geometric patterns

At the center of this cotton blend poncho from Peru, a stripe reveals subtle geometric patterns in indigo and aqua. Alfredo Falcon designs the poncho, which is knit from a luxurious acrylic and cotton blend in solid cerise.

Embroidered by hand, hill tribe motifs tell of the Akha people's rich textile traditions. The patterns cover a generous front pocket on a cotton sling tote. By Jiap Rojjana, the bag is fully lined and an inner pocket with zipper keeps small items handy. Yellow cords and rain tree wood beads adorn the strap, and both the outer pocket and the purse close with coconut shell buttons.

Because each is an individual work of embroidery art, colors and motifs may vary slightly according to the artisan's inspiration.

This lovely cotton rebozo is handwoven by Mexican artisan Delfina Ruiz using traditional techniques on a backstrap loom. Over a background of rose pink, the rebozo has a pattern of small diamonds in ivory. The ends are finished with knotted fringe.

Celebrate Guatemalan artistry with this ikat-inspired shoulder bag. Designed by Kory de Hernandez, this bag features espresso-tone leather straps and accents, a zipper closure, and an interior pocket to help you stay organized. Vibrant turqouise color will make this your go-to summer carry-all.

Mexican artisan Marco Bautista finds a true passion in the act of weaving, a process that brings him closer to nature, reminding him of the relationship he shares with the animals and landscapes of his country. He creates this clutch handbag with a handwoven Zapotec design from 100% wool. He decorates the piece with geometric motifs in antique white, black, and Caribbean blue against a body of sunrise orange. The handbag opens with a zipper to reveal a polyester lining in black with an open side pocket.

Soft taupe alpaca and wool blend felt is used to create this fashionable hat from Peru. Designed by Andeana, it is accented by a handwoven alpaca and wool blend belt that displays intricate diamond patterns. This delightful accessory features a structured top and a wide brim. Andeana names her design Munay, meaning "with love" in Quechua.

Because the band is woven by hand and tinted with natural dyes, its colors can vary, making each hat a unique work of art.

Crafted by hand, this delightful morral combines rich textures with red, white and rich earthen browns. Artisan members of Peru's Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco first knot the yarn before it is woven on a backstrap loom. The motifs derive from Inca art in an effort to keep the traditional patterns and techniques alive as well as their Andean identity. This texture is known as urpi, which means "dove" in the Quechua language.

The community raises and cares for its own alpacas. The fleece is washed, carded and spun by hand using a pushka, or drop spindle. The dyes come from plants, nuts and tree bark. The next step is one of the most important, as the artisan prepares the warp, or vertical threads for the backstrap loom. This determines the size of the textile, the color combinations, and the patterns that will be woven.

The intensity of color can vary depending on the hardness of the water, the altitude and the local dye sources, making each textile a unique piece of handcrafted art

One of the best ways to find peace is by traveling because you can discover wonderful places, new aspects of yourself and the tranquility of learning that your problems become small compared to the big, vast world. This is Peruvian artisan Kathiana Quispe's particular vision of what world peace means and she conveys it in this delightful leather passport cover that invites you to find your way to your next destination soon. Embellished with an acrylic Andean textile and the image of an introspective llama, the passport cover features two interior pockets to carry your documents safely.