Ponchos Rojas
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.