Trenzas, or “Braids”, celebrates the interconnectivity between our artisan partners and their communal processes as creatives. We allude to braids in Awamaki’s 2024 Collection as it holds profound symbolic meaning, particularly in the way the women artisans have styled their hair from generation to generation. Their delicate yet strong braids evoke a sense of identity, pride and resistance, while also representing unity, strength, and interconnectedness.
As it relates to the artisans collectively, braids additionally allude to the bond between communities, reflecting mutual support and togetherness. Braids signify resilience and endurance, as the intertwining strands reinforce each other, making the braid stronger than its individual parts. That is the magic of the cooperatives with whom we partner. The women create a sense of community as together they spin, dye, weave and sew the beautiful designs, imprinting immense value on each individual, handmade piece.