On a remote location in the Caribbean coast of Colombia lays an off-the-beaten-path desert paradise with dramatic landscapes and virgin beaches.  The matriarchal Wayuu tribe has called it home for centuries.  On a recent trip to the Guajira, the Kaanas company was inspired to develop a collection of espadrilles using traditional Wayuu patterns.  Inspired by the beauty of their creation, Kaanas wanted to design an item that would deliver to the world the uniqueness they found there.  A new take on the traditional espadrille seemed like just the thing.  By merging century-old textile designs with a chic new silhouette, they created an updated slip-on perfect to be worn throughout the seasons.  Each KAANAS slip-on is carefully made by hand in a small artisanal shop in Colombia in collaboration with a local weaving mill.  

 

Kaanas originates from the word used by the Wayuu tribe for the intricate designs of their textiles.  Legend has it that a spider called Wale Keru showed the women of the tribe how to weave.  To this day, the women use their trade to sustain themselves and their families in the inhospitable desert of the Guajira.  

 

Their philosophy is:

Look for the sun, even when it's cloudy. 

The best way to learn about the world is to see it.

Family should never be far, even if they are.

(True) style shouldn't be painful.

Keep it simple.

Trust your feet; they'll take  you where you need to go.

Don't look back, you're not headed that way.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

 

 

 

 http://www.theembroideryboutique.com/collections/new-arrivals

March 24, 2015 — Rhodes Boutique