Kwu Tung North 古洞北
A Legacy at the Crossroads
 

Charlotte Lam x RURI | Embracing Slow Living
 

In the heart of Hong Kong’s New Territories lies Kwu Tung North—a village where time flows gently, guided by the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of generations. The air carries the scent of earth and sun-dried rice husks, while the voices of villagers exchanging stories blend with rustling leaves and flowing streams. Here, traditions are not just remembered—they are lived.

A historic Hakka dwelling, built in 1933 by an Indonesian Chinese family, is an important cultural landmark in Kwu Tung, Sheung Shui.

Endangered Heritage

• Charlotte Lam, known as ‘Charlotte in White,’ shares a deep connection with the values embodied by Kwu Tung. As a mindfulness coach and advocate for well-being, she helps others cultivate inner peace through meditation, yoga, and holistic self-care. Her teachings encourage emotional sustainability—an approach that aligns with RURI’s commitment to mindful living and responsible consumption.
• The fabric is then hung until the silk has dried out.
• The silk is then spread on the ground under direct sunlight to ensure all the moisture has evaporated.
• More yam juice is then sprinkled onto the silk and again completely dried in the sun.
• The whole process (step 2 to 4) is repeated 5-6 times.
• The entire piece of silk is then completely soaked again in the yam juice and once more spread on the ground in the sunlight. This step (step 5-6) is then repeated 5-6 times.
• Finally, Iron-rich mud from the Pearl River Delta is then smeared onto the silk surface.
• The mud is then washed off and the fabric is once more dried out in the sun.
  
• This process is repeated around 10 times, which turns the silk black due to the chemical reaction between the iron in the mud and the tannins from the yam juice in the silk.

This way of life stands on the brink of extinction. Urban redevelopment threatens to erase centuries of heritage, replacing lush farmland with steel and concrete. For the families of Kwu Tung North, this is not just about relocation—it is about the survival of their identity. 

Through her workshops and writings, including her book on vegetarianism, Charlotte highlights how conscious choices extend beyond personal well-being to impact our surroundings. By simplifying our lifestyle, making mindful consumption decisions, and embracing sustainability in all aspects of life, we create harmony both internally and externally.

Preserving Culinary Heritage

Among those most affected are the village’s soy sauce artisans, who have spent generations perfecting their craft. Beneath the Hong Kong sun, their fermentation jars hold not just soybeans, but the flavours of history—a culinary heritage passed down through time. Yet, the very workshops that safeguard these traditions are at risk of being replaced by progress that leaves no room for preservation.

Among those most affected are the village’s soy sauce artisans, who have spent generations perfecting their craft. Beneath the Hong Kong sun, their fermentation jars hold not just soybeans, but the flavours of history—a culinary heritage passed down through time. Yet, the very workshops that safeguard these traditions are at risk of being replaced by progress that leaves no room for preservation.

Weaving
Sustainable
Memory

Sustainability is more than just materials—it is memory. It is the bridge between honouring the past and shaping the future. At RURI, we weave this philosophy into every piece we create, ensuring that mindful living is not a fleeting trend, but a lasting movement. Through eco-friendly fashion, we embrace ethical practices and recycled materials, designing clothing that is both timeless and responsible—just as Kwu Tung North’s traditions have endured for generations.

COLLABORATION
WITH
CHARLOTTE LAM

• Charlotte Lam, known as ‘Charlotte in White,’ shares a deep connection with the values embodied by Kwu Tung. As a mindfulness coach and advocate for well-being, she helps others cultivate inner peace through meditation, yoga, and holistic self-care. Her teachings encourage emotional sustainability—an approach that aligns with RURI’s commitment to mindful living and responsible consumption.
• The fabric is then hung until the silk has dried out.
• The silk is then spread on the ground under direct sunlight to ensure all the moisture has evaporated.
• More yam juice is then sprinkled onto the silk and again completely dried in the sun.
• The whole process (step 2 to 4) is repeated 5-6 times.
• The entire piece of silk is then completely soaked again in the yam juice and once more spread on the ground in the sunlight. This step (step 5-6) is then repeated 5-6 times.
• Finally, Iron-rich mud from the Pearl River Delta is then smeared onto the silk surface.
• The mud is then washed off and the fabric is once more dried out in the sun.
  
• This process is repeated around 10 times, which turns the silk black due to the chemical reaction between the iron in the mud and the tannins from the yam juice in the silk.

Charlotte Lam, known as ‘Charlotte in White,’ shares a deep connection with the values embodied by Kwu Tung. As a mindfulness coach and advocate for well-being, she helps others cultivate inner peace through meditation, yoga and holistic self-care. Her teachings encourage emotional sustainability—an approach that aligns with RURI’s commitment to mindful living and responsible consumption.

Through her workshops and writings, including her book on vegetarianism, Charlotte highlights how conscious choices extend beyond personal well-being to impact our surroundings. By simplifying our lifestyle, making mindful consumption decisions, and embracing sustainability in all aspects of life, we create harmony both internally and externally.

Fashion for a Sustainable Future

Choosing sustainability means preserving stories like Kwu Tung North’s. We choose craftsmanship over mass production. We choose meaning over excess. RURI stands not just for fashion, but for a future where heritage and sustainability are hand in hand. Through conscious choices, we can protect the essence of communities like Kwu Tung North—ensuring their legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

At RURI, we are proud to collaborate with Charlotte as she wears our sustainable pieces in her daily life. Just as Kwu Tung reminds us of a lost way of living, Charlotte inspires a return to thoughtful, intentional existence. Together we celebrate the beauty of slow living—through fashion, wellness and a deeper appreciation for what truly matters.

THE PROCESS OF PRODUCING THIS TRADITIONAL TWO COLOR SILK FABRIC 

"Vegetable Depots" were located near many village centers and were once primarily managed and operated by local farmers' cooperatives. 

These depots used to play an important role in the agricultural supply chain.

VISITING THE VILLAGE

Walking through Kwu Tung North feels like stepping into a living history book. Narrow paths wind between traditional homes, where the scent of fresh soil and fermented soy sauce lingers. Villagers greet visitors with warm smiles, eager to share stories of their heritage, their craftsmanship, and their enduring connection to the land.

Photo: Soaking Silk Habotai in yam juice

Photo: Drying mud silk in the sun

Photo: Applying iron-rich mud on the silk fabric

Founder: Dawn Lee
Mindfulness Advocate: Charlotte Lam Instagram: @charlotteinwhite
Photographer: Raymond Kwong Instagram: @raymondyhwong