Behind the Label | Miss Mochila
Declared the of- the- moment bag by Vogue Paris, Miss Mochila?s vibrantly colored hand-woven bags and bracelets are quickly becoming the fashion industries summer staple. Read what founder Chloe Abadi has to say about her work with the Wayuu Indian Tribe and about new trends for the upcoming Miss Mochila?s collection.Declared the of- the- moment bag by Vogue Paris, Miss Mochila?s vibrantly colored hand-woven bags and bracelets are quickly becoming the fashion industries summer staple. Read what founder Chloe Abadi has to say about her work with the Wayuu Indian Tribe and about new trends for the upcoming Miss Mochila?s collection.
What inspired you to create your collection?
I would visit my husband's native country and would see all these beautiful hand crafted, brightly colored accessories and instantly fell in love with them. I inquired about where they were made and found out that a small group on Indians call the Wayuu made everything by hand and passed the craft down through the generations. I wanted to help promote these amazing creations and we started working together. It inspires me that such amazing items can have such a humble start.
I would visit my husband's native country and would see all these beautiful hand crafted, brightly colored accessories and instantly fell in love with them. I inquired about where they were made and found out that a small group on Indians call the Wayuu made everything by hand and passed the craft down through the generations. I wanted to help promote these amazing creations and we started working together. It inspires me that such amazing items can have such a humble start.
What is unique about your process of production?
Each Bag and Bracelet are hand woven by the women of this small Indian tribe, no two styles are exactly the same. Each unique pattern is produced by memory and with different colors. Some are more Spring/Summer with bright neon colors and others more Fall/Winter with browns and neutrals.
Your label is fresh, cool and screams summer! What else do you have in the pipeline to help carry on this amazing Wayuu tradition of mochila making?
I'm currently working with the tribe to create different styles and silhouettes for bags and bracelets. I would like to incorporate maybe metal pieces and wooden parts to spice things up a bit. Miss Mochila is always expanding. In the future, you can expect to see some great beach items. I don?t want to give away too much but the next collection is amazing.
Describe Miss Mochila in 3 words.
Bohemian, colorful, luxurious ? because that?s what defines each piece in the Miss Mochila collection!
What is your favorite Miss Mochila piece?
I'm loving the new Bogota for this summer's must have! Its perfect for carrying your towel and shoes to the beach and still use your arms and hands since this bag is a back pack!
Who is your Muse? Describe the Miss Mochila Girl?
The Miss Mochila girl is a woman who is a bit avant guard and bohemian but also very chic. Its an effortless casual look but always seems well put together. Women who embody the Miss Mochila spirit are Kate Moss, Poppy and Cara Delevigne, Alexa Chung and The Olsen Sisters.
Vogue's Valerie Boster
Image courtesy Vogue.com
Tell us about your relationship with the Wayuu people and how it influences your product.
I have a very close relationship with the tribe, going there at least five times a year. They teach me so much about their culture and their dedication to work. It's truly amazing.
What is the best and worst part of working with local artisans and helping them to preserve their cultural heritage?
There is nothing bad about it ? only amazing experiences. I look forward to working with the women of the Wayuu tribe as well as expand to work with other South American local artisans.
How would you describe your own style? Please name the three staples of your wardrobe you could never live without.
I am a hippy. A real one. that?s the only and best way to describe my style. Three things I cant live without:
1. My Miss Mochila bag, obviously
2. Sunglasses
3. Friendship bracelets
Your collection has a strong global vibe- What are some of your favorite cities to visit and why? Cartagena Colombia, Los Angeles, and Formentera Spain. Los Angeles, because that?s where I want to live ? I'll end up there someday for sure. Formenta because I feel like I fit in most there - it is a super hippy place to be. And I chose Cartagena because that is where Miss Mochila stems from.
What are some of the destinations on your bucket list?
Australia and Brazil
How would you describe your travel style?
I'm a light traveler. As long as I have jean shorts, a bikini, sunglasses and my Miss Mochila bag I have all that I need!
What three products from L-atitude are you coveting most right now?
Globetrotter Stats:
? Souk or Department Stores? Souk
? DIY or Concierge Service? Concierge Service
? Buy Everything or Buy Nothing? Everything!
? Camping or 5-Star Hotel? Hotel
? Drive or be Driven? Driven
? Room Service or Street Food? Street Food
? Lots of Luggage or Carry-on Bag? Lots of Luggage
Shop the Miss Mochila collection, here.
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