In an age where we’re more conscious than ever about where and how we are spending our money, the spotlight on fair trade and consumer consciousness is brighter than ever. To meet this new demand, a number of small non-profit companies are working to spearhead the movement of the sort of “farm-to-closet” fashion as I like to call it, where consumers know not only exactly where their clothing is coming from, but can tie a direct line back to the people manufacturing it and their communities.
Working with the indigenous Quechua women weavers of Peru, Awamaki is taking this philosophy to heart and revitalizing the beautiful yet endangered craft of weaving while creating a business model that will allow the Quechua to foster their own entrepreneurial endeavors that will lead to sustainable income. May seem like a heavy load to take on, but the people behind Awamaki are passionate about delving deeper into the process than simply creating a few kitchy tourist trinkets. Through their Awamaki Lab project they facilitate the unique vision and creation of one-of-a-kind garments by fashion designers passionate about developing an open channel between design and social responsibility.
Set up as a four month residency in Ollantaytambo, Peru, Awamaki Lab offers designers the amazing experience of sourcing textiles directly from the Patacancha weaving association to combine the vibrant history of traditional Andean textiles with modern design and construction. After production, the garments and accessories are than available for purchase on the Awamaki site, giving people around the world the chance to purchase truly unique pieces of clothing and the women of Ollantaytambo a broader market reach than they’ve ever had before. Check out the work of Awamaki Lab’s most recent artist-in-residence, Neili Vallin.
Photography by Kate Reeder
While one facet of Awamaki’s mission is design, their ideals are most heavily rooted in creating opportunities for the people of Ollantaytambo, specifically Ollantaytambo’s women. Through the Awamaki Lab program, they hope to provide these women with the resources and the power to create their own living and stable source of income through their craft. By working closely with the women weavers and seamstresses, they aim to encourage entrepreneurship, financial stability and the ultimate goal of social transformation, all while creating beautiful clothing in the process.
For more information visit Awamaki and Awamaki Lab.