Krama or Vichy – Our Story
A dialogue between France and Cambodia.
1996
In 1996, when I was just four months old, my parents moved to Phnom Penh. I learned Khmer alongside French with my nanny, Dora. Although I later forgot the language, Cambodia never left me.
After returning to France, I spoke about it constantly. "When are we going back to Cambodia?" was a question I asked my parents again and again, for years.
2024
More than twenty years later, in December 2024, we returned to Cambodia together, initially for what was meant to be a simple holiday. I stayed, and today I live in Siem Reap with Sébastien, co-founder of the brand.
Krama or Vichy
Growing up, our home was always filled with kramas. My parents had brought many back from Cambodia, in cotton and silk. Yet, upon returning to Cambodia, I struggled to find refined, modern everyday accessories made from krama.
For several months, I had the name "Krama or Vichy" in mind. Being French, Vichy fabric is part of my cultural heritage, famously popularized by Brigitte Bardot. Vichy and krama share the same check pattern, making the connection feel natural. The idea of creating a brand linking France and Cambodia through their textiles became obvious. And there is nothing more frustrating than not turning an idea into action!
December 2025
Krama or Vichy was born in December 2025, at the CULT fair in Phnom Penh.
Each piece is 100% handmade in Cambodia, crafted with care by local artisans and designed as a refined everyday accessory. Krama or Vichy is also a brand driven by limitless creativity, extending beyond accessories to home pieces and lifestyle essentials.
I hope Krama or Vichy will resonate with you and bring back fond memories of time spent in Cambodia, or in France!
Hélène
Discover the Fabrics
Learn about the two iconic textiles that inspired our brand