Otavalo

Otavalo, nestled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, is home to a resilient indigenous community known for their vibrant arts and crafts. The local market showcases stunning handwoven textiles adorned with symbolic motifs that reflect their rich cultural heritage. These textiles, dyed in bright colors, vary in weight due to the region's unique climate, warm in the mornings and chilly in the evenings.

Exploring the market is an immersive experience, not just for the products but also for the Otavalans, who proudly wear their traditional attire. In creating this collection, I aimed to capture the essence of Otavalo and its craftsmanship. I focused on the traditional wrap-style of their garments, reflected in the drapes showcased in the following looks. I designed prints inspired by Otavalan textiles and applied them to the draped shapes, incorporating a variety of textures and fabric weights. The resulting seven looks offer a modern interpretation of Otavalo’s culture while honoring its core traditions.