Artisan Made Mochila Bags by annie O. boutique

I find these Colombian-made Mochila bags made for annie O. boutique to be absolutely remarkable. If anything epitomizes the perfect fusion between fashionable accessories and exceptional artisan textile crafting, it is these traditional, message-encoded bags. Annie Waterman, the founder of annie O. boutique describes on her site:

Mochila bags take about a month to complete and they are intimately linked to Wayuu life and their philosophy. They represent a circular cosmology where there is no before and after, but only threads of life spun from one cycle and woven into the next. Mochilas are also practical in everyday life and are used to carry food, water, and even the woven hammocks known as chinchorros. 

To the Wayuu, weaving symbolizes the endless cycle of life. The matriarchal Wayuu people of Colombia and Venezuela have been weaving these beautiful bags for generations – both for their bright, geometric beauty, and for the deep spiritual message they convey. 

Also quite inspiring are these hand-woven fiber cuffs / one size fits all.

*visit annie O. boutique on Facebook for updates on their artisan projects.

Annie O.'s Peruvian Collection

Annie O.'s Peruvian-made woven belts in a rainbow of gorgeous colors,widths, and textures

Alejandra 100% Alpaca Shawl - handwoven by a “master weaver” from Central Peru. One of a kind and hand embroidered. (colors: black with cream flower, black with blue flower,
cream with black flower, cream with marigold flower)

Hand-Embroidered “Dotted” Peruvian Belt - handmade out of Peruvian sheep’s wool by a women’s cooperative in the High Andes. Naturally accented with horn buckle
(colors: cream, black, avocado, marigold)

Love these gorgeous new creations from Annie O. collection. The ‘socially responsible’ design company merges contemporary style with traditional artisan techniques - fostering cultural vitality, relieving poverty, and supporting educational initiatives in Andean communities and beyond. All of these items have been hand woven and/or knit by a women's cooperative in the Central Highlands of Peru. Visit Annie O.'s new website for more inspiring finds.

The Andean Collection Summer Goodness Sale

My very inspiring fair trade artisan friends at The Andean Collection are having a great summer sale on their latest fashion-forward designs. Readers of ecco*eco and Eco Fashion World will receive 20% off any purchase over $50 until July 22. You just need to enter the code 'FRIENDS' at checkout.

To learn more about the great work that The Andean Collection's artisans Nancy Moran and Olga Lucia Moran are doing using natural materials indigenous to their Peruvian villages and communities, visit The Andean Collection's new blog. Congratulations to founder Amanda Judge as well for this gorgeous, socially responsible enterprise.


* shop online

* all images courtesy of The Andean Collection