As many of you know, I have partnered up with New World Crafts, an online fair and sourcing platform featuring the work of artisan producers and brands from Guatemala and throughout Central America. This week, I’d like to share the work of Itza Wood, an enterprise that is featured on the New World Crafts online platform and that I am very proud to represent personally.

This past winter I ventured to Morocco alongside my sourcing partner and friend, Frederic Alcantara. We had an incredible journey exploring the craftsmanship of southern Morocco together. The trip is one I will hold near to my heart as Frederic recently and unexpectedly passed away. I feel honored to have spent as much time as I did with him, to see him in action doing what he loves. For those who knew him, Frederic was a special soul. He had a kind heart and a true passion for the artisan sector. He put his all into opening opportunities for artists in Morocco and beyond.

I am delighted to share some beautiful tunics from my partner in Colombia. These beauties continue to be a best seller for my partner. I know many of your clients are loving loungewear, so I wanted to be sure to share them with you. These tunics are all hand-woven in Bogota, where artist Reinaldo Nino and his team hand weave each piece. They use horizontal looms to neatly crisscross cotton threads in simple or combined ways to achieve stripes and chic colorways.

This week, I would love to tell you a bit about one of my partners from Bangladesh that offers all things made of cane. Traditionally, cane artisans in Bangladesh produced household items like baskets for carrying rice or other agricultural products. It was a skill passed down from mother to child, especially within the country’s Hindu communities. In recent years, however, plastic has slowly crept into the market, competing with natural fiber basketry.

This week I am delighted to share some beautiful finds from my partner in Mexico (Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya), who has been working hard to create employment opportunities for master craftsmen and women impacted by the pandemic. In partnership with enterprises around Mexico and guidance from Igenris and the United Nations Development Program, they have created a non-profit to promote the production activity of artisans in Mexico who have been affected by the uncertainty caused by social distancing measures. The non-profit guarantees fair income to families and communities with a mission to help preserve the heritage and cultural identity of Mexico.

Throughout my time in the field, I’ve seen a lot of product from Colombia but I find these handbags to be among the country’s most special and beautiful finds. For those of you looking for a new line of fresh bags for summer, take a peek! I love the use of natural colors, some more subdued and others with a bit more boldness and energy. The line really does speak for itself – it’s pure beauty, articulated in the exquisite details of construction.