Taller Maya Dress Made By Artisans in Campeche a Finalist for the MIDA FAIR TRADE Awards 2024 in South Africa

I ventured to Campeche with Taller Maya and Fundacion de Haciendas to meet the Guatemalan artisans who have established themselves in the communities of Laureles and Quetzales of Campeche. They are master artisans using waist looms and techniques they have brought from their native Guatemala. Carola, the founder of Fundacion de Haciendas, made an exciting announcement as we were on break and eating lunch. The Cruz dress was made in collaboration with the artisans from these communities, and the designer Denisse Kuri was chosen as a finalist in the prestigious Fair Trade awards this year in South Africa. The artisans were told this over lunch and were surprised and humbled by this great honor and it was beautiful to witness their reaction as they were given the news!
 

Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya/Taller Maya, known for its collaboration with artisanal workshops across the Yucatán Peninsula, has reached an exciting milestone as a finalist for the prestigious MIDA Awards 2024. This recognition highlights excellence in design and fair trade practices, showcasing products that embrace innovation, quality, and cultural heritage. The foundation is competing with the Cruz Dress, part of the Entrelazado slow fashion collection, designed in collaboration with Mexican designer Denisse Kuri.

The awards ceremony will be held during the 17th Fair Trade Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, from September 17 to 20, 2024. This event, organized by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), brings together key global players in the fair trade movement, honoring the best practices in the industry. Being selected as a finalist not only emphasizes the international importance of Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya/Taller Maya but also showcases its commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and the preservation of ancient Mayan traditions.

Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya/Taller Maya’s involvement in the MIDA Awards 2024 represents the fusion of contemporary design with time-honored artisanal techniques. The Cruz Dress is a prime example of this collaboration, standing out as a handcrafted piece inspired by the traditional huipil. Woven on a backstrap loom with intricate brocade details by Guatemalan Mayan artisans living in Laureles and Quetzales in Campeche, the design revives techniques that had disappeared from the community. This revival was made possible through the partnership between Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya/Taller Maya and Denisse Kuri, making the artisans central figures in this cultural resurgence. The back of the dress features a hand-woven raw-colored canvas created on a pedal loom by Chiapas artisans, enhancing the garment’s authenticity and elegance.

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The Cruz Dress represents the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, with a timeless design that transcends fleeting trends. The collaboration with Denisse Kuri preserves the spirit of ancient techniques while embracing a modern silhouette. Its neutral color palette and simplicity make it ideal for today’s women, who value delicate craftsmanship. High-quality materials ensure that this piece not only stands the test of time but also retains its allure as a work of art.

As a member of the WFTO community, Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya/Taller Maya reaffirms its dedication to promoting fair trade and sustainable development. Being a finalist in the MIDA Awards 2024 is a testament to their hard work and a reflection of the values shared with the WFTO, where quality, innovation, and respect for cultural traditions are paramount.

Events like the Fair Trade Summit play a vital role in enhancing the visibility of the artisanal sector in Mexico. Participation in such international platforms allows Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya/Taller Maya to showcase the cultural richness and talent of Mexican artisans to the world while promoting fair trade as a respectful and sustainable economic model. These efforts are crucial in preserving traditions, creating economic opportunities for artisans, and strengthening global recognition of Mexican craftsmanship as a cultural treasure.

Explore Mexican Craftsmanship

Dive into the richness of Mexican craftsmanship and bring home a piece of our culture. Visit our online store to discover unique, handcrafted pieces that tell stories of tradition and authenticity. Own a work of art that represents the essence of Mexico!

For more information on Taller Maya and the project you can go here: https://www.tallermaya.org/

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