Extending the Legacy of Hue Through the Lepironia Grass Royal Hat

Hue – the ancient capital of Vietnam – still resonates with the golden values of the Nguyen dynasty. In every line of architecture, in every note of royal court music, the spirit of the imperial past endures: solemn, elegant, and deeply artistic. From this inspiration, Maries has embarked on a new journey – reviving imperial motifs not on paper or fabric, but on handcrafted Lepironia grass hats.

Lepironia Grass – A Craft with 500 Years of History

Lepironia grass, a plant that grows naturally in Hue’s wetlands, has long been tied to the rural life of local communities. For generations, villagers have used it to weave mats, baskets, and everyday household items. In the skillful, meticulous hands of women artisans, these humble fibers are transformed into hats that are light, durable, and eco-friendly.

For Maries, the hat is not merely a shield from sun and rain – it becomes a “cultural messenger,” carrying the breath of the craft village and the story of the land where it was born.

Imperial Motifs – The Language of Power and Grace

Upon the rustic surface of the Lepironia hat, Maries’ artists carefully hand-paint motifs inspired by the royal courts of old:

• The Dragon – symbol of power, strength, and eternity.
• The Phoenix – embodiment of grace, femininity, and harmony.
• Cloud patterns, lotus flowers, Han-Vietnamese characters – details that are both aesthetic and deeply philosophical.

Each brushstroke is more than decoration. It is a thread that connects the present to a glorious past, reminding us of our cultural roots.

Preserving Heritage, Sharing with the Community

Wearing a Lepironia grass hat adorned with imperial motifs means carrying not just an accessory, but also a living piece of national memory:

• For the people of Hue, it is pride in their homeland and royal heritage.

• For travelers, it is a unique keepsake – aesthetically refined and deeply connected to local culture.

• For artisans, it is motivation to keep the craft alive, ensuring ancient values are not lost in the flow of modern life.

At Maries, we believe that culture truly lives when it becomes part of today’s lifestyle. That is why Lepironia hats – once nearly forgotten in their village of origin – are no longer confined to craft workshops or heritage streets. They now travel to new horizons: from international exhibitions to the wardrobes of fashion lovers who value Vietnamese identity.

Maries’ Lepironia grass hats carry a twofold mission:

• Preserving heritage – safeguarding the art of handcraft and the beauty of imperial motifs.

• Spreading identity – sharing the image of Hue’s culture and the spirit of Vietnam with the global community.

This is not simply a handicraft product. It is a symbol of connection – between tradition and modernity, between the local and the global, between memory and the future.

Maries, 17.09.2025