Textile Provenance

These boutique pillows are repurposed from vintage, hand woven and embroidered Guatemalan huipiles - a traditional blouse worn by indigenous women from central Mexico to Central America. 

Huipil (pronounced wee-peel) designs are infused with ancient Mayan traditions of nature, astrology and ritual. Designs and symbols, representing gods, the natural world and protection for the household are interwoven throughout the fabrics. 

Rich with ancient cultural significance, each region, town and village in Guatemala prides itself on designs and colors unique to them.This means every woman’s origin can be identified by her huipil regardless of where she travels. 

Huipiles are an excellent example of slow and sustainable fashion. A new huipil takes 3-6 weeks to complete, costing as much in a local woman’s wage. Each woman chooses her’s very carefully as she has every intention of wearing it for up to 15 years.