Hi! I'm Caroline
I'm a Peruvian-American Fashion Designer and mentor.
My work explores Peruvian culture from both a modern and ancient lens. Though Fashion and Textile research is my focus, my eagerness to learn and collaborate with others has allowed me to become an interdisciplinary designer and artist.
Why Fashion Design?
Even though I spent most of my childhood in the US, Peruvian culture remains deeply ingrained in my young heart's memories. Spanish may be my mother tongue, but dancing is my primary and most eloquent language! I recall spending countless hours dancing to traditional Peruvian music like Marinera Norteña, Festejo, and Huaylas in our living room. My admiration for Peruvian music runs deep, and I've developed a profound affection for the customary attire. The vibrant embroidery has captivated me, as it vividly portrays the rich history of our ancestors.
Upon relocating to Peru in 2008, I eagerly joined Folklore Dance classes. It was a dream fulfilled, delving into both international and Peruvian cultures through a myriad of rhythms. Since then, I've been dancing ceaselessly, using it as a fantastic avenue to embrace and understand the vast cultural tapestry of our country.
As I started exploring different regions of Peru, I became aware of our abundant resources and the remarkable skills of our artisans. Despite this, we were categorized as a third-world country. This realization sparked my interest in the intersection of Fashion and Economics, which I delved into during my final two years of high school through the IB Diploma program. Since then, I've dedicated myself to daily research, learning from experts across various disciplines, and partnering with Peruvian artisans. My aim is to reimagine and promote ethical and sustainable fashion practices.
Life by the Ocean
I was born in Virginia, USA, but as the daughter of a Naval officer, I grew up constantly on the move. The ocean was my constant companion during those travels, fostering in me a deep love, appreciation, and above all, respect for our oceans.
At the age of 15, I began designing swimsuits for family and friends in Peru. However, witnessing the litter strewn across our beach excursions prompted me to reflect on my environmental impact as both an individual and a budding entrepreneur. This led me to develop a keen interest in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, sparking thoughts on how supply chains can adopt circular practices.
In January 2022, my sister Emily and I launched a swimwear brand called Tigrilo. As the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, we witnessed the financial and medical struggles faced by friends in distant places. Tourism, which had long been a lifeline for artisans throughout Peru, vanished overnight, leaving many in dire straits.
In response, Emily and I teamed up with Jovita Maynas, a talented Shipibo artisan, to establish our business. Our mission is to create economic opportunities for women in remote communities, honoring tradition while championing the health of our planet. Our swimsuits are crafted from recycled PET bottles sourced from Colombia; our prints are co-designed in Pucallpa and Lima, Peru; and the final products are printed, cut, and sewn in Lima.
Collaborations and Workshops with Shipibo Artisans
Ucayali, Peru
I’ve always been intrigued by the Amazon Rainforest, but it wasn’t until the end of my Freshman Year at Parsons School of Design that I decided to travel to Ucayali, Peru, where I began learning firsthand about the Shipibo people. There are both beautiful and challenging aspects to life in the rainforest. As a designer, I seek to find a balance between ecological and cultural preservation and align those goals with improving the living conditions of the local community.
During my initial visit, I had the opportunity to assist Jovita Mayna in a patternmaking workshop. We embarked on a several-hour boat journey along the Ucayali River, arriving at Paohyan, the largest Shipibo community in Peru, home to approximately 1500 residents. Jovita's talent, adaptability, and warmth are truly indescribable. As a Shipibo artisan, Jovita introduced the artisans of Paohyan to patternmaking in their native language.
Though Shipibo artisans excel in painting, dyeing, and embroidery, sewing is a skill they are keen to develop. Since then, we have been collaborating and learning from one another. Our objective is to return and reach more communities to offer more advanced workshops, fostering ongoing skill development.
