lightweight robe

Guatemala's Luisa Villavicencio designs an elegant long-sleeved sweater that is knit with the cotton harvested at her family's farm. Featuring natural ivory and Wedgwood blue horizontal stripes, the sweater is also knit with recycled denim fibers. Villavicencio says, "I designed this sweater considering the desires of today's women to dress in casual elegance."

Alfredo Falcon of Peru designs this striped acrylic poncho with bold colors and a mixture of geometric motifs. A touch of baby alpaca gives adds to the poncho's warmth and feel. Lightweight, the poncho makes a wonderful layering piece.

Alfredo Falcon learned the craft of weaving from his parents, who learned from their parents before them. He says, “We have been a family devoted to the world of textiles for generations. I use modern colors but I remain true to Incan and colonial motifs.”

Handloomed cotton is lightweight and lovely, woven on a backstrap loom. By weavers from the Community Association of Tzutujil Women, this classic poncho takes its color from groundsel leaves and black peppercorn foliage. It can take up to three days to prepare the threads before the weaving begins.

Bands in Caribbean blue, teal, vermilion, and magenta rise in a colorful harmony over background of lead grey. By Corina and Jesus of Peru, this beautiful sweater is lightweight yet warm, knit from a blend of alpaca wool and acrylic. The tunic sweater falls below the waist and the sleeves are mid-length, which makes this a versatile piece that can be combined with a variety of bottoms and accessories.