Peruvian Connection packaging

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In 2010 the Peruvian Connection clothing company was honored by ID Magazine in their Annual Design Review with a design distinction award for their retail packaging. The beautiful designs were a

blend of 1934 Peruvian portrait photos by Martin Chambi, floral patterning from a Peruvian Connection fabric, and antique etchings.  The rich warm and deep colors can be seen in the photos above and below of the different size shopping bags and clothing hangtags.

The exceptional photographs that were used are from Martin Chambi bringing to light a very important but little known figure in photography. Martin Chambi was born in 1891 in Puno, Peru.  He was one of the first well known indigenous Latin American photographer of his time.  It has been said that " His life and accomplishments represent a unique combination of historical, cultural and aesthetic considerations that are of unusual significance in regard to the history of photography in Latin America." To see more of his photographs click HERE to enter the Martin Chambi website.

*  The top photograph was taken by Martin Chambi in his Cuzco studio in 1934 and is titled "Indian woman and child"

Travel & Style ~ Peruvian Connection

 

I decided to combine two of my passions in this post, travel and fashion and thought Peruvian Connection would be the perfect fit. I've been an admirer of this clothing company for some time now. There aren't any of their stores in my area so getting their catalog in the mail is something I look forward to. Not only do I love their the beautiful clothes but the fact that they are always photographed in far away settings which makes me want to pack my bags and travel. Their clothes are made of fine Alpaca wool and soft Pima cotton from Peru.

Peruvian Connection was started in 1976 by the mother and daughter team of Biddy and Annie Hurlbut and was inspired by Annie's anthropology research on women in the Andean marketplaces of Peru. They have a great website with information on Alpaca wool and pima cotton, behind the scene videos and even art & culture of the Andes. Their tag line definitely sets the tone, "Artisan apparel for nomads and romantics" and their 2010 fall and winter collection doesn't disappoint.  A lot of the collection was shot in an art deco train station in Prague. I love the long Quintana Pima Cotton Skirt pictured above. Gorgeous earthy vegetable dyed hues and geometric Pre-Columbian stripes with tassels hanging from the hem make this skirt unique. Peruvian pima cotton is exceptional for it's softness, luster and durability.

How about a soft versatile little scarf ? I think the Mohair Corkscrew Scarf , pictured on the right, would be my choice especially in the merlot color. Light weight and in an array of colors it makes a great accessory. Another scarf I love is the Meadow Scarf in warm brown with a whimsical floral design and a rich red wool fringe at the bottom. The Pima Tweed Infinity Scarf is also a versatile choice made with knit peat and pewter tweed pima.

Peruvian Connection also carries other accessories such as leather and wool gloves, jewelry, hats, purses and belts. They  have a gift & home category with lovely cotton and silk sleep wear and intimates along with beautiful vases, rugs and pillows. I've included several links in this post so have fun looking around their site. I'm also including below a video of the behind the scenes shoot of their latest collection shot in Prague. Enjoy!

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