In the mood for a great escape? Find yourself in a collection of light-as-paper cottons and hand crafted crochets that celebrate the culture and craftsmanship of faraway Peru
An effortlessly chic on-the-rise brand with a conscious, Escvdo is the new under the radar label to note — but beneath the wear-with-anything maxis and the sculptural wide-leg pants, there’s a beautiful ode to Peru. Founded by sisters Chiara and Giuliana Macchiavello, the brand is committed to the sustaining and honouring the heritage of the stunning South American country that the sisters call home.
Peru’s identity — from its rich, colourful culture to its storied heritage — is translated into mustard maxi dresses adorned with tassels and willow bags made from palm fibre and low impact dye that can’t be mass produced, with each hand crafted design different from the last. The brand calls upon ancestral textile techniques and local artisans to create one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by this quaint corner of the world.
The SS20 collection tells the tale of a road trip through the Peruvian highlands — with vibrant alpaca-wool knitwear and graceful hand-woven Pima-cotton dresses in contemporary cuts made by traditional weaving, knitting and embroidery — drawing us back to the farms, the stunning salt ponds, the rolling green hills and the winding streets brightened by blooms and the people that live there.
The trip ends with a visit to Lima’s Larco Museum, where Peruvian artist Valentina Maggiolo’s series of 30 paintings hang from the walls. The mains source of inspiration for Escvdo’s SS20 collection, the artist explored a striking contrast between her hometown’s grey somber skies and a series of vibrant vases in the museum — finding light in a dull moment. This can seen in the lightness of handwoven soft cottons made for evening walks in the summer.
Offering an authentic window into Peru, each piece is sourced and made locally with organic cottons from the coastal region of Pisco; alpaca wool from the the Peruvian Andes, where the brand partners with local craftspeople in the preservation of traditional sheering and hand spinning techniques, as well as the conservation; and the employment of Peruvian artisans to contribute to the local economy and support age-old traditions.
Dedicated to animal welfare, eco-friendly fabrics and the local community, this label does more than shine a light on Peru, it gives back to the country. A sustainable collection set to fuel wanderlust and inspire a South American adventure? We're already onboard in top-to-toe Peruvian cotton.
