colorful robes

By Banlue Lueruang, this handsome front-wrap robe evokes fresh forests. He works in cotton to create a long dressing gown with generous pockets. Applications of cotton cord trace mysterious labyrinth motifs that adorn the sleeves, pockets and border.

Intricate geometric motifs come to life in radiant colors derived from natural dyes. Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco work with ancestral techniques to create fashion for today and always. This elegant ruana cape is woven by hand of fine alpaca wool, prized by the ancient Inca for its lightweight warmth. The cloak of many colors includes red, goldenrod yellow, fuchsia and orange, among others.

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.

Crafted from ceramic and painted by hand, this pair of chandelier earrings will bring a Bollywood style to any ensemble. India's Ritu Thapar designs the square earrings, painted with red, black, orange, and gold-tone motifs. Golden baubles dangle from each earring, swinging from a hook of sterling silver.

This enchanting long tunic sweater combines a multitude of fall colors and patterns ready for dressing up or a casual day out. An open knit panel at the mid-sleeve andbodice allows for the soft bell shape at the sleeveand hem. Benita Cutipa works in a luscious blend including baby alpaca - the fine fleece from the season’s first shearing.

In squares of recycled palo blanco and trumpet tree wood, geometric cutwork forms an intricate composition. Guatemalan artisan Julio Molina makes an eco-friendly statement with these dangle earrings, given a red finish. Each earring swings from a sterling silver hook. Says the artisan, "I love being able to create these earrings. They are totally unique. I believe that with these pieces we can be conscious of the great cutting of trees that is affecting our ecosystem."