This councious partnership with Arasia ensures a comfortable and regular income for its suppliers and contributes to the improvement of their standard of living.

A relationship of trust has been established and Arasia can thus place orders from France and does not need to travel all the way to order.

Logistic

Once the items are ready, they are grouped together with other orders and sent by boat to France (by containers). This means of transport takes more time, but is much less polluting than the airplane.

Here is a picture of the team managing logistics and exporting in Thailand, with Cindy the manager of Arasia on the right.

For more information visit our website

And check out our ethical charter!

Ethnic fashion, the harem pants and the brand ARASIA

Ethnic fashion is a set of clothing criteria that invites the eye in a colorful trip.

It a style that seeks to be authentic, refined with sometimes a spiritual meaning and a strong exoticism influence.

Outfits from afar

Ethnic fashion is inspired by the traditional attire or dresses of numerous Asian, African, etc. ethnicities. It is a mix of many styles with a wide range of varieties that have common features:

• Ethnic clothing is often colorful or even multicolored with fringes, feathers, and beads
• The fabrics bear geometrics or stylized patterns such as elephants, spiritual figures, trees, flowers and animals…
• The jewelry is made from natural and raw materials as wood, leather, rope and is sometimes adorned with small shells, mirrors semi-precious stones and/or metal.
• Ethnic fashion is mostly hand-made and from an age-old traditional expertise practiced by tribes, ethnicities and craftsmen of the world.

A trendy trend

Those traditional dress codes are now used by fashion designers who updated them. Ethnic fashion can be chic as well as inexpensive but it is always laden with history and symbolism.

Arasia Shop, Etnic Boutic

You can find in our online shop Arasia clothes inspired by Asian ethnicity such as the Hmong – they live in the mountains between China, Thailand and Vietnam – characterized by singular and original prints.
You can also fin on our website the typical Thai pants !

Arasia’s Thai pants

Thai pants, also called Shan baun-mi or fisherman pants, are originally Thai fishermen’s pants. Nowadays they are often worn by tourists visiting Thailand, who have spread those pants all over the world.

Pants with unparalleled comfort

Its convenience and its incredible comfort have made the Thai pants an essential item in the wellness and Buddhist world (massages, shiatsu, yoga …), indoor sports or martial arts, as well as for dance performances, batucada … etc

These pants allow a great freedom of movement. For this reason, it is highly appreciated by all those who want a garment that combines comfort and flexibility.

Suitable for many occasions, elegant and comfortable, sober or colorful, Thai pants is also a practical garment during pregnancy, since it adapts to the waist through a set of folds.