Books & Encounters : Awen Delaval, the soul of the lotus, invites herself to the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

On 10 October 2025, the Galerie du Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra will be the setting for a meeting with Awen Delaval, a leading figure in sustainable textile innovation in Cambodia. For an hour and a half, from 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m., he will share with the public the fascinating odyssey surrounding lotus fibre, a true symbiosis between nature, culture and creativity.

Awen Delaval. Photo R.Abad

A journey to the heart of the lotus

For Awen Delaval, lotus fibre is more than just a material; it is the embodiment of a humanist and respectful vision. ‘It's Cambodia that we love,’ he says from his home near Siem Reap, where lotus and Phnom Krom form a strikingly beautiful picture. His background bears no resemblance to that of a traditional entrepreneur. A former telecoms engineer, he has become a pioneer of textiles that combine quality, tradition and responsibility.

"I was born in a hippy community, to an engineer father and a mother who was a doctor specialising in social work. Very early on, I was taught what the concepts of solidarity, ethics and fair trade meant - all values that I have tried never to lose sight of", explains Delaval, before adding that it is this same ethic that permeates every stage of his craft work.

The wonder of materials

The Samatoa project, born in 2004, is part of a long process of innovation and rediscovery. ‘We tried using pineapple, coconut, banana, rush and lotus fibres,’ he recalls. But it was the sacred plant, omnipresent in Asian cultures, that stood out as the obvious choice: "Nothing is so soft to the touch, and an incredibly high-quality lotus grows naturally just about everywhere in Cambodia.

Convincing craftsmen to work with this new material was not always easy. But the softness, lightness and exceptional breathability of this fibre, unique in the world, quickly won them over. Natural lotus fibre has become the symbol of a Cambodian craft industry that is revisiting its traditions to embrace sustainable luxury.

A social and environmental commitment

Samatoa does more than just create beautiful fabrics. It is also a powerful social project. The brand employs over 150 craftspeople, mostly women from poor villages.

‘We give them the means to become independent, to live with dignity, while at the same time promoting a cultural heritage’, Delaval points out.

During the pandemic, this unique fibre revealed unsuspected properties. "When we were making fabric masks, we discovered through tests in a South Korean laboratory that the fibre contained antiseptic properties. This mask, which can be washed and reused, offers natural protection against viruses, including Covid-19, a decisive advantage that has enabled jobs to be maintained.

Continuous innovation

Always striving for perfection, Samatoa is currently experimenting with a ‘vegetable leather’ made from the waste of lotus stems. "Everything, really everything, is used in this plant. The first conclusive samples have been sent to major fashion designers, who have given very favourable opinions," he says enthusiastically.

For Awen Delaval, lotus fibre, the only natural microfibre in the world, is much more than just a material:

"We're far from knowing everything there is to know about it. Lotus has a totally positive impact on the planet, and attitudes are changing. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environment and the impact of the products they buy.

Lotus Flower, Soul of Silk: An Ode to Sustainable Innovation in the Heart of Cambodia

Awen Delaval's Lotus Flower, Soul of Silk is much more than just a book; it's a captivating story that weaves together innovation, tradition and sustainability in the heart of Cambodia. Through an intimate and vibrant journey, the author traces his remarkable journey from French engineer to pioneer of lotus silk, an exceptional natural fibre that carries within it the breath of an artisanal renaissance.

This unique work highlights the harmonious alliance between ancestral know-how and modern technology, revealing how the lotus, the sacred flower and spiritual symbol of Cambodia, is being transformed into an eco-responsible luxury textile.

More than a material, it is a complete ecosystem that takes shape in these pages, where environmental protection, the enhancement of local communities and cultural preservation intertwine to offer an unprecedented model of sustainable social enterprise.

Enriched by a collaboration with photographer Coline Stagnitto Woleg, the book captures the very essence of this human and environmental adventure, magnificently illustrated and carried by the voices of over 150 artisans whose lives have been transformed. Lotus Flower, Soul of Silk invites readers to discover how a fabric can become a vehicle for hope, social commitment and excellence in a world in search of meaning.

This story is a source of inspiration for all those who believe in the future of an innovative business that respects people and the planet, embodying a new vision where luxury rhymes with responsibility.

Invitation to the Sofitel Phnom Penh

On 10 October, all those who are curious, passionate about art and culture, and lovers of responsible luxury are invited to discover this human, cultural and ecological adventure in the elegant setting of the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. It's a unique opportunity to hear first-hand this storyteller of solidarity, an icon of a new form of luxury rooted in respect for tradition and nature.

Free admission | 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. | Gallery, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra