By Natalie Cederbaum 

 

September came to a close with the highly anticipated fashion week in the iconic city of Paris, France. Alongside the dazzling fashion runways and exclusive events, the Parisian fashion scene shone brightly with the introduction of the latest edition of the Tranoi Fair. 

 

From September 28th to October 1st, a curated selection of designers and artists showcased their creations through installations and exhibitions at the Palais Brongniart (Bag Palace) in Paris. Amidst the diverse array of companies, Latin America garnered significant attention with the participation of prominent brands such as Amarena, Aguaclara, Ana G, Fringe, Kero Design, and Pampa. These six Peruvian brands stood out by presenting collections that beautifully encapsulated the rich cultural heritage of their country. 

Tranoi fair space, Paris. 

Image taken from PromPeru´s instagram. 

 

Belonging to the MOLA Hub network within the MOLA Universe program, the Amarena brand of women’s accessories and clothing presents a collection that draws inspiration from the exquisite craftsmanship, classic fabrics, and vibrant colors of Peru. By utilizing national and renewable resources such as wicker, cotton, vegetable fiber, and toquilla straw, Amarena strives to preserve ancestral practices while prioritizing the fair value of each garment. Mapi Casafranca, the founder of Amarena, declares, “One of my goals is to establish a business model rooted in fair trade and sustainable production. It is essential to shift our focus from personal gain to the well-being of all individuals involved in the value chain.”  

Amarena design. 

Image taken from Amarena´s instagram.  

 

Liliana and Jorge Villalobos, the creators of Aguaclara, offered beach fashion designs that are inspired by the golden age of Costa Azul and infused with the Latin essence. Aguaclara is dedicated to producing timeless products that are crafted by native artisans. «Our objective is not only to expand our business, but also to preserve and share the Peruvian heritage,» explain the Villalobos brothers. 

Aguaclara design. 

Image taken from Aguaclara´s instagram.  

 

The fashion brand Ana G has presented «Echoes of the Sea,» an innovative concept inspired by the beautiful beaches of Peru, particularly Paracas and Huanchaco. Their designs are characterized by vibrant colors and intricate prints that reflect the country’s nature and society. Additionally, the brand takes a sustainable approach by utilizing certified inks sourced from indigenous communities. Ana Maria Guiulfo, the driving force behind the brand, is deeply committed to social development. She actively works towards improving the education of underprivileged children through the association «Aprendemos Juntos.» 

 

Ana G design. 

Image taken from Ana G´s instagram.  

Fringe exhibited knitted garments inspired by flowers, plants, land, and the sea. Their products honor traditional techniques rooted in heritage that are combined with new technologies. Lucy Barandiaran, their creative director, focuses on creating timeless pieces with processes that generate low or no carbon footprint through certified spinning and natural fiber made by local artisans. “We implement ethical practices of fair trade and sustainability,” explains Fringe. 

Fringe design. 

Imagen taken from Fringe´s instagram. 

 

Taking as references the mountains of the Sierra, the waves, and the Amazon rainforest, Kero Design surprised with versatile, handmade garments with a strong Peruvian identity. Their products are composed of elements such as alpaca wool and Pima cotton and are made with knitting machines that work without electrical energy. Moreover, they are Fair Trade certified by Peru, obtained in 2014. “We know the true luxury is not mass production or destruction of the environment, but to be socially responsible. The know-how of the ancient Peruvians is in the souls and the hands of today’s artisans,” explains Mariella Gonzales, their founder.  

Kero design. 

Image taken from Kero Design´s instagram. 

Finally, we have Pampa and their proposal called “Nostalgia Histórica” (Historical Nostalgia). A project that celebrates millennial techniques through the use of innovative materials, natural fibers, handicrafts, and knitwear tailoring. Each manufacturing process is meticulously taken cared of thanks to their commitment to transparency and ethics.  “Be proud of your roots and culture, there lives your real essence,” affirms Victor Pérez, one of the directors of the firm.  

Pampa design. 

Image taken from Pampa´s instagram.