Yanawara

Yanawara partners with artisans and entrepreneurs in the Bolivian artisan industry. The majority of these artisans are women, working from home or in small workshops. Many have been working in the artisan industry for generations or joined it as a means to be independent and support their families with dignity. 

We are deeply committed to honoring their traditions and sustainable practices, starting with “mutual breeding”, an ancestral, harm-free process that involves a mutual care, love and respect of animals, people and the environment. 

The alpaca wool used in our timeless designs is locally and sustainably sourced. In addition to being deeply linked to Bolivia’s culture, it is also a fine fiber that is both warm and lightweight, incredibly soft and hypoallergenic.

Our artisans use traditional spinning techniques and non-dyed colors, where the richness of the fibers’ natural colors can be fully appreciated, and natural dyes made with local plants. The weaving process is also carried out with great expertise and care, which is why each of our products is of the highest quality. We use flat domestic knitting machines; pedal looms and some pieces are all handmade.

We develop close relationships with each of our artisan partners. This allows us to collaborate together through the design, planning and production process. We also visit their workshops to guarantee that the manufacturing process is as ethical as possible. This also enables us to be transparent and provide real costs to our partners, clients and all parties involved.