Amalia Gue Cooperativa Ixbalam'ke Apparel

Women’s Empowerment

Amalia Gue is the president of Ixbalam’ke, a cooperative of 65 women dedicated to the production of textiles using traditional weaving techniques. They live in the community of Samac de Cobán in Alta Verapaz and are inspired by the landscape and beauty of the region.

Multicolores Maya Women’s Rug Hooking Cooperative Rugs

Environmental Sustainability Multicolores is a fitting name for this artist cooperative from central Guatemala. Ecstatically hued embroidery adorns pillows, footstools and other home goods, lending a punch of happy color to any room. Some of the rugs depict animals — butterflies and birds in flight are popular embellishments — while others features abstracted elements, all brightly colored.

Rosario Ratzán Apparel

Rosario Ratzán’s colorful designs and intricate beadwork and embroidery are inspired by the heritage of her father, a respected painter of the Maya Tz’utujil community. Ratzán’s mother, a master embroiderer and weaver of huipiles, taught her the techniques handed down through her family. Designs based on traditional knowledge and artistic inspiration form the basis of her collection.