Hello, dear friends of our community!
I'm back from an inspiring adventure through the charms of Brazil's Northeast, and I'm overflowing with emotion to share every moment with you. My journey took me to the communities of artisans who collaborate with our brand, where I dove headfirst into ancestral techniques that permeate our rich cultural heritage.
I embarked on this journey with the purpose of strengthening ties with our artisan partners and understanding more deeply their creative processes, as well as their ancestral manufacturing techniques, which have been passed down from generation to generation. In addition to learning about their stories and challenges, my interaction with these women reinforced our determination to establish increasingly fair and respectful partnerships, valuing the time and work of these artisans.
In Maranhão, I had the honor of meeting the Rio Grande Mothers' Association, a group of artisans specializing in the art of buriti fiber, a typical palm tree of the region. There, I had the privilege of seeing all stages of the process, from harvesting the fiber to natural dyeing workshops.
Dona Maria Antônia
The exquisite processes done by the hands of our artisan partner, Dona Maria Antônia, from Maranhão, with Buriti straw, processed from scratch until the bag is made.
Natural Dyeing
In Maranhão, together with the artisans of Rio Grande, we carried out some natural dyeing processes of Buriti Fiber with Saffron. The results were beautiful!
In Bahia, I visited the Porto de Sauipe Artisans' Association, where I met talented women who work with piaçava straw. Again, I was immersed in the history of ancestry and technical learning passed down from mother to daughter. This experience provided me with a deep understanding of the materials and techniques used, inspiring me to explore new design possibilities in our future collections.
Dona Vavá
Dona Vavá in the forest of Porto de Sauípe, Bahia, where she showed us how she collects Piaçava straw, her main raw material for making bags and hats for the Artisans' Association.
Lots of Love!
A beautiful end to the trip, with much learning in Bahia, with the incredible and talented artisans: Joelma, Ana, Dona Vavá. Joana and Lili.
In Ceará, I found the group of artisans from the Cabreiro community, true masters in the art of carnaúba straw. Their pieces, more rigid and structured, reveal a great mastery of the technique.
This trip was not just a search for aesthetic inspiration, but also a journey of cultural, social, environmental deepening and exchange of knowledge. Each encounter and experience reminded us of the importance of preserving and celebrating the diversity of our cultural heritage, while working together to build a more just and sustainable future.
More Love!
In Cabreiro, Ceará, with Helena (in blue), coordinator of the local Association, and the wonderful artisans: Altenisia, Elanea, Dona Deuzanira, Daniele, Bernarda, and Janeclea.
I am overflowing with inspiration and can't wait to share the creations that will emerge from this transformative journey. Get ready to be enveloped by pieces that not only tell a story but carry the warmth and soul of Brazil.
With affection,
Luciano Pinheiro
