Published by Celestyna Brozek under Designers

I’ve been thinking about Vanessa’s last post on the Semantics of Sustainability and how I define this word that I probably use at least once in every single post I write. One aspect that is often overlooked but which is super important to me is sustaining traditional artisan techniques and regional specialties, whether it be a certain weaving technique, a certain fiber, a certain method of embellishment.

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traditional Bolivian dress

Clothing is important to me and I want all my pieces to have a special story, a unique and rich history. I all but avoid stores like H&M and Forever 21 now, since their pieces are neither particularly green nor imbued with any sort of personality or even quality. All they have going for them is trendy and cheap. And I am neither trendy nor cheap, friends.

Alpaca - relative to the llama and camel

Two of my favorite  pieces I own are:

an exquisite hand-sewn silk kimono from Japan that I bought in a thrift store for pennies.

a gorgeous hand-spun and knit sweater of many colors made by a New Mexican artisan and given to me by a friend.

When I put these clothes on, I feel like I’m donning more than just a garment. I feel protected and empowered by the hands that made these garments, by the history of the places that have perfected the techniques and materials used to make them.

The island of Chiloe

One of my resolutions for the new year – more on this later – is to cultivate and deepen relationships in my life. And this includes with my clothes. I want to know where they came from, why they exist, what sets them apart and makes them something worth wearing. I want clothes as interesting as I am.

Okay that was a lengthy prelude to today’s super cozy and winter-worthy post. The most out-of-this-world super special knits post. The companies featured today are absolutely amazing – their product is exquisite, but so is their commitment to preserving traditional methods and materials. Every piece is so unique and special it makes me want to stop what I’m doing and jump on a plane to start a llama farm in the Andes, stat. Don’t think I don’t mean it.

Andes Made

Andes Made is based in Bolivia and for its first two seasons produced its alpaca accessories line entirely by hand-knitting! All of the alpaca and llama wool is sourced in Bolivia via fair trade and aims to preserve the ancient tradition of working with the wool of these delightful animals. Drawing on the knowledge cultivated by centuries of experience, the wool is expertly processed, including a patented process to separate out the ultra-fine fibers and make them into “cashllama,” or cashmere-soft llama wool.

Andes Made

Andes Made

Kelgwo is from the hauntingly beautiful island of Chiloe in Chile. Beautiful accessories, garments and home decor are created from hand-spun Chiloe-an wool, which is dyed using local plants and ancient techniques. A special type of open-weave weaving creates the most amazing texture and really showcases the yarn. Kelgwo aims to preserve and cultivate Chiloe’s textile traditions – in fact, the word “kelgwo” is a native word for the unique style of weaving employed in the designs. Also – check out their Etsy!

Kelgwo

Kelgwo

Kelgwo

Ponchisimo completes our Southern trio by representing Equador and supporting local craftsman and producers there, especially working women. Ponchisimo reinterprets the traditional dress of the Andes with a  modern, urban twist and and I can’t put it any better than google translator did: they “respect the charm of tradition while taking care of modernity.” Part of the charm is their unique concept of maternity coats – so cute and cozy! But check out their extensive line of outerwear and accessories for everyone, regardless of whether or not you have a little one on the way.

Ponchisimo

Ponchisimo

Ponchisimo maternity!

This is a huge part of sustainability for me. Sustaining what? The point. The “why.” Why am I wearing this? Why was this made? So a beautiful culture can continue to flourish and enrich the world. Warm wishes for the holidays!