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
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…
Maximo Laura is an award-winning tapestry weaver, internationally recognized as one of South America’s pre-eminent and most unique textile artists. Caroline, Maria Julia and I went to meet Maximo and learn about his work, driving out to his home and studio in San Martín de Porres, on the outskirts of Lima. At an address without a sign, in an unassuming local neighborhood, we were intrigued to visit his private home as it sits well off the typical tourist trail in Lima. We were greeted with a treasure trove of vibrant, colorful artwork, a fascinating workshop where you can see each step of the process involved in creating his master pieces, and a warm and personable artist, delighted to share his passion with guests. For visitors to Peru with a specific interest in textiles, Aracari can arrange a private tour and the chance to meet Maximo Laura, as part of a tailormade itinerary, such as our 7 day Textile Traditions itinerary. Maximo Laura – from a family of weavers Originally from Ayachucho in Peru's south-central region, Maximo is a fifth generation weaver, learning the craft from his father as a child. The themes and imagery evoked through his work convey a strong sense of his heritage, and his own spiritual journey and life experiences. Motifs and Inspirations Peru's pre-Inca Chavin culture, which was expressive and totemic, the vivid colors of the Paracas civilization, the geometric forms from the Nazca and Huari people and Andean symbols can all be seen in his work. Myths and legends from the Amazon, from the sacred mountains of the Andes and messages of marine conservation from the depths of the ocean in the Galapagos are conveyed through the intricate threads. Each piece tells a story, many of them personal. Drawing on local myths, legends and stories Maximo seeks to
Maximo Laura is an award-winning tapestry weaver, internationally recognized as one of South America’s pre-eminent and most unique textile artists. Caroline, Maria Julia and I went to meet Maximo and learn about his work, driving out to his home and studio in San Martín de Porres, on the outskirts of…
“I have learned that each and every piece of cloth embodies the spirit, skill, and personal history of an individual weaver... It ties together with an endless thread the emotional life of my people.” ― Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez, Aracari specialist and Peruvian author of ‘Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns, Weaving Memories’ Go to Aracari Shop Everywhere you go in Peru, you’ll see textiles on sale. The markets are adorned with the vibrant warm hues of traditional blankets, ponchos, and the famous chullo hats (read our blog here), woven with care from the finest alpaca wool. A perfect memento from your trip, and guaranteed to keep you warm through a North American or European winter. With the growing popularity of their handiwork, artisans and textile businesses have extended their production beyond the traditional garments to appeal to the tastes of international tourists, and now table cloths, place mats, belts and bags are all available with the iconic patterns of the Andes. Even smaller trinkets and souvenirs like pens and fridge magnets are decked out in traditional patterns. Pre-Inca beginnings Peru is actually the country with the longest tradition of textile production, going back over 10,000 years, and predating pottery. The Chavin civilisation is generally credited with inventing the backstrap loom and many of the weaving techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. What began as a simple process of spinning fibers and moving them across nets and cords has developed into a highly technical and skilled craft. Following the Chavin, the coastal Paracas and Nazca cultures made beautiful and intricate embroideries and tapestries. With the dry desert conditions, many of these were preserved in underground tombs, giving us many clues to understand their way of life, in the absence of any written records. The warmongering Wari
“I have learned that each and every piece of cloth embodies the spirit, skill, and personal history of an individual weaver… It ties together with an endless thread the emotional life of my people.” ― Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez, Aracari specialist and Peruvian author of ‘Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming…
