Fall 2015
OUR ROOTS We are rooted in the belief that each person on this earth has value and worth. We believe that fashion should be kind to it’s workers. We believe that poverty can be overcome. We believe that violence can be ended through opportunity. We believe that how you spend your money determines the kind of world that you want to live in.
THE ART OF BACKSTRAP WEAVING Rooted in the history of Guatemala, backstrap weaving is traditional in the Mayan culture, pre-dating the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500’s. Using high quality yarns, the women are keeping this art form alive while providing for their families. The backstrap loom allows for embroidery to be done within the textile itself, rather than on top. This creates a quality that is unmatched.
SOLOLA
each pair of shoes is crafted from handwoven fabric, made by a 100% women and worker owned cooperative. most regions where the fabric is made are very remote, like the village of solola.
THIS IS OTTO he makes our shoes #ottomademyshoes
THE BUSINESS PLAN
In the slum of La Limonada in Guatemala City, Otto’s business is providing jobs for former gang members. The slum is considered one of the most dangerous in the world, and gangs control each of the ten barrios. Gang members are branded with gang tattoos and unable to find employment if they want to leave the gangs. Otto’s business changes that.