Christmas Gift Guide
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First things first, I wanted to wish you Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas! If you are new to Mariposa Skies, welcome and even those who are avid fans, welcome to the Mariposa Skies' Christmas Gift Guide! Some of you may already know this about Mariposa Skies, but I wanted to take this opportunity to reiterate it- especially during this holiday season- I really want you to know that Mariposa Skies at its core is about connecting to one another. So what does that mean for this holiday season? Well to me it means that no matter where you decide to purchase your gifts, let me encourage you to take the time to give gifts with meaning. Take that giving even one step further- and give gifts filled with stories so that we may have the opportunity to connect with each other.
Thus this year I created a Christmas Gift Guide so you have the opportunity to do just that. Through your Mariposa Skies gift purchases you are supporting small women run businesses all over this world. I wanted to remind you that each item is made by a human soul. I know we know that, but there is something that is deep and profound about really understanding that and reminding ourselves that actual people make these beautiful pieces of fashion.
Sneak Peak of the Holiday Gift Guide
Last year I started a little holiday tradition here at Mariposa Skies and wanted to expand it this year to a Christmas Gift Guide. My wish during this holiday season is to connect people through their stories. I want people to know the 'who' who are behind the looks of Mariposa Skies. Of course, in this Christmas Gift Guide, you will see the fashion they make as well and have the opportunity to purchase it for your own gift giving. I just feel that it is so important to make sure we connect to each other through the gifts we give as well as receive.
My Christmas wish this season is to change the art of giving and have it be more about the stories and more importantly about the people. So help my Christmas wish come true and bring worlds together by deciding to purchase items for your loved ones that have meaning and a purpose.
Christmas Gift Guide: The importance of story and people
Mariposa Skies has the honor to carry beautiful one of a kind designs in fashion from around the world that are handmade by incredibly talented artisans. I am even more honored to have the opportunity to share them with you!
I also have a responsibility to the artisans Mariposa Skies represents- to make sure they are represented in their truest form. It's especially important to make sure the story of who they are and what their fashion means to them is understood by everyone. So without further ado...Mariposa Skies' Christmas Gift Guide!
Christmas Gift Guide: The artisans, the stories, the fashion
Meet Yuki of Ciclo
There once was a Japanese designer named Yuki. She studied Studio Art at a university in the U.S. After she returned home to Japan, she became interested in the Japanese arts and crafts- especially traditional knots and the meanings they have. In Japanese tradition everything has its place and a special meaning. The traditions of knots in fashion from the past is no different. She says: “Every knot has its own meaning. I make my accessories praying that they will bring happiness and good luck to whomever wears them.”
Shop Yuki's Beautiful Looks
Meet Jeanne of Sesame&Orion
There was once a French designer, Jeanne, who traveled to Buenos Aires and discovered the magic of colors and light so particular to South America. Out of this fascination was born Sesame&Orion, a brand of textile jewelry 100% handmade with anti-allergic materials. Her technique with satin ribbons on bronze forms truly creates a one of a kind piece. Jeanne now lives in Buenos Aires. She told me she has always found her way back to Argentina. Sesame&Orion was conceived while she was staying in the mountains of Mendoza. So you can truly say that nature inspires each piece.
Shop Jeanne's Beautiful Looks
Meet Luh of Bolenat
There once was a Balinese designer named Luh who works with her brother. They partnered up to open Bolenat. She is in charge of the shop and occasionally makes some necklaces, while her brother, Wayan makes and designs each one by hand. I couldn't help but fall in love with all the beautiful colors and tassels! If I hadn't trekked down Monkey Forest Road- an hours walk from Ubud city center- I would have never found Luh and her amazing work. These were the most beautiful tassel beaded necklaces I had seen in Ubud, Bali. And trust me...I saw A LOT!
Shop Luh's Beautiful Looks
Meet Sofia of Lanaria
There once was a Argentine designer named Sofia, who believes in what she does and how she does it! Viví simple, viví bien is Lanaria's tag line. I lived simple, I lived well is what it translates to in English. Lanaria was born from the passion for fabrics, materials and textures. Sofia creates pieces of textile jewelry that are elegant, functional and versatile. Her focus is on simple concepts, processes, manual techniques, and ethical production. In each series she works from a playful perspective, offering the possibility of personalizing the pieces and colors.
Shop Sofia's Beautiful Looks
Meet Ketut Lastri of Laba Creative
There once was a Balinese designer named Ketut Lastri, who owns one of the few women led businesses in Ubud, Bali. She designs amazing clutches, wallets, shoes, sandals and boots using a traditional Balinese woven fabric that is still handmade on a loom. She creates wearable fashion with a modern twist. Traditions of culture are mixed with vibrant modernity! Brilliantly, she crosses the love of her culture and fashion to make one of a kind styles.
Shop Ketut Lastri's Beautiful Looks
Meet Giselle of Espontonea Baires
There once was a designer named Giselle. She loved working with leather. Her dream came true when she started to make leather purses, wallets and jewelry. She does everything by hand literally down to the stitching. Her creations are a work of colorful art. Every piece is unique to the leather that binds it. Using only textiles in the leather world she patches and stitches cuff bracelets, wallets, purses, earrings, and rings together. She works with leather remnants which make her items up-cycled. Pretty amazing!
Shop Giselle's Beautiful Looks
Meet Daniela of Decimononica
There once was a Argentine designer named Daniela who chose to show her craft to the world, so she decided to create Decimononica which means 19th century in Spanish. Daniela puts great importance on the brand's attention to detail. This is seen in the selection of materials she uses, mainly using felt and aluminum. She forms each and every one of these truly unique items by hand. If you have never seen jewelry made from aluminum-it is striking and extremely light weight.
Shop Daniela's Beautiful Looks
Christmas Gift Guide: Celebrating each other
There you have it! Mariposa Skies' Christmas Gift Guide 2017 told according to the Artisans themselves. I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about the 'who' who is behind the look of Mariposa Skies. I always love show casing the artisans themselves as well as their talent! That is why I love working with creatives; they bring a beauty to this world that features not only themselves but their culture as well.
I know there is so much going on in this world that is not joyful or kind, but I wanted to remind you that there is good in this world! We just need to take the time to change our perspective and look for that good instead of focusing on the bad. This is another reason I do what I do, so that people's cultures and really the people are celebrated for the beauty they bring to this planet through the fashion they create. After all, what is life without the connections we make with one another?
Wishing you the happiest of holidays and sending all my love this season!
Katy Schlegel
Creator and Owner of Mariposa Skies
Now that you have Mariposa Skies exclusive Christmas Gift Guide, who will you be gifting presents to this holiday season? Post a comment, I would love to hear from you!
If you would like to check out Mariposa Skies' curated Holiday Gift Guide, click the link below!
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