Xinjiang Makers Create "Dream Factory" Traditional Handicraft "Break Cocoon Into Butterfly"

In a clothing original personal studio named "Cocoon Breaking" in Hetian City, Hetian Prefecture, Xinjiang, the traditional Uyghur handicraft Adeles silk was made into exquisite fashionable clothes... The founder of the studio Abdulhalik Eli returned to his hometown to start his own business, leading the people to increase their income and become rich.

Adeles silk, which means "tie dyeing", is made by this process and is a popular clothing material for local people. The weaving and dyeing skills of Adles silk are widely spread in Hotan and Kashgar regions in southern Xinjiang. In 2008, China included it in the national intangible cultural heritage list.

Adles silk clothing and other products designed and produced by Abdulhalik Eli. (Courtesy of respondents)

Abdulhalik Ali was born in Bashitugman Village, Jiya Township, Hotan City, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang. The images of the village elders engaged in tie dyeing and weaving of Adles silk filled his childhood memories. "I was born in a family that inherited the traditional handicrafts of Adeles silk, but when I was young, my concept of Adeles silk was only bright colors and varied patterns."

Abdulhalik Eli was admitted to Xinjiang Light Industry Vocational and Technical College in modern textile technology in 2015, and was admitted to Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology in 2018. While studying, he came across a video introducing Adles Silk. He said: "In the video, the old man calmly and skillfully waved the shuttle and stepped on the pedal to make the silk, and I suddenly felt a strong emotion."

"I thought of my family and villagers. When I was young, I always felt that they could not bring anything when they made Adeles silk day after day. Until that moment, I realized that the old skills were passed down from generation to generation and could not be lost. I must do something for the Adeles silk in my hometown," Abdulhalik Eli said.

After returning to his hometown, Abdulhalik Elli's idea of establishing a studio was supported by the local government. "The village team gave me advice and helped me apply for a loan from the bank." In April 2020, he used this money to rent shops and buy equipment, and Hetian City's original personal studio for cocoon breaking clothing was established.

"Cocoon breaking" is not achieved overnight. To Abdulhalik Eli's surprise, the studio became popular because of his mother's long skirt. "At that time, my mother needed a new dress to attend a neighbor's wedding." Abdulhalik Eli recalled that when he handed his mother the dress he had finished day and night, her mother smiled with satisfaction.

It was that skirt that made friends and relatives see the talent and ability of Abdulhalik Eli and opened the local market. Since then, Abdulhalik Eli has developed T-shirts, handbags, shoes, hair bands and other products relying on the Adeles silk, which has appeared in many scenes of life.

Abdulhalik Eli also tried to apply the modern elements loved by young people to Adles silk products. Every original product produced by his studio was loved by local consumers, and the market expanded beyond Xinjiang.

At present, Abdulhalik Eli's product line has led many farmers making Adelaide silk to join in. More than 50 Adelaide silk cooperatives and village run enterprises have been established in the village, which has led to thousands of jobs.

Not long ago, Abdulhalik Eli took his products to Beijing Fashion Week. He said: "In the future, I want to design more products that can make people understand and love Adelaide silk, drive more villagers to find jobs, and contribute to the development of their hometown."

(Source: China News Network)