A Global Rhythm

There are a new crop of fashion brands on the rise, where designers are looking beyond their own backyard and typical means of production to points in Kenya, Ecuador and Peru to create their goods. There, they partner directly with artisans, who specialize in traditional crafts like weaving and embroidery, to create jewelry, handbags and clothing. This close-knit process ensures that they are taking a sustainable and honest approach to manufacturing and in turn that the women and men receive fair wages, business training and can ultimately provide for their families.

“I always knew I wanted to do something meaningful,” says Carolina Kleinman, founder of fashion and lifestyle brand Carolina K. Born in Argentina, she was somewhat of a nomad moving to points in Mexico and Peru before ultimately settling in Miami. It was her time in the Sacred Valley when she recalls falling in love with both the artisans and their work. “It became my mission to help preserve their ancestral techniques,” she says. Today, she works around the globe including in Mexico for hand-loomed cotton and hand-embroidered pieces, India for printed silks, Peru for shoe-making, Ecuador for hat making and Uruguay for swimwear.

Her cause extends to environmental responsibility as well, making some parts of her production 100% sustainable. “We are doing a zero waste project with our extra fabric. Our hang tags are printed on recycled paper and the bags the garments are packed in are entirely compostable.” She is also branching outside of the norm when it comes to the fabrics she utilizes. “We started using Econyl for our swimwear last year, which is 100% regenerated nylon that has the potential to be recycled indefinitely, without ever losing its quality. It is also better when it comes to climate change—avoiding CO2 emissions and the use of crude oil reduces the global warming impact of nylon by up to 80%.”

For São Paulo-based brand Lolitta, the process is everything when it comes to her knitwear pieces. Founder Lolita Zurita Hannud was first immersed in fashion at a very early age by her mother, Rosana Zurita, an accomplished artist, who has over 40 years of knitting experience under her belt. “I observed and followed the seamstresses who worked with her since I was a child. I was always curious to learn and understand their craft—some of them have even become like family to me. I’m fortunate that I get to work alongside many of them today with my own brand.”

The heart of her knitting process is craftsmanship, as it can take an average of five hours to produce forty inches of fabric for certain dresses and skirts. She notes, “All of the pieces are handmade and knitted with European silk yarns. It can take up to 20 days to produce a single skirt because the preparation process can include details like manual sewing and molding.” The most recent collection moved away from her signature body-hugging silhouettes instead focusing on romantic details like bustiers and ruffles, in checked patterns and a parade of caramel and raspberry tones. As the brand continues to grow and evolve. She says, “I always praise and prioritize artisanal work, quality and our personality-filled color palette. It’s important to invest in the perfect fit and maintain our unique fashion identify, which gives the label the life it has.” Stephanie Sensi launched her eponymous line, Sensi Studio, as an homage to her native country, Ecuador. After a stint abroad in Milan, she says it was inevitable that she would return to her homeland. “I always had a sense of nostalgia to come back,” she confesses. “Ecuador inspires me every single day. There is a certain feeling of ‘joie de vivre’ in South America, especially in the city of Guayaquil. There is a prevailing sense of fun, like the feeling of an endless summer.” Stephanie takes that sentiment and turns out an array of show-stopping handbags, wide-brimmed hats and embroidered garments.

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The majority of Sensi’s items are created by women in rural areas of the Andes. “I love being able to provide work for them. I consider this the most rewarding personal achievement. It’s very important for me to provide a fair environment for the artisans and give them a sense of independence, while also giving them the opportunity of being part of creating something truly special,” Stephanie says. She also notes how she doesn’t soley refer to them as artisans, but rather artists. “Our main goal in the elaboration of these products is to give creative work opportunities, where they can show off their craft and abilities. Supporting this method in the age of modernization is very vital for us, as we are helping maintain the millenary craft of weaving Toquilla straw, which has continued on for generations.”

Carmen Myers, the founder of Meyelo, says she instantly fell in love with Kenya, the moment she set foot 11 years ago. Everything felt like home, between the people and the landscape. Kenya is part of my heart,” she says. She originally went to the country to set up a non-profit that would help marginalized Maasai communities get out of poverty; however, she soon realized that she wanted to do more. “Meyelo was born out of a desire to create sustainable solutions for helping those in need. We work with a variety of men and women who come from different circumstances and backgrounds.”

The design process for Meyelo is two-fold. First, the pieces, including totes and jewelry, are conceived in the U.S., then the materials and items are produced in Kenya. They utilize a network of over 150 artisans, who receive business tools, education and a sustainable income while working for the brand. When it comes to success stories there are many according to Carmen. “An artisan named Violet recently shared, ‘I am extremely grateful for Meyelo, through my work, I have been able to provide a home and an education for my children. I see a bright future.”

Amal Al Mulla is another designer popping up on the global stage. Hailing from the Kingdom of Bahrain, Amal started her company after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design. Together, she works in tandem with Bahrain’s government, who assists young entrepreneurs with training, mentorship and monetary support, in order to grow. The aim of her venture is to push the boundaries on what a classic piece in your wardrobe can look like. Amal is moved by the notion of nature and escapism, which is evident in her use of fabrics ranging from sheer organza to dresses adorned with tortoise-patterned details. Design, tradition and inclusion are the three pillars that Philippines-based brand Likhâ employs for their fashion, jewelry and home lines. The company works with artists across the country who transform discarded husks from coconuts, plant fibers and recycled wood into planters, clutches and necklaces.

It goes without saying that by purchasing from any of the brands latest collections, not only are you adding a colorful look to your wardrobe with a story to boot, but ultimately supporting a diverse range of communities around the world to grow, evolve and thrive.

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Photographed by Ryan Slack

Written by Alison Engstrom

Styled by Ana Tess