In Lima’s Barranco district, where bougainvillea spills over sun-bleached walls and cobblestone streets hum with creativity, Orígenes unfolded like a living tapestry. The air carried the faint scent of sea salt and freshly baked churros as I approached the Centro Cultural Juan Parra del Riego.
This wasn’t just another fashion event. This was a four-day celebration of indigenous craftsmanship, sustainable innovation, and cultural preservation. Orígenes was a call to action, a bridge between past and future, where each thread of tradition intertwined with modernity to tell a story the world desperately needed to hear.
But what exactly makes Peru the ideal epicenter for sustainable fashion? Can the future of global fashion learn something from the ancient techniques and materials still thriving here? And how can events like Orígenes redefine the narrative of luxury, sustainability, and heritage in an industry often mired in exploitation and waste?
As I stepped inside the beautiful colonial style mansion turned fashion venue, I had no idea that over the next few days, my understanding of fashion — and the stories it holds — would unravel and reweave itself in ways I never expected.
A Platform for Pride, Progress, and Possibility
From the moment Orígenes began, the air was electric. The venue felt alive, brimming with designers, artisans, and global experts exchanging ideas and inspiration. Over 33 brands turned the pop-up market into a dazzling mosaic of textures and hues: hand-dyed fabrics, shimmering jewelry, and intricately woven textiles, each piece carrying a story of tradition and passion. Thanks to the warm support of LVMH-owned Belmond Hotels and LATAM Airlines Segundo Vuelo with the SISAN Artisans, the event was elevated into an unforgettable celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
I paused to admire a table of intricately embroidered skirts. The designer leaned in, eyes sparkling, and explained that these patterns had been taught to her by her grandmother, a skill nurtured in the highlands of the Andes. Here, in this bustling marketplace, pride in local craftsmanship was palpable. Bianca Boezewinkel Rivera founder of Alegra Collective, who curated moderated one of the event’s key discussions, captured this sentiment perfectly:
“The event clearly created a space for designers, both emerging and established, to connect and showcase their work. One designer reflected on how much she wished events like these had existed when she began her career.”
Marine Biologist Daniel Caceres Bartra also highlighted the significance of the event for Peru’s growing sustainable fashion movement:
“Orígenes was a great platform to spotlight Peru's sustainable fashion community. It brought together local designers, global experts, and innovative brands, showing that Peru can lead in combining sustainability with cultural heritage.”
Why has it taken so long for a platform like Orígenes to emerge in Peru’s fashion industry? In a country renowned for its alpaca, vicuña, and Pima cotton, the world’s hunger for fast fashion has often overshadowed the value of slow, ethical craftsmanship. But Orígenes signals a change—a growing recognition that sustainable fashion is not just a niche movement but a necessary evolution.
Mirva Trujillo: The Vision Behind Origenes
At the heart of Orígenes is Mirva Trujillo, the driving force behind the Asociación de Moda Sostenible del Perú (AMSP). Trujillo’s mission extends far beyond showcasing beautiful garments; it’s about creating a just and equitable ecosystem where indigenous artisans are not only acknowledged but empowered. In her more than 25 years of work, she has made an impact in over 250 artisan communities in Peru. Her tireless efforts support these artisans, many of whom have spent lifetimes preserving ancient craft techniques passed down through generations.
Trujillo envisions a future where these artisans are not just footnotes in the global fashion industry, but central figures in its evolution. Her work fosters collaboration between designers and indigenous communities, ensuring that artisans are paid fairly, credited properly, and treated with the respect they deserve. This isn’t just about sustaining traditions—it’s about building pathways for these communities to thrive economically, socially, and creatively.
“We’re not just preserving culture,” Trujillo explained, her voice steady with purpose. “We’re building a system where indigenous artisans are valued, respected, and compensated. Progress means having these hard conversations and making sure they lead to meaningful change.”
ZUHE The Brand
Through AMSP, Trujillo has created a platform where artisans receive training, resources, and opportunities to share their craft with a wider audience. This includes masterclasses, workshops, and mentorship programs designed to uplift emerging talent and nurture sustainable practices. By bridging the gap between traditional artistry and modern fashion, AMSP is cultivating an ecosystem where heritage and innovation can coexist and flourish.
Her vision has also sparked a movement of conscious consumerism within Peru and beyond. The organization advocates for transparency in supply chains, encouraging consumers to ask, “Who made my clothes?” and “How was this crafted?” This ethos promotes a deeper connection to the garments we wear and the hands that create them.
Trujillo’s approach underscores a profound truth: Sustainable fashion is about people as much as it is about materials. The artisans who weave, dye, and embroider these exquisite pieces carry within them centuries of cultural knowledge. Their skills are not just techniques—they are stories, histories, and identities woven into every thread.
Yet, the question remains: How do we ensure these artisans receive the recognition and compensation they deserve? How do we dismantle systems of exploitation that have long undervalued their work? Trujillo and AMSP are answering these questions not with rhetoric, but with actionable solutions that foster equity, dignity, and shared prosperity.
BENEAI
The work of Mirva Trujillo and AMSP is a reminder that fashion, at its core, is about human connection. It's a thread that links the past to the future, artisans to consumers, and stories to garments. Thanks to this movement, we are not just witnessing the preservation of heritage; we are participating in the creation of a more just, beautiful, and sustainable world.
Tradition Meets Innovation
In Peru, the threads of tradition and innovation are woven together as naturally as the landscapes that stretch from the Andes to the Amazon. This country, a wellspring of rich, natural fibers, is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in sustainable fashion. Imagine the soft, cloud-like texture of alpaca wool, which makes up a staggering 80% of the world’s supply—a material so durable and eco-friendly, it’s been trusted by Andean communities for centuries. Then there’s the rare and precious vicuña fiber, known as the “gold of the Andes,” gathered ethically through age-old Chaccu ceremonies where communities come together to shear the animals with care and respect. And let’s not forget Pima cotton, grown in fields kissed by the coastal sun, renowned for its silky feel and harvested with an enduring respect for the environment.
At Origenes, these materials weren’t just showcased in their raw, beautiful forms—they were given new life, new purpose. Designers didn’t simply display them; they reimagined them. Each piece was a stunning blend of ancient wisdom and modern creativity, where tradition was honored, innovation flourished, and sustainability felt like a heartfelt promise.
Susana Farro, the winner of the emerging talent competition with AMSP, exemplified this blend of heritage and innovation with her collection “Simbiosis”. Using a seaweed-based biomaterial dyed with turmeric, indigo, and cochineal, her garments dissolve in hot water at the end of their lifecycle, returning to nature. Reinforced with recycled fishing nets, her designs embody the future of circular fashion.
“Thoughtful, conscious, and connected to nature—this is the future of fashion circularity,” I noted, as I marveled at the ingenuity woven into each piece.
Nearby, brands like UNNE demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by farming their own organic cotton. Stephany Geiser showcased sustainable silk prints that honored Pre-Columbian culture through magical designs. And Kené Kaya captivated audiences with pieces that celebrated indigenous art, ethically produced to preserve Peruvian identity.
UNNE
Stories in Motion: The Runway Shows
Over the 4 nights, the days would culminate with anticipation. The runway shows at Orígenes were the living, breathing stories woven into fabric. Each model who stepped onto the runway proudly carried a piece of Peru’s heart, a glimpse of history, a promise of the future. Beneai captured the regal spirit of Shipibo Konibo with designs that draped like modern-day crowns, paying tribute to ancestral craftsmanship. Gaya Joyas adorned models with high jewelry inspired by Peru’s natural beauty, each piece glinting like a leaf caught in sunlight.
The softness of Kuna’s alpaca and vicuña garments felt like an embrace of Andean heritage, sourced ethically and lovingly from the highlands. And then there were Qapary and Ecru, who marry sleek, contemporary style with sustainable materials, speaking to a generation that craves fashion with a conscience.
Perhaps the most touching moment came from Agustina, a regenerative brand working with indigenous artisans from across Peru. After their presentation, the brand brought their head artisan to serenade the audience—a heartfelt tribute to the craftsmanship and culture behind their work.
Watching it all unfold, Christian Duarte, founder of UKIRI Models, offered a poignant reflection: “The name Orígenes alludes to where we come from and how we exist in the present. We are learning more about the honor it is to be able to tell stories of luxury—not the luxury of possessing, but the luxury of truth.” And in that moment, luxury was redefined. It wasn’t about glitz or excess; it was about the beauty of authenticity, heritage, and responsibility. With each confident stride down the runway, the message was clear: these weren’t just clothes—they were chapters in a story we all share, stitched together by the hands of the past, the minds of the present, and the hopes of the future.
Sustainable Brands: Stories Woven into Every Thread
The pop-up market at Orígenes felt like stepping into a living, breathing gallery where heritage, innovation, and sustainability coexist. With 33 sustainable brands under one roof, each brand was a conversation, a story, and a chance to connect with the people behind the craft. The air buzzed with excitement, each table inviting you to touch, learn, and be inspired by the ingenuity of Peruvian designers and artisans.
Take Stephany Geiser, for instance. Her brand focuses on Sustainable Silks, felt like a love letter to Pre-Columbian heritage. Her luxurious silk fabrics, adorned with magical, ancient-inspired prints, was a whimsical nod to stories of Peru’s past. Seeing her designs on the runway showcased that each piece is wearable art, delicate yet powerful, blending history with a modern, sustainable vision.
Ana Tafur of Sake Project showcased pieces that felt like an adventure through the Amazon. Her work with Paiche fish leather and Shiringa, a natural rubber tapped from rainforest trees, brought a sense of wonder and possibility, I was entranced. Inspired by indigenous knowledge, her creations were clever, resourceful, and grounded in respect for the environment—proof that nature and fashion can thrive together.
Then there was Andrea Jose Jewlery, whose glittering jewelry told stories of empowerment. By sourcing gold from women-owned mines and advocating for responsible mining practices, she supports female miners and ensures that beauty doesn’t come at the cost of fairness. Her work feels like a celebration of strength and resilience—each piece a stunning work of art and a reminder that true luxury is rooted in integrity. “Our jewels are the result of an exchange of knowledge and shared values between all the links of the jewelry value chain. Women and textiles are the thread that connect my collections,” she explained.
How could anyone walk past Alessandra Durand of Kené Kaya without feeling an instant pull? The name itself, taken from the Shipibo-Konibo word for “design,” hints at the brand’s soul. Alessandra works side by side with a collective of female artists and artisans from the Peruvian Amazon, and you can feel their shared stories in every piece. Her designs pulse with the rhythm of indigenous identity, carrying forward ancient techniques and the hands that keep them alive. They’re vibrant, raw, and full of spirit — a beautiful blend of past and present. Threads of history woven into something modern, reminding us how powerful it is to honor where we come from.
In this market, every brand had a story to tell, and each story added a layer of depth to what sustainable fashion can be. It wasn’t just about the products; it was about the people, the traditions, and the future they’re working toward. From Canella shoes who created fun and playful shapes with Alpaca and Paiche to Muna’s beautiful woven maxi dresses The pop-up at Orígenes was a joyful, colorful reminder that when we choose ethical craftsmanship, we’re not just buying things—we’re investing in a world where tradition, creativity, and responsibility intertwine beautifully. (See the full list of brand here)
Talks and Discussions: Respecting Cultural Heritage and Identity
The heart of Origenes lay in the runway shows and the marketplace—both underscored by the important conversations sparked during the talks and panel discussions. These sessions tackled some of the most pressing issues in fashion today.
One of the most thought-provoking conversations at Orígenes centered around the often-blurred line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. In a world where fashion frequently borrows (or steals) elements of indigenous cultures, the question loomed large: How can designers collaborate with indigenous artisans without exploiting their heritage?
BENEAI
This wasn’t just an abstract discussion; it was a deeply personal one. The room buzzed with stories—of patterns lifted without credit, of traditional techniques repackaged for profit, of artisans seeing their cultural identity distilled into fleeting trends. There was a shared recognition that fashion has too often taken inspiration without giving acknowledgment or compensation. And in these stories, you could feel a quiet determination to change that.
The consensus was clear and heartfelt: True appreciation means more than just surface-level admiration. It means respecting the origins of the art, collaborating with transparency, and ensuring fair compensation for the artisans who carry these traditions. It means designers asking not just “Can I use this?” but “How can we work together to honor this?” It means understanding the stories, the history, and the people behind the patterns and treating those stories with the reverence they deserve.
As Mirva Trujillo shared, “The goal is to create relationships built on equity and trust, where artisans are seen as co-creators rather than silent contributors. When done right, these collaborations become more than just business—they become bridges between cultures, celebrating heritage while ensuring it thrives for generations to come.” I couldn’t agree more.
At its core, this conversation wasn’t just about fashion ethics; it was about human connection. About seeing the faces, hands, and hearts behind the work. And perhaps most importantly, it was about recognizing that honoring culture isn’t just good practice—it’s a beautiful, necessary way to weave authenticity into the future of fashion.
The role of indigenous artisans in global fashion was another focal point. Mirva Trujillo and other panelists emphasized that these artisans are not just contributors; they are custodians of knowledge. To exclude them is to erase a vital part of fashion’s story.
By Comtesse Isabel
The discussions also addressed the fashion industry’s impact on oceans. Daniel Batra highlighted how synthetic microfibers and chemical waste pollute marine ecosystems. The call to action was clear: embrace biodegradable materials, support circular fashion, and participate in initiatives like clothing swaps.
“Fashion pollutes oceans through microfibers from synthetic clothing and chemical waste from production processes. We need to embrace biodegradable materials, circular fashion models, and better wastewater treatment. Initiatives like clothing swaps and choosing quality over quantity can make a big difference in reducing fashion's impact on the planet.”
Finally, the talks inspired the next generation of designers to think beyond aesthetics and embrace ethical, sustainable practices. Christian Duarte summarized it best:
“Fashion is an excuse to describe our history, and this was an opportunity to understand where we all stand with each other.”
A Future Woven with Hope
As Orígenes drew to a close, I stood outside the venue, the golden glow of Barranco’s streetlights reflecting the warmth I felt inside. The event had answered my questions—and posed new ones. How can the global fashion industry learn from Peru’s blend of tradition and innovation? How can we, as consumers, support this movement of authentic, sustainable fashion?
The artisans and designers of Origenes are showing us the way. They have long understood that fashion is not just about clothing; it’s about stories, respect, and responsibility. Thanks to Orígenes, the world is starting to see it too.
And perhaps, under that star-filled Lima sky, we can all recognize that this is not the end of a story, but the beginning of a movement woven with hope.
BENEAI
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