“My contact with the superficial aspect of fashion made me look for a new direction in my professional career.”

This is how, in the middle of 2008,  she made the decision to begin a new adventure and travel to San Cristobal de las Casas to make this pueblo mágico her new home. Through the contact that Claudia has with artisans from various communities in los Altos de Chiapas, she created the brand Chamuchic which celebrates the beauty of the artisans creating a harmonious balance between the traditional and the contemporary.

“Artisans’ hands work with the back-strap loom and embroideries, they mold clay and draw ancient maya motifs with natural dyes. Chamuchic directs their creativity and skill  with knowledge from a market that is foreign to them, but one that they depend on for the survival of their ancient tradition.”

We invite you to check out the line of timeless accessories inspired by an urban lifestyle and made by artisanal techniques with natural materials. Chamuchic places a special emphasis on the task of rescuing and promoting traditional maya designs, renovating them through new products and color combinations. www.chamuchic.com

“The museum script is based on traditional uses of the pieces, that is to say, the principal reason they were made.” Santiago Garfías

The collection is divided and catalogued into 4 sections: Utilitarian, Ritual, Decorative and New Design.

One of the most interesting sections from this museum’s proposal is the display of raw materials, half-completed pieces, waist and pedal looms, tools for the extraction and production of semi-hard fiber objects, masks and wood pieces. Through these objects the visitor is able to understand  traditional production techniques and afterwards, he or she can admire and understand the craftsmanship of completed pieces.

The collection includes objects made from pottery, stonework and lapidary, vegetable fibers, wood, animal materials, metalwork, diverse materials (toys, masks, dance costumes, miniatures, pyrotechnics) and textiles.

For a virtual tour of this magnificent exhibition, visit this link: www.ledetour.com/arte_popular

Below, a sample of some of the responses.

“Why wouldn’t I like Fábrica Social if they’re succeeding at conserving the artisan tradition of various groups of indigenous Mexicans, taking their products out of the local context and projecting them internationally? The work they are doing is as good as gold. They bring us closer to the magic of the artisans, women that have been practicing their traditions for generations, they value them, give them a space to exist, and they respect them. You guys transmit this look of admiration towards the exquisite tradition of weaving, embroidery, etc.

Fábrica Social is pumping oxygen in both directions: the producers and the consumers. Their project emanates love, respect and culture, something which is not easy to find these days. Their conscience and commitment is very evident, it’s always a welcome surprise to find businesses like that. Congratulations once again for the new showroom. Surely it’ll be a success. Cariños.”  ~Michaela González

“I feel that in Mexico there are many artisans that create absolutely beautiful things but for different situations, they can’t make their work known, or in many cases, people don’t truly appreciate what they’re doing, this is what I love about Fábrica Social, that they are committed to providing artisans with a source of work while adhering to Fair Trade so they receive what their work is truly worth.

Additionally, this is a way to really know about all the beautiful things that we have in Mexico, but above all, to know about these people and a big part of their culture.” ~Denisse Pérez

“What I like about Fábrica Social, besides the fact that the pieces they make are 100% Mexican, is the support they give to indigenous women and through their work, they express Mexican culture from different regions of the country, as well as a combination with the contemporary but without losing the essence of the piece.” ~Roberta Camargo

“Well, for me, I like Fábrica Social’s proposal because it’s about indigenous artisans with a modern life. Looking at this from two angles, you help to make sure that their work isn’t devalued, and as you guys have a “status” (something that I don’t agree with, but society functions with these stupid conventions), people don’t haggle, for example, if someone sees a piece made from an indigenous artisan in  Fusión, they don’t haggle and because of this, the artisans don’t have to demerit their work.

The other issue is that you make it possible that in our current and urban fashion, we continue using the oldest elements from our culture, assuring that our cultural heritage doesn’t die away; or that a group of people who continues believing that by maintaining their roots they can–grossly–feed themselves doesn’t either.” ~Areli Palacios

“…is made up of passionate and intelligent women who seek to empower female artisans so that they can develop a professional and successful project. At the same time, they provide the necessary tools so the women can increase their income and improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and their community. They have developed a professional and responsible methodology that has detonated a sustainable and long-term economic development.

It is a pleasure to work with you and I hope that in addition to opening the showroom very soon, we can open our store.” ~Leticia Jauregui

Thanks to everyone for your continued support and interest!

In January, Jorge Pérez Boeneker (designer of the no-longer Fábrica Social store in Mexico City and FS logo) and Nadia Williams (FS collaborator) joined the group of Mixteca artisans in the beautiful Costa Chica of the state of Oaxaca to come up with ideas for a few new items to increase their sales for 2011. 

Though a short visit (moreso since the incredible back-strap loom technique seems to swallow time), there was enough time to solidify new home items, accessories and a new garment as well as to reflect on how much this group has accomplished over the past 5 years while collaborating with Fabrica Social.   

Agustina reflected on how she and her compañeras used to say they couldn’t make certain designs because they felt they weren’t capable.. But after learning new techniques over the past few years, they realize they were actually just scared, but that they can.

Nadia’s participation in the workshop is part 2 of a 3-part plan to continue the design development of collaborating artisan groups sponsored by Parsons the New School for Design‘s Faculty Research Fund.  Up next: Dzitnup!

This Sunday, Dec 12:  10am-8pm

Metropolitan Pavilion, NYC (18th st at 6th ave), Booth 31

The Craftacular is always packed with amazing hand-made products. 

Stop by to catch the latest Fabrica Social designs, and stay to finish the rest of your holiday shopping at the other incredible booths! 

All items are one-of-a-kind, and this will be our only Holiday sale in the US. 

And since we’re taking a break from selling in US stores, you won’t want to miss out on this unique opportunity! 

Hope to see you there!

Look for us in the first aisle on the 18th street side!

For now, here are a few new festive Fábrica Social items that will be on sale.. Embroidery by Dzitnup, wool items by Teotitlán. 

Looking forward to seeing all of our local FS supporters again soon!

Here’s a sneak peek of a new item created in collaboration with Feliza:

The highlight of this trip was collaborating with local artisan Olegario (introduced to the group by Dulce during her last visit to Yohocuaha) who lives and works in a neighboring community.  His jicara -carving technique is impeccable, and he was more than happy to collaborate on a few accents for Yohocuaha’s new collection. 

As impressive as his technique is his loving collaboration with his wife Mari, who conducts the sales of their business.   It was inspiring to learn about Olegario’s dedication to sharing his knowledge with his Mixteca community and improving their well-being.  

We’re looking forward to sharing more about Yohocuaha’s new items soon!