Guatemalan Handwoven Natural and Recycled Cotton Poncho, "Textures of Guatemala"

Designer Luisa Villavicencio and her family maintain the last remaining cotton farm in Guatemala, where they produce the materials used in their natural fashions. This laid-back poncho is created using undyed cotton and reclaimed denim fibers in a striking asymmetrical design with fringe details.
Luisa's family cultivates cotton in several natural colors, and the family is involved in the entire process, from growing the cotton to transforming it into apparel. Says Luisa, "There are 80 artisans working with us. Some are civil war widows. Others always felt that they couldn't do anything, and we've been able to change that negative self image... A lot of families depend on us. I feel I have a great duty to them, to my parents and to my country, whose textile tradition should not be lost."