Here, we want to give you our definition of craftsmanship and explain the craft process of making our backpacks, weekend bags and Pachamama handbags.

Craft: definition

The craft corresponds to the realization of a product thanks to a know-how held by the artisan. Thus, the craftsman, thanks to his skills, ensures all the stages of processing of raw materials with the objective of realizing his final product.

By definition, craft is opposed to mass industrial production. Indeed, the craftsman is usually alone, or accompanied by some assistants and manufactures entirely his models. Conversely, mass production consists in isolating each manufacturing step in order to achieve them separately by a multitude of people and thus optimize the maximum production capacity. This system refers to the principle of Taylorism. It maximizes the production of a mass product.

This principle therefore goes against the development of personal skills as is the case in crafts. Craftsmanship allows to preserve and develop ancestral know-how and to transmit it from generation to generation. It allows the creation of original products specific to each culture and each country.

For example in Bolivia, in addition to leather crafts, there are many highly developed crafts. The most symbolic of Bolivian culture is undoubtedly the craftsmanship of the traditional Aguayo fabric.

Leather craftsmanship in the Pachamama project

Our Pachamama project relies exclusively on artisanal production. This notion is essential in the manufacture of our urban backpacks, weekend bags and leather goods.

Indeed, since the launch of our Pachamama project, our wish is to work in partnership with Bolivian artisans to enhance their know-how.

Following a trip to South America, we discovered the beauty and richness of crafts especially in Bolivia. On our return to France, we decided to launch our project Pachamama. We tell you more about it in our article on the history of Pachamama.

Crafts: a healthy concept for workers and the local economy

By working with artisans, we are also sure to participate in the local economy. We pay our artisans fairly and equitably. We visit our artisans once or twice a year in Bolivia. This allows us to develop our project and ensure good working conditions and remuneration.

Artisans then reuse this remuneration in their daily lives. For example, it will be re-injected into local businesses.

When a brand works with a large manufacturing company based in China or India for example, no one really knows how workers are paid and what their working conditions are. Moreover, it is unlikely that the money paid to the production plant will be reinvested in the local economy.

Prototyping: The step before manufacturing

For each development of new products, we go to Bolivia to facilitate work and exchanges with our craftsmen. We initially propose a design. Indeed, we first study every detail to adapt our backpacks and handbags to an urban and daily use in France or Europe. Thus, our products are our own creations.

Then during the prototyping work, our craftsmen intervene and propose modifications to our initial drawing. They bring us their experience and knowledge of leather so that our backpacks are consistent, elegant and functional. Once the changes are taken into account, we can validate the final product. We can call it co-creation.

Leather craftsmanship at the heart of manufacturing

Each artisan works independently from home. At each of them, a space is dedicated to their workshop with sewing machines to make the leather bags.

The creation of a backpack begins with the cutting of leather pieces. The cuts are made with a cutter following the patterns defined beforehand during the prototyping phase.

Once the leather pieces are cut, some of them are glued. This makes it possible to ensure a better hold to achieve the sewing step.

In addition, it is necessary for certain types of leather to thicken them. A special machine exists for this step and allows the edges of the leather to be thickened to facilitate sewing.

Then comes the sewing step where we assemble all the pieces to each other. Depending on the thickness of the leather and the sewn part, the craftsman uses different sewing machines. In all, a craftsman can count between five and six machines.

The sewing of aguayo pieces is particularly delicate. Indeed, aguayo is a material that is likely to fray during the sewing step if you are not careful enough. The craftsman must therefore be meticulous in all manufacturing details!

Making a leather backpack therefore requires many skills and know-how. For example, it takes about a whole day to complete all the steps of making a Pachamama ethnic backpack. It is therefore a long and meticulous craft that requires patience and meticulousness. True works of art !

Conclusion

L’article Craftmanship and Pachamama est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.

In this article, we decided to give you the definition of fair trade as we conceive it and explain to you how it is a component of ethical fashion. This definition is surely incomplete and you will probably find other interesting versions. This definition is the one that suits us the most and that we want to apply in the manufacture of our backpacks, handbags and weekend bags.

What is fair trade?

Overall, fair trade is a trading system that aims to establish greater equality in traditional trade.

The concept of fair trade generally makes sense in developing countries. Indeed, small producers and craftsmen are not able to obtain fair commercial conditions in face of larger, often foreign, companies. Therefore, the concept of fair trade, sometimes certified by a label, allows small producers to access to more favorable trade agreements.

In concrete terms, this means paying producers, especially marginalized artisans and workers in developing countries, at their fair value. Thus, it allows them to live decently from their work, develop their business in the long term and improve their standard of living.

 

Sometimes, the goodwill of companies is enough to put in place agreements that are fair to all parties. However, this is not always enough. This is why small producers can also join networks labeled «Fair Trade». There are several labels such as Max Havelaar or WFTO.

This label system is very useful for both the brand, the consumer and the producer.

• For the brand and the consumer, the label makes it possible to certify the origin and traceability of products.
• For the producer, it is the guarantee of receiving a fair remuneration and equal to his work.

In the long run, fair trade is very beneficial because it reduces inequalities within the population. It also allows a healthier development of the country.

 

The ethical bags Pachamama

Making an ethical bag

So what does it mean for Pachamama exactly? This means that the artisans we work with in Bolivia are paid fairly and equitably. And for us, this is essential!

Indeed, the values of respect and solidarity are fundamental for the Pachamama brand. Our wish is to make ethical backpacks and handbags in the respect of all stakeholders in the project.

That is to say, with respect our partners and suppliers, whatever they are! And in particular, in a climate of trust and exchange with our craftsmen located in Bolivia.

 

Beyond the well-being of artisans at work, which must be a prerequisite for any activity, the fair trade system seems to us to be common sense in order to maintain a healthy and sustainable relationship. Indeed, to maintain a good functioning over time, it seems logical that everyone benefits from the project. Thus, everyone is happy to participate in the development of our ethical fashion project!

Transparency and price of a fair trade bag

That’s why we decided to be as transparent as possible with you! We decided to explain to you how the price of a Pachamama ethical bag is distributed:

34%: manufacturing represents more than a third of the price of a Pachamama fair trade bag. Manufacturing includes expenses related to raw materials and the remuneration of craftsmen.

19% is devoted to the remuneration of the craftsman, that is to say between 21 € and 30 € per bag depending on the model. This is about 3 times more than the average salary in Bolivia!

=> In total, our margin on a bag is just under a third of its price. This margin allows us to pay ourselves, pay our taxes, finance our communication, the development of new products and relaunch bag manufacturing! All this!

We do our best to do things well, with respect for artisans and our partners. Since its launch, Pachamama is committed to a responsible approach to make its urban bags. We want to continue to do that. With your input and advice, we continue to move forward and improve. Thank you for trusting us and following us in this adventure.

If you want to know more about our project, the newspapers L’info durable and Les Echos have written beautiful articles about our brand Pachamama.

To discover our ethical bags, we invite you to visit our shop!

L’article Fair trade : how it works est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.

In this article, we discuss the origin and manufacturing process of leather. We also want to talk about to the debates that exist today  around this topic !

Origin of leather

Leather : an ancestral material

Since the dawn of time, leather is used by man to cover and protect his body. Our most distant ancestors used to hunt animals for food. Then the skin of the animals was recovered and transformed into leather by a process called tanning. This process transforms the animal’s skin, putrescible material, into leather, imputrescible material, solid and resistant. This new material could thus be kept for an extremely long time and men used it for example as clothes, shoes or other everyday objects.

The use of this material has not changed much nowadays! Today, leather is still mainly used in clothing, shoes and furniture. Thus, the durability and comfort of this material continues to justify its choice and use over the centuries.

It is also interesting to note that the leather industry exists through the existence of the milk and meat industry. Without these industries, leather would not exist. And without the leather industry, animal skins would be just another waste to be treated and disposed of. The leather industry therefore makes it possible to value this material.

Debates about leather

However, nowadays, the use of leather is sometimes controversial. Indeed, as long as this industry works with the skins of animals intented for consumption, it’s ok. Unfortunately, in the current system of fast fashion and mass production, some unscrupulous industrialists end up killing animals only for their skin. This drift leads to the killing of cattle and sheep but also so-called exotic animals only for their skin, which poses a real ethical problem.

At Pachamama, we are aware of these excesses and we want to produce in a reasoned way in order to participate in a sustainable fashion. Transparency and consumer information are very important in our project.

That’s why all our bags are made from cow leather intended for human cunsumption. We collect the leather locally, it comes from cattle herds located in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. In order to maintain a rational production and avoid participating in a system of overproduction, we use all skins. That is even areas of leather with slight imperfections. For us, these irregularities are normal and testify to the life of the animal which has known for example cuts or bites of insects during its life. These shades are sometimes visible on our leather bags and we are proud of them! They contribute to the uniqueness and authenticity of our Pachamama backpacks and leather goods.

Leather Manufacturing

Leather is therefore an ancestral material that is still widely used today. We have seen that its fields of application have remained relatively similar, we will see that the manufacturing process has also remained substantially the same!

The first important step when recovering the animal’s skin is to salt it to prevent the putrefaction that occurs quickly. In addition to preserving it, salting removes water from the skin. Thus, the raw skin is then lightened by a significant part of its weight.

The river stage

Then comes the river stage. Without going into details, during this stage, the skin is reworked to remove unwanted raw elements (hair, skin pieces, etc.). Thus, the purpose of the river stage is to clean the skin of the various elements that could prevent the tanning product from penetrating it, uniformly and completely, without altering its solidity.

The tanning stage

The next step is the well-known tanning step. This step consists of transforming the skin into an imputrescible material thanks to tannins. From this stage we can really talk about leather. It is during this stage and with the help of these substances that the leather is given its future appearance. Indeed, depending on the tannins used, we will obtain different characteristics of strength, flexibility, elasticity.

Tannins are substances that may be of mineral or vegetable origin.

Different type of tanning

Because of its speed, mineral tanning tends to become widespread and to gradually replace vegetable tanning.

Vegetable tanning is an ancestral tanning that man has practiced for centuries. For this process, the skin is treated with vegetable tannins usually extracted from the bark of trees. Vegetable tanning is traditionally done in pits: the skins are successively placed in different pits filled with a tanning solution that is increasingly strong. This process is slow, it takes several weeks, or even months, before the tanning of the skins is complete. This method makes it possible to obtain strong and resistant leathers.

Thus, the characteristics of the leather that we want to obtain and the sector of application will influence the choice of tanning.

Debate about the tanning stage

Nevertheless, the choice of tanning is now at the heart of an important debate. Indeed, under the pretext of its rapidity, mineral tanning today constitutes nearly 85% of mineral production. This poses a real environmental problem because chromium salt used in mineral tanning is a toxic substance harmful to humans and the environment.

Conversely, vegetable tanning is a low environmental impact method that uses natural elements. This more artisanal process makes it possible to obtain leathers more respectful of the environment and thus meets a growing demand of consumers in search of a more sustainable fashion.

• The first reason is related to our desire to follow a responsible and sustainable approach. Indeed, we want to participate in an ethical fashion. The online media Les Echos and L’info durable has written an article about our Pachamama project and our approach.
• The second reason is related to the type of leather obtained by vegetable tanning. Indeed, this process makes it possible to obtain a solid leather, perfectly adapted to our desire to manufacture resistant and high quality backpacks. Thus, our products will accompany durably people in their daily life. On the other hand, vegetable-tanned leather is a type of leather that will improve over time. Time will reveal the true nature of this leather that will acquire a patina over time. And gradually, your backpack will take a beautiful vintage appearance!

Drying stage

Après l’étape de tannage vient l’étape de séchage. Cette étape est importante car jusqu’à présent le cuir a continuellement était mouillé dans les étapes précédentes. Il est donc nécessaire de le sécher afin d’évacuer les résidus d’eau qui pourraient parasiter le cuir. Cette étape se fait soit dans des étuves, soit en l’étendant à l’air libre pendant plusieurs jours.

After the tanning step comes the drying step. This step is important because until now the leather has been continuously wet in previous steps. It is therefore necessary to dry it in order to remove water residues that could parasitize the leather. This step is done either in ovens or by laying out the leather outdoors. 

Finishing Stage

Finally comes the final finishing step. It is through this step that we give the final characteristics to the leather. For example, choosing the colour by dyeing it, or printing it to create an artificial grain.

These finishing operations also aim to give the material protective properties against stains, friction, water or light as well as aesthetic characteristics concerning shine, colour, touch or relief.

Conclusion

Nevertheless, it is essential to use it in a reasoned manner not to fall into excesses of overproduction.

L’article Leather : origin and manufacturing process est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.

In this article, we tell you more about the Palo Santo. What is it and when do we use it? We explain everything below!

Origin of the palo santo

South American origin and ancestral use

Originally, palo santo is a tree found in South America. It can be found in particular in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and part of Brazil.

The tree belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family, its name means in Spanish «sacred wood». This name comes from the pleasant and intense smell it emits when it is burned and which, according to some beliefs, have medicinal and purifying virtues.

The use of palo santo is very old and we find traces of its use since the Inca empire! It was particularly used in the celebration of traditional rites. It enabled to enter into communication with the gods and to ward off evil spirits and negative waves.

Even today, it is used daily by South American populations. People use it to purify the air in homes and protect themselves from bad energy. Thus, in addition to the good smell of these wooden sticks, there is still a real spirituality around palo santo in South America and Bolivia.

Controversial aspect of the “sacred wood”

This is why locals sometimes look unfavourably the success this wood is currently experiencing around the world. Nowadays, Palo santo can be easily found on the Internet and in supermarkets all over the world. This helps to make South American culture known and valued, which is from this point of view very positive. Unfortunately, some companies see this product only as a major economic potential. They take this opportunity to produce it and market it without respecting traditions.

Regarding its manufacture, for example, the wood can only be recovered after the natural death of the tree. In order to respect traditional practices, the tree cannot be cut alive. It is only after his death that it can be cut and declared as “sacred wood.” However, the lifespan of this type of tree is between 10 and 15 years. Faced with this relatively long duration and with the popularity of this product worldwide, it is therefore easy to understand why unfortunately some companies decide not to respect traditional practices. The controversial practice is to cut or uproot the tree during its lifetime in order to produce and market it more quickly.

That’s why voices in South America are beginning to rise up to protest against the birth of an industry around palo santo. They want to recall that lighting a stick of “sacred wood” is above all a ritual that comes under a certain spirituality.

Fortunately, there are also brands that respect manufacturing traditions! There are several projects around palo santo that produce in a respectful way and integrate local communities into the manufacturing process.

Palo Santo : contemporary use

Nowadays, palo santo has become a very fashionable product all over the world. This is justified in particular by its very pleasant smell which can be used to perfume the houses and purify the air (effective to remove the coronavirus for example:)). It also helps keep insects and mosquitoes away, which can be very valuable in some areas.

In the perfumery industry, for example, palo santo has become a very popular new fragrance in a short time. It is used as an oil in this case.

Palo santo and yoga

Moreover, the development of palo santo is currently accompanying the development of another discipline that is increasingly popular nowadays: yoga. Without going into the details of the different yoga practices, this activity consists globally of meditation and gymnastics practices to improve well-being and health. Yoga has an important part of spirituality in order to reach a certain level of consciousness and wisdom. We therefore understand quite well how palo santo can play an important role in the practice of yoga.

Indeed, this substance has real purifying virtues for body and spirit.

• For example, it is known to ward off negative energy and restore calm, tranquility and positive energies. The use of this wood therefore enables to gather the ideal conditions for yoga practice.
• In addition, palo santo helps to reduce anxiety, stress and helps to clarify your mind. Thus, it helps to improve concentration in order to practice meditation.
• Finally, palo santo oil is often recommended to relieve body aches and joint pains. Its use is therefore of interest in the practice of gymnastics movement.

In the practice of yoga, the use of this wood is very useful.

Moreover, it is interesting to note that yoga is a spiritual practice. Thus, the activity of yoga is in harmony with the spiritual dimension of palo santo.

Conclusion

For several centuries, Bolivia and other South American countries have used palo santo. This wood is known for its medicinal virtues. Nowadays, it is more and more used  around the world. Especially in relation with the development of yoga practice. Thanks to yoga, palo santo can be better known abroad. Yoga participates to the promotion of this product from the Bolivian and South American culture.

To learn more about traditions and crafts in Bolivia, come and visit our website or Instagram page! Indeed, the aim of our Pachamama project is to promote Bolivian craftsmanship. We manufacture leather bags in partnership with artisans located in La Paz.

L’article Palo santo est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.

As proof, this concept, most often supported by young brands which make it a pillar of their development from their launch, such as Pachamama, is nowadays increasingly followed by major brands.

So what is sustainable fashion exactly? What does this mean and how do we measure its impact on traditional fashion and textile industry? Between Green Washing and true awareness, we will try with this article to bring our contribution on the subject! This presentation is our vision and you will surely find other interesting approaches. We will also explain how we take the environment into account when developing our Pachamama project and manufacturing our backpacks.

Sustainable fashion, what does it mean ?

The fashion industry and its excesses

The textile industry is often criticized because it pollutes a lot. So much that it is now at a turning point. Indeed, the fashion industry is currently the second most polluting industry in the world. The use of polluting material in the textile manufacturing process and the great distances travelled by a garment before arriving in the shop near home are the main visible elements of this impact on the environment.

Nevertheless, the most alarming scourge today (and perhaps less visible) is the significant increase in clothing production with the Fast Fashion system. Between 2000 and 2015, clothing production doubled to nearly 100,000 million garments sold each year.

This system is particularly harmful for our planet because in addition to increasing the pollution mentioned above, the garments produced are generally of poor quality and do not last in time. We are talking about low-cost clothing. In order to produce at a low cost, manufacturers prefer low-strength materials that will not offer great durability. The gear of overconsumption is thus set in place and also leads to significant waste.

Beyond the environmental aspect, the fast fashion and low-cost production system also leads to a major social problem. Indeed, many people in the textile industry works in very difficult or even inhuman conditions. This because the industrialists of the sector seek to rationalize production costs to the extreme, to the detriment of other stakeholders. We discuss this social aspect in more detail in our article on ethical fashion.

Solutions for a more sustainable fashion

To struggle against this phenomenon and make room for a more sustainable fashion, the first solution is to produce less. Reducing the quantities produced can have a real positive impact on the environment. However, the quantities produced will only decrease if demand decreases as well. It is for this reason that it is essential to educate the consumer about the excesses of Fast fashion and the environmental impact of the textile industry.

The new dynamic around Slow fashion perfectly symbolizes this consumer awareness about fashion industry. Slow fashion, also called responsible fashion or sustainable fashion, consists of consuming less but better. It consists in favouring in its wardrobe pieces of good quality that will last in time. We explain this concept in more detail in our article dedicated to ethical fashion that we encourage you to read! Although this trend has been taking off in recent years, it is still quite marginal compared to the current system of fast fashion. Its development requires more action from the actors of this sector.

Tomorrow’s fashion, a sustainable fashion?

Today, a few actions appear at the global level. For example, international brands develop collections based on recycled materials. In 2019, fashion giants signed agreements to reduce their environmental impact in the Fashion Pact. This is positive and goes in the good direction : an awareness of current environmental issues.

Nevertheless, it is difficult to judge and measure in the short term the real impact of these actions. Brands are often accused of using the climate emergency as a marketing slogan. It is called green washing. Green washing is a marketing process that consists in giving his company an eco-responsible and environmentally friendly image, through communication campaigns, while it is not always the reality.

If the transition to a more sustainable fashion does not come from the manufacturers themselves, they may be pushed by the new generations. Indeed, younger generations are increasingly concerned about their consumption and inclined to make the choice of ethical and sustainable brands in their purchases.

Sustainable fashion and Pachamama

At Pachamama, we have always wanted to minimize our environmental impact in our project. Since the launch of our brand, we have been trying to put in place good practices in order to follow an eco-responsible approach. Something that is not always obvious on a continent such as South America, where the crafts are very developed (and very beautiful!) but where there is no real structure to frame the textile work.

Selection of materials

For example, when it comes to raw materials, we manufacture our bags from materials selected in the region. Whether it’s leather, metal parts or aguayo, our goal is to buy raw materials locally and to favour short circuits in order to participate in the Bolivian economy and minimize our environmental impact.

Moreover, we have chosen to use eco-responsible materials to pack your pretty backpacks. For example, you will receive your backpack in a nice tote bag. For our small leather goods, it is packed in recycled paper covers.

The online media L’info durable has written a nice article on the ethical approach of our Pachamama project, which we encourage you to read!

Leather selection and manufacture

Our products are made from cow leather coming from Bolivia and intended for food. In order not to enter a system of overconsumption and to maintain a reasonable production, we use all the skins, even the parts with slight irregularities. These shades are sometimes visible on our leather backpacks and we are proud of them! They contribute to the charm and uniqueness of each Pachamama backpack.

We also manufacture our bags from vegetable-tanned leather. The use of this process with low environmental impact meets our wish to follow a responsible approach. Vegetable tanning consists in tanning the skin with natural substances, plant tannins, which can be recovered, for example, from trees.

Thanks to this method, we obtain leathers more respectful of the environment and are therefore more adapted to our desire to participate in an ethical fashion. We will explain in more details the process of making leather in an article dedicated to leather and its manufacture.

Moreover, the solidity of this type of leather is particularly suited to our desire to make resistant and high quality bags that will accompany the customer in his daily life.

Thus, sustainable fashion seems more and more present today. Environmental concerns now appear to be an important or even essential component in the consumer’s purchasing process. And it is a good thing!

At Pachamama, we manufacture backpacks and travel bags. Discover our different models in our eshop!

L’article Sustainable fashion est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.

We are often asked how Pachamama can be considered as an ethnic brand and what exactly it means. In this article, we will try to answer this question and see if a Pachamama backpack can be considered as an ethnic backpack. However, it will not be easy because ethnic fashion is a fairly broad term (even vague!). Many brands define themselves as ethnic or not by presenting arguments that are sometimes quite similar! So we’re going to present our point of view, which may allow you to do yours.

Ethnic fashion, what is it?

Definition of ethnic fashion

By definition, ethnic fashion comes from know-how defined and realized by ethnic groups. Wherever they are on Earth, ethnic minorities will create clothes with their craft talents. Most of the time, crafts are born of local culture, traditions and everyday life. So there are as many so-called ethnic clothes as there are ethnic minorities. All these clothes designed and made by ethnic minorities constitute the ethnic fashion.

 

For example, we tell you more about the ethnic fashion of Bolivia in our article dédicated to Bolivian handcraft. Depending on the different Amerindian communities present in Bolivia, different aesthetics and know-how appeared and constitute a very rich Bolivian ethnic fashion! This is especially true for aguayo fabric. Aguayo fabric is a traditional Bolivian fabric. Although its conception has spread throughout the country, there are in fact many specificities depending on the regions and communities! We explain all this in our article dedicated to aguayo.

In addition, we decided to integrate the aguayo fabric in a discreet and elegant way to our ethnic backpacks, inside the flaps. Thus, this allows us to contribute, at our level, to the rehabilitation of this unique craft!

Ethnic fashion vs ethnic style

Thus, it is important to understand that ethnic fashion is based on the know-how and skills of ethnic groups.

Indeed, this notion is essential because it makes the difference with the ethnic style. The ethnic style, on the other hand, is based on ethnic fashion, but does not come strictly speaking from ethnic groups. It simply reuses ethnic fashion codes to track trends. The ethnic style will thus appropriate the aesthetics, the design, without valuing the craftsmanship that hides behind the creations.

At a time where we talk a lot about ethical fashion, where we try to return to a more reasoned consumption, where we look for more meaning and a certain authenticity in our purchases, we understand better why ethnic fashion is growing success. Indeed, ethnic fashion tells a story. The story of artisans, often far from our dailylife realities , who make clothing or other textile pieces from ancestral know-how passed down from generation to generation.

Ethnic backpack Pachamama

The ethnic backpack

So, now that we have defined what ethnic fashion is, can we call Pachamama an ethnic brand? Factually, yes, we can say that Pachamama is an ethnic brand.

After a trip to Bolivia, we discovered leather craftsmanship and had a real crush! So we decided to launch Pachamama. Since the launch of our project, our wish is to value Bolivian craftsmanship. Thus, through the manufacture of our backpacks, we want to highlight the talent of the artisans with whom we work. The blog “L’info Durable” explains our approach and our desire to promote Bolivian handcraft.

Our will is to build the Pachamama adventure by working hand in hand and fairly with our artisans. We want to continue our relationship based on exchange, sharing and trust. Thanks to the talent of the craftsmen, each Pachamama ethnic backpack is entirely handmade. This gives them their beauty, solidity and uniqueness!

Ethnic backpack but not only !

However, in our view, our Pachamama project differs slightly from a traditional ethnic brand. Indeed, the design of our models is a co-creation with the artisans.

Rather than simply importing homemade products from Bolivia, we decided to design our own models. Thus, Pachamama leather bags are our own creations! We design the models and then present them to the artisans we work with. Then, the work of co-creation can begin where the artisans propose us additions or on the contrary simplify the drawing. This is followed by the prototyping and then the validation of the final product. This is how we develop our backpacks.

The development of our bags therefore meets our ambition to create a range that highliths Bolivian craftsmanship while associating it with an urban design, adapted to the use that we can have in France!

We hope that this presentation of ethnic fashion was interesting and clarified your mind. If you want to discover our range of ethnic backpacks, we invite you to visit our eshop!

L’article Ethnic backpack – How to make your choice ! est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.

Indeed, in our society, which is sometimes demanding (and sometimes a bit stressful!), more and more people are happy to spend a relaxing weekend in order to change air. And they are right! A little letting go has never hurt anyone. On the contrary, it will allow you to recharge your batteries and come back in good shape for the new week ahead.

The choice of the weekend bag

Whether it’s a weekend in the countryside or a city trip in a city in Europe, every opportunity is good to take your weekend bag and escape for a few days. But unfortunately, this moment of pleasure sometimes turns into a pain because you have not chosen the right material! And your travel bag is totally unsuitable for your trip.

That’s why, in order not to spoil your weekend of relaxation, we decided to explain you all the criteria to take into account in order to well choose the faithful companion which will follow you in all your weekends!

The criteria to well choose your weekend bag

Versatility of the weekend bag

The first criterion to take into account is the versatility of your weekend bag. Indeed, not all weekend bags are intended for the same use. It would be a shame if you choose one that does not meet your needs. On the other hand, it will become a big advantage if you can use your bag in several situations.

Define your need

At this point, it is therefore very important to define your need and the use you will make of your travel bag!

The backpack can possibly be a solution provided it has a large capacity or you travel light! For example, our leather backpack model JOE, with a capacity of 23 litres, will be suitable for a two or three day getaway while traveling light.

Similarly, we voluntarily decide not to talk about suitcases here for several reasons. On the one hand because it does not seem suitable for an extended weekend. Often large and bulky, the suitcase will rather be preferred for long stays of a week or more. On the other hand, for a matter of style. A travel bag has more allure than a suitcase for a weekend trip!

Let’s go back to the travel bags First of all, think about the capacity of your bag. There are travel bags for 24, 48, or 72 hours. That is to say, larger or smaller bags that will allow you to store your belongings for a duration of one, two or three days. It’s up to you how long you usually go.

The choice of transport

Think also of the transports you will take. For example, if you are flying, it is essential that the size of your weekend bag is compatible with the current carry-on bag size. You don’t leave for long, so you don’t want to waste 1 hour at the airport to collect your baggage! Moreover, it seems that airlines are increasingly vigilant with hard cabin cases and that they regularly redirect them to the luggage compartment because they are too bulky. The weekend bag, by definition soft and malleable, does not encounter this problem and is always accepted in the cabin.

Finally, think carefully about the style and materials of your travel bag. If it is elegant enough, like a leather weekend bag for example, you can easily use it to go on a business trip with your colleagues. We’ll tell you more about the style and the materials below.

A functional WEEKEND bag

Your weekend bag must also be practical and functional in order to move easily and quickly find your belongings.

Thus, it is advisable to have one or two pockets directly accessible to the outside of the bag. This will allow you to quickly grab your passport if you are at the airport, your train ticket or any other personal item. If the outside pockets are secured by a magnet or zip, it’s better. Interior storage is also useful for compartmentalizing your belongings.

Your weekend bag should have wide handles to carry it easily by hand. In addition, brands generally provide a removable and adjustable shoulder strap to carry your travel bag to the shoulder. Make sure it comes with. Finally, for those who fear the weight of the bag, there are also models with wheels, but for a question of style, we advise against it.

Finally, to avoid any inconvenience, it is important to prefer a travel bag that resists the rain. A waterproof lining is enough to protect your belongings inside. If the rain continues you will find a place where you can take refuge.

What materials for your travel bag?

Choosing the material for your travel bag is essential because it usually determines the quality and strength of your bag. Thus, a leather weekend bag will always be more robust than a fabric weekend bag.

Some fabrics are quite resistant but overall, if you put important loads in your travel bag repeatedly, it is advisable to opt for a robust material like leather. This will give your bag a longer life.

The leather bag

If your weekend bag is not entirely made of leather, choose it at least with a leather base. This will provide overall support to your bag and the load will be distributed better inside. On the other hand, it will prevent the bag from tearing from underneath. Finally, you can put it on the ground without fear of damaging it.

The choice of a leather weekend bag, according to us, is the choice of a durable, resistant and elegant bag that you will keep for a long time. Especially as the leather of your bag will get patina and improve over time. Finally, a leather travel bag is the most indicated in terms of versatility. Indeed, it will accompany you both in your personal weekends and your professional trips.

In addition to the quality and strength of your weekend bag, the material also determines the style of your bag. Thus, we will see below that depending on the tastes of each person, the design and the material of a travel bag may vary.

The LOOK of your weekend bag

The design of a bag is above all a matter of taste! Thus, the shape, color or material decided by the brand will give a particular style to the weekend bag and will influence your choice. We can therefore only encourage you to see several travel bags in order to refine your tastes and select the style that you like the most.

Some will linger on models with a minimalist style while others will prefer more technical models with many storage spaces. Some will be interested in urban-style and streetwear weekend bags, while others will prefer leather travel bags with a retro or adventurous style.

Generally speaking, the choice of a leather weekend bag is usually the choice of elegance. These models are relatively timeless and will improve over time. So you are investing in time!

An ethical travel bag

Finally, it seems important to us to take into account the ethical commitment of the brand as the last criterion before making your final choice.

Today, consumers are increasingly sensitive to the impact of brands on social and environmental levels. And they are right!

Brand engagement can be social or environmental, or better, both. Social engagement generally results in respectful partnerships with stakeholders. Especially with the artisans in charge of the fabrication of the weekend bags. Environmental commitment can materialize in the choice of eco-friendly materials. This may also result in the introduction of devices to compensate for the pollution emitted.

At Pachamama, we want to develop a responsible and ethical project. That’s why all our weekend bags are made by artisans working in fair trade conditions. We tell you more here about the fabrication of our weekend bags. The newspaper L’info Durable also wrote a nice article about our Pachamama project and our approach.

weekend Bag : Conclusion

Thus, the choice of a weekend bag is not easy and requires a little thought. We hope this article will help you refine your search to select the travel companion of your dreams!

At Pachamama, we make weekend leather bags. You can discover our different models in our online shop!

L’article Choosing your weekend bag est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.

At Pachamama, we have been trying to make ethical fashion one of the pillars of our development. So we will try to give you our definition and how we apply it on a day-to-day basis.

Ethical fashion, what is it?

Ethical fashion is a broad term that encompasses several types of responsible approaches in the clothing manufacturing process. Overall, the objective of these approaches is to have a positive social and environmental impact.

Social aspect of ethical fashion

Originellement, l’expression « mode éthique » s’inspire des principes du commerce équitable. La priorité est de tenir davantage compte des préoccupations sociales liées au bien-être des travailleurs et travailleuses dans l’industrie textile.

The term “ethical fashion” is originally based on the principles of fair trade. The priority is to take more into account the social concerns related to the well-being of workers in the textile industry.

Thus, ethical fashion consists in taking more into account the social dimension in the manufacture of clothing. Its aim is to improve the working and living conditions of workers in the textile industry.

This phenomenon became more widespread in the late 1990s. In particular, faced with the observation that brands did not always attach much importance to the conditions of manufacture of their products.

The collapse of Rana Plaza in 2013 in Bangladesh is the best example. Indeed, the collapse of this building housing many textile workers has caused many deaths. This sad event then led to an awareness of the lack of consideration given to textile workers. This drama has become the starting point of a new dynamic for ethical fashion.

Indeed, this drama has brought to light all the excesses of the Fast Fashion system. This system is characterised by an extremely rapid renewal of clothing collections. At the cost of intensive work, often with low pay and under very difficult conditions for workers.

Slow Fashion concept

Faced with this observation, a new term in relation to ethical fashion was born: the concept of slow fashion. This concept, which can be translated by responsible or sustainable fashion, responds to the desire to give more meaning to our consumption. By slowing down our pace of purchases and focusing on better quality products that will last over time. This means, in particular, creating sustainable products based on quality materials and with respect for all stakeholders.

This term of slow fashion goes beyond a simple consideration of the situation of the worker. It redefines the standards of the fashion industry in order to value the human and its know-how. It aims to improve the global ecosystem, with the ultimate goal of producing sustainable and good quality clothing and accessories.

The concept of Slow fashion is relevant because it also includes the end consumer. Its awareness of the issues associated with fashion can then be reflected in its consumer choices.

After many years of frenetic consumption, the era of impulse buying of ephemeral and replaceable objects is gradually fading. Consumer expectations and buying behaviour are changing.

This “less but better” trend results in the fact of thinking more about its consumption needs. Then rationalize its consumption by favouring quality over quantity.

The environmental component in ethical fashion

Today, the environmental impact is increasingly taken into account when purchasing a garment.

And for good reason, many media now warn us about the current excesses and the environmental impact of the textile industry. For example, the back and forth between several continents that a garment will sometimes go through before arriving in the shop next to your home.

Consumers are also more concerned about the materials used in the manufacture of clothing. For example, are raw materials natural or recycled? Or are chemicals used in the manufacturing process?

Autant de préoccupations qui participent au développement d’une mode davantage respectueuse de l’environnement. On parle alors de mode écoresponsable ou mode durable.

These concerns contribute to the development of a more environmental friendly fashion. We talk about eco-friendly or sustainable fashion.

Ethical fashion and solidarity

Nowadays, some brands go even further in the concept of ethical fashion, respectful of the environment and the human. They incorporate a solidarity dimension into their approach.

This solidarity dimension usually consists in supporting the country or region of production. This support is done either by transferring part of the profits to an association, or by participating directly in social or environmental actions.

Pachamama : ethical backpacks

Ethical backpack : social aspect

The values of respect and solidarity are fundamental in the development of Pachamama. That is why we are committed to implementing good practices to pursue our approach and to continue to manufacture ethical backpacks.

Thus, since the launch of our brand we have decided to entrust the manufacture of our backpacks to artisans working according to fair trade standards in Bolivia. For example, the newspaper “Les Echos” explain our approach and our desire to value Bolivian handicrafts.

In addition, we have established a partnership with Mission Potosi in order to give them a part of our profits. The Mission Potosi association helps disadvantaged children in Bolivia.

Ethical backpack : environnemental dimension

At Pachamama, we also work hard to build a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem and minimize our environmental impact.

Whether in the choice and origin of our raw materials, the manufacture of leather, the assembly of products or the selection of our packaging, we always try to do our best to maximize good practices.

Our project is perfectible. Nevertheless, we do our best to do things well, with respect for the artisans, all stakeholders in our project and the environment. It’s in the identity of Pachamama!

At Pachamama, we manufacture urban backpacks to carry all your belongings everyday. Find all our models in our eshop!

L’article Ethical fashion est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.

 

The use of the backpack sometimes still crystallizes many debates! Between the «pros» backpack and the «antis» backpack, what should we think of its use? We reassure you, you can also remain neutral about this debate! Nevertheless, at Pachamama, we would like to explain you why it does not usually leave people indifferent!

Original use

We’ve all already heard someone say, “No thanks, I don’t use backpacks”!  But why be reluctant to this style of luggage?

Originally because it symbolized a very specific style. Indeed, the backpack, characterized by its practical aspect, was mainly likened to a travel bag or a sports bag. This was not necessarily in adequation with the city dweller who preferred a satchel, more formal to go to work and more elegant to go for a walk. Between the backpack for hiking and the backpack for carrying his sports stuff, there wasn’t much room left for a backpack for an urban use!

Moreover, (and to top it all), the backpack has long remained the flagship accessory for young people to go to school. Therefore, it was difficult for an adult to appropriate it to go to the office without discrediting himself with his colleagues.

The emergence of the urban backpack for men

But rest assured, times have changed! While retaining these original characteristics, the backpack has reinvented itself to seduce its refractories.

In recent years, the urban backpack for men has appeared. Indeed, brands have understood the potential of the backpack in an urban environment. Its practical and functional characteristics make it particularly suitable for everyday life in the city. You can put in all your belongings without being encumbered and keep your hands free to call or compost your metro ticket.

 

All that was missing was an elegant and refined design to see it definitively appear in the city. That’s why, for some time, more and more brands are developing their version of the men’s urban backpack . Just look at the current collections of the different brands to notice it! You can find for all tastes. Whether it’s a question of material, colour or style, everyone will find its style!

Moreover, we advise you to consult our article on the criteria to analyze in order to well choose your backpack.

The backpack : versatile and timeless accessory

Thus, there are different kinds of luggage to satisfy the needs and desires of everyone in town. The choice of your bag will of course vary depending on your use and lifestyle.

Nevertheless, today, the backpack has many arguments to establish itself as the ideal companion of your daily life in the city. Versatile and compact, you can use it for multiple activities. Whether it’s to go to the office or for a walk with friends, it will be your best ally!

For even more versatility, choose it in a robust material like leather and with a larger capacity, so you can use it on your business and personal trips.

At Pachamama, we manufacture urban leather backpacks. Several blogs and media have given their opinion on our vintage style backpacks and seem to like it! We invite you to read the product test of “Comme un camion” and “Verygoodlord” to get an idea:)

Discover our backpacks collection in our eshop!

L’article Urban backpack for men est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.

The Aguayo is a fabric developed by the Amerindian communities of South America. It is mainly in Bolivia, Peru, northern Argentina and northern Chile, among the Andean populations of the highlands, that its utilisation apears. Symbolic and aesthetic, it remains today an object of the day to day life for the Indians of the Altiplano.

The Aguayo is a coloured fabric with patterns. It can simply consist of bands of colors, geometric shapes or also include more elaborate patterns. Originally, the symbols and drawings that appear on these fabrics trace the legends and beliefs of the communities. Thus, depending on the different communities, each aguayo has its own specificities, its own colors and its own forms.

For example, the weaving activity of the Jalq’as Indians, near the city of Sucre in Bolivia, is one of the most famous. Bolivian craftsmen have developed an exceptional know-how and make very specific aguayos. Mostly red and black, they are composed of animals and mysterious creatures that echo their local beliefs. Given the complexity of the motifs, a square of aguayo can take up to several months of realization, real works of art we tell you! You can find several examples of aguayo on our Instagram page.

Aguayo fabric : the manufacture

The aguayo fabric is a symbol of Bolivian craftsmanship. Mainly made of llama wool, it can also be made with alpaca or sheep wool. The result is more or less resistant aguayos.

After shearing, the craftsmen sort the wool according to its colour, clean it and then spin it. Then they dye it with natural colors.

Finally, comes the weaving stage. Traditionally, Bolivian artisanscreate the aguayo manually with looms. Depending on the complexity of the model, it can take a few days to several months to complete!

Today, many aguayos are made in an industrial way. We can distinguished them by their bright colours obtained with chemical dyes. Theyr are much faster to achieve. Cheaper and resistant, they are now the most common aguayos in the city. Women use them to carry their babies or to transport the goods they will sell in the markets.

The place of traditional aguayo today

Thus, the market for handmade aguayos is currently facing major difficulties in Bolivia and the Andes. Indeed, the development of industrial aguayos, cheaper and faster to manufacture in factories, is a real problem. Although the industrial version is resistant, it is less qualitative than the artisanal version and its development leads to a loss of skills and know-how among the populations.

So far, many workshops specialized in the manufacture of traditional aguayo have had to turn to other alternatives in order to survive, resulting in a scarcity of know-how.

Faced with this situation, at Pachamama, we want to contribute, at our level, to the rehabilitation and conservation of this unique craft. So we decided to partner with a workshop specialized in the production of high-quality aguayo.

We regularly work with them to create authentic and contemporary motifs. Then, we integrate them discreetly and elegantly into our leather backpacks, inside the flaps.

Discover our collection of backpacks made of leather and aguayo !

L’article The Aguayo fabric – Bolivian handcraft est apparu en premier sur Pachamama.