Peruvian fashion designer Chiara An air of positive energy charged the atelier and showroom of Peruvian fashion designer Chiara Macchiavello, as we entered for a private tour with the designer. A few weeks ago, the Aracari met with Chiara and learn about her beautiful hand-made fashion garments, made using the finest Peruvian textiles. Her atelier, Escudo, is located in the bohemian district of Lima, Barranco. Aracari arranges private visits to Escudo along with other popular fashion houses, shops, galleries and boutiques on any tailormade visit to Lima. For exclusive access to fashion houses as part of a tailormade trip to Peru contact travel@aracari.com Casa Machiavello Fasion House Casa Machiavello, the first fashion house of its kind in Lima, occupies the second floor of a restored house tucked on an unassuming street in the art district, Barranco, just across the road from the Museum of Contemporary Art. Climbing a white, wooden staircase brought us to the ESCUDO showroom, also painted white, with large windows that flooded the space with cool light. Chiara greeted us with a smile and guided us through the showroom and workshop. Currently showcasing her third season of work, her designs have been praised by some of the best, including renowned photographer and fellow Peruvian Mario Testino. Peruvian Influenced Designs Chiara explained to us that she is highly influenced by popular and folk art and incorporates these elements into her designs. Part of the actual workshop space of the atelier is even housed in the cargo trailer of a up-cycled truck, ubiquitous throughout Peru with their painted personal symbols and mottos of the drivers. One of her first collections showcased hand-painted jackets, styled after the famous fluorescent “Chicha” concert posters made famous by the popular artist Elliot Tupac. Throughout the atelier we spotted brilliantly colored masks and costume pieces from traditional festivals held in the