Ponchos Rojas
Handcrafted by women artisans in La Paz, Bolivia
Ponchos Rojas is a design and fashion brand dedicated to the preservation of weaving traditions in the high Andes. The textiles of the Bolivian Andes have an unbroken chain of craft for thousands of years and are now in danger of being lost forever with the push for modernization. The love for nature, family, and a passion to know where we come from has led us to travel throughout Bolivia, see and appreciate the beautiful natural environments, experience the local customs, and learn from the fascinating history this area has.
By upcycling vintage pieces and working with Bolivian communities to create new works. Founded by Ana Catalina Rojas de Merkel and Greg Merkel, who hope to create a broad appeal worldwide and drive a new economy for Bolivian textiles. They have also created a non-profit company, Ponchos Libres, where proceeds from their sales will go back directly to the local Bolivian communities and further help protect the treasure that is the art of Bolivian Textiles. Through weaving programs and community schools they aim to teach the younger generations and keep this art form alive. Collaborating with them is Claudia Torrico, a fashion curator based in New York who also serves on the board of Ponchos Libres.
