Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Made for a traveler...





This time our love for traveling gather together with our passion for doing handmade things. We'd taken an old suitcase we found at home, and we made of it a completely new one using some swatches, textile paintings and accessories, we got inspired by a vintage concept, including a bit of this 'traveler enthusiasm' that came along. It's actually pretty cool! to feel unique at the airport when everyone has an usual 'boring blue or black...luggage' :D That's why we couldn't resist at doing something special and personal in a very easy way.
In the back, we've put together different pieces of fabric. In a form of patchwork, since is a bit difficult to sew a suitcase especially because it's always done of a very thick material, we have used first a fabric glue to keep the pieces steady. Afterwards, It's pretty easy to sew them just from one side and you would be able to keep it clean and in the right position.
In the front part, we have covered all the pocket with a simple fabric to start painting the base and make the full design. We have chosen some doodles that we made firstly with a pencil and then with a fabric marker for the details, however the whole design is made up with textile paintings. We also added little accessories that complete and adorn all the suitcase.
Get started at doing something beautiful and unique! because there is nothing more special than something done with your own hands, this object will have life and an endless beauty. And this is simply amazing! :D

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Shooting in Ecuador

The passion for street photography brought us directly to Ecuador, an awesome country to discover and reconnect with the Latin roots which have inspired this blog. 
This country is magic, color and tradition. If there is a place known for a strong remarkable culture and a well preserved heritage, it's Ecuador.That's why this place has tonnes of things to show off and feel proud about. 

 In Latin America in general the environment always feels like more spontaneous, the weather can determine a whole culture; and Ecuador itself is a good example of great climate and genuine tropical atmosphere. It's not a surprise to find people dancing or just simply eating on the street, the lifestyle here is casual and wild and you will never have excuses to don't have fun.
Market in Otavalo
Street photography is always a challenge over here! For sure you will find stunning images and shoots, but at the same time it could be intimidating, since all the eyes are on you. Going around with a huge camera is not like an usual thing you can see here, and of course you have to be aware, because unfortunately in our countries you might be affected by insecurity.
What really can surprise you in Ecuador is to see the typical costume to be worn in almost every Ecuadorian woman, you can hardly find this authenticity in the rest of Latin America, but here, It's pretty normal and it simply looks so beautiful and distinctive. For a fashion designer this place could be extremely inspiring...the fabrics, the tradition, the colors and all the culture can provide you a whole artistic concept to create an interesting collection.
The Ecuadorian woman's dress is the closest to the Incan costumes worn in the Andes. It consists in a white blouse, a blue skirt and a shawl is usually worn. The jewelry is very important, layers of necklaces of predominantly gold beads and red coral bracelets are the most common form of jewelry worn by the Otavalo woman. 
The biggest craft market in the country is located in Otavalo, a truly indigenous city. Every Saturday at the 'Plaza de los Ponchos' you will have the opportunity to look at all the stands and shops offering tonnes of different handmade products, such: wool, clothes, crafts, jewelry, carpets, wooden products  and more... It's a huge treasure for me, since almost all these things could not be even found in Europe, and outside the country it could be really expensive. Over here, you can spend just 100 dollars and get marvelous unique stuffs made by the natives.
One of the places we liked most from Quito (the Ecuadorian capital) Was La Ronda neighborhood. It's a long street close to the Palace of Carondelet, in the city center, it really shows all the creativity of many Ecuadorian artist which have their shops here, you can find things from the lowest prices till the most fancy products made in the country, like: chocolate, clothes, beauty products, indian crafts and all handmade!


Thursday, February 13, 2014

The Parisian guide!


Spending a few days in Paris is a fantastic experience that everyone would like to live. Paris has an appeal that is absolutely unique, its extraordinary environment and the outstanding style of this city is remarkable and inspiring at the same time. This place is definitely an obligated venue, nonetheless, I know some people who just fell in love at first sight with this place, and also some people, who just don't like it. My question always was...why does it happen? 
Paris at the end, it's a huge city with a strong personality, maybe it could be a bit intimidating for some, it's also a place with lot of diversity and you have to get used to it; But Paris has this magical energy that makes you feel like you got the world in your hands. Just having in front of your eyes the Eiffel Tower or the Notre-Dame Cathedral are experiences with no comparison. But, which I love most from Paris is that the famous known monuments are not even the 10 percent of the city. There you have a whole place to discover! There are things for everyone, and in every corner there is the possibility to find an interesting and surprising thing, that's why I think everyone should give the chance in life to get to know this place for some days and just fall in love with the French capital. Whatever you are looking for, this metropolis has a tremendous greatness, an iconic beauty and a bunch of things to offer you and surprise you.