31 Oct – 2 Nov
We know it can be hard to understand the meaning behind Día de los Muertos, especially when you're looking at the bright colours and bright faces of the celebration. So, we decided to make it easy for you!
Here's what you need to know:
What is Día de los Muertos?
There's more to Day of the Dead than scary masks and skeletons!
Although Day of the Dead lands at the same time as Halloween it is not Mexican Halloween. Day of the Dead has a much deeper meaning.
The Day of the Dead is generally celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, but some families may celebrate all month long!
It's a holiday celebrated in Mexico and Central America during which people honour loved ones who have passed away. The holiday combines Catholic traditions with Mexican/Aztec traditions that can be traced back thousands of years.
During the Day of the Dead celebrations, people dress up in costumes, dance and listen to music, go to parades and celebrate with friends and family. The holiday celebrates the act of remembering loved ones by placing pictures on altars in their homes or visiting cemeteries where they can pray for them together as a family unit or individually.
There are many ways people commemorate their loved ones on this day. Some people light candles and put out food for them; others build altars or shrines in their homes where they can honour those who have passed away; some even go as far as creating art projects out of flowers or other items that remind them of their loved ones who have died!
Celebrate day of the dead with us and enjoy a special 15% Off our Mexican Folk Art collection until 02.11.2023 - use code DIA15 at checkout xo
]]>WHAT IS DESIGUAL?
In reality, Desigual isn't a brand. It's a group of people who believe in the power of creativity as a way of life.
Thomas Meyer created Desigual in 1984, in Barcelona, when he designed a jacket that is now considered one of the fashion sector's first ever up-cycled products. Then filmmaker Isabel Coixet whispered a word, "Desigual", and accompanied it with the motto "no es lo mismo" ("it's not the same").
Those years served as a meeting point for many people who were fascinated by this free, authentic, optimistic, unapologetic and Mediterranean universe which, from Barcelona, continues to inspire the world more than three decades later.
In 2020, Desigual realised that if there's something missing from the world, it's a little more love. Which is why they aim to inspire and help everyone celebrate their uniqueness and, also, to love differently. "Love Different" is their new brand claim.
Their vision is to encourage people to dress in a way that changes moods and makes a statement - because dressing is a declaration of intent.
MADE TO LAST
In terms of quality, Desigual has a reputation for using high-quality fabrics and materials in their designs. They pay close attention to detail in their production processes, ensuring that every piece of clothing is carefully crafted to meet their high standards. This focus on quality is reflected in the longevity of their clothing.
DESIGUAL & THE WORLD
Desigual has also made significant efforts to become more sustainable in their production processes. They use environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics, which help to reduce their impact on the environment. In addition to using sustainable materials, Desigual also works to reduce waste and carbon emissions in their production processes. They have implemented a range of measures to minimize waste and improve their overall sustainability, such as using recycled packaging materials and reducing water usage in their production processes.
Their goal for 2023 has already been achieved in 2022, with 55% of garments now being sustainable. By 2025, all cotton used will come from more sustainable sources.
Plastic - Desigual have removed single-use plastics from product packaging, using 100% recycled plastic and only when necessary.
Carbon footprint - The aim is to be a carbon neutral company by 2025. In 2021, they had already reduced their carbon footprint by 57% compared to 2019.
Traceability and transparency - Desigual ensures that the factories, suppliers and materials they work with conform to the required standards and respect human rights.
Overall, Desigual's combination of quality and sustainability makes them the perfect choice for women who want to look great while also making a positive impact on the environment.
DESIGUAL SS23
Desigual is one of those brands that keeps us on our toes every season—they're constantly reinventing their signature prints and styles in new shapes and silhouettes and this season's collection is no exception!
The world is changing and we're changing with it. It is under this paradigm shift that the New SS23 Collection is launched, a collection where prints, colour and innovation in designs and fabrics set the tone for a new era. A new way of looking at elegance. A fresh energy based on self-expression and empowerment. New leaders that we can place our hope in for an inspiring future. New family structures that celebrate diversity.
We're loving their abstract and vibrant motifs bursting with colour and playful prints that are always reworked into new and refreshing designs. They're a true showstopper brand that doesn't target any age group—after all, age is just a number and Desigual does not have an age.
The brand is all about adding value with energy, style, classiness, and positivity; it's what keeps customers loyal to the brand and what keeps us wanting more! Always so exciting to bring you their new collections.... we hope you'll love it as much as we do.
Enjoy! Xo
She has such a recognisable face that seems to pop up so much– all through Mexican restaurants, painted on the sides of buildings, in tattoos and on home décor.
But who is Frida, and why is she so popular?
I first learned about Frida Kahlo at school when I was studying textile design. The main thing I remember about her was that she was this amazing feminist artist who endured so much but against all odds lived a passionate life.
For those who are not completely familiar with her, here’s a quick overview of Frida Kahlo’s life:
When I went to Mexico, my very first stop was La Casa Azul – I needed to see her home in person.
Fashion was as much a part of Kahlo’s paintings as her daily life. She spent hours in front of the mirror getting dressed and preferred to wear beautiful shawls around her shoulders, colourful ribbons threaded through her braids and flowers pinned to her hair, focusing attention on her shoulders and face.
Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Kahlo's style became synonymous with Mexican culture and her image made waves in the mainstream fashion world.
Artists and magazine editors have reproduced her bold style countless times (some featuring linen skirts, thick eyebrows, and hair adorned in flowers), she has also influenced designers like Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, and Carolina Herrera. Her corsets inspired Madonna’s famed “cone” bustier, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for her 1990 Blond Ambition tour.
To me, Frida is a symbol of strength in the face of adversity. A symbol that disability doesn’t need to stop us, it can push us, make us think outside the box. It can influence us and make us better people/artists/creators for it.
She was confident, charismatic, and beautiful in a way that was unique to her.
She was wildly interesting and I can only imagine her as a queen for all who refuse to maintain the status quo.
“It is not worthwhile to leave this world without having had a little fun in life.”
Frida Kahlo was, is, and will always be an inspiration to a lot of people giving them hope and courage to be the best always.
Can you talk a little about your Latin American heritage and how the seed for Origen was planted?
I was born in Uruguay, where I lived until I was 8 years old, then we moved to Scotland. My father is an academic and was furthering his studies in Town Planning at the University of Edinburgh.
Imagine the adventure of arriving in Scotland, which is such a different country to ours, as a young family, without a word of English. But it was a carefree time, surrounded by my parent’s University friends from all over the world, all completely different cultural backgrounds to ours and each other’s but we formed long-life bonds.
It was during this time that the seed was planted inside me that cultural difference is wonderful and I am very drawn to those differences.
Travelling and getting to know people from diverse cultures from such a young age gave me an early taste for how interesting the unknown is, and my memories were always warm and rich.
Origen is now 25+ years old. That is a long time for any business, particularly a small business. What has contributed to its amazing longevity and success?
Being passionate about what you do, being different and doing it with authenticity. This, I believe, has always been Origen’s unique point of difference.
Since Origen started, the world has changed a lot, particularly in retail. How has Origen navigated these huge shifts in consumer attitudes and technology?
Having strong, loyal partnerships with the people we work with overseas and at home has always been part of our success, through thick and thin. Being able to constantly adapt our offer to meet customer demand has also been instrumental to our survival. As has being able to adapt to the changes in our world and embracing the positive aspects of technology.
This last year has been very challenging. COVID has shut down travel, retail, restaurants etc. From great challenges comes learning, what have you discovered about yourself and your business during this time?
One of the things that has helped me navigate these challenging times has been that I am small and can respond and adapt very quickly, without having the weight of bureaucracy that large corporations with investors and CEOs have. Having embraced technology earlier on in my business was also very beneficial to surviving lockdown.
I also get a lot of joy and energy from the people who help me run every aspect of Origen. Carol, Ami and Valeria are the team who support everything I love about Origen and bring it to life. We are a small team and we have come together from completely different life experiences and cultural backgrounds, but we have clicked beautifully. It is wonderful to be surrounded by people you genuinely love and respect and who compliment your vision.
You recently renovated your home. What does home mean for you? What inspired the interior design process?
Home is where my family is and I wanted an environment that reflects who I am and what I value. My life inspiration and passion has revolved around travel and working or living in different countries. My home has always needed to reflect this. It’s a canvas for memories and treasures that you have come across in life. I am surrounded by all these things that I love and they all bring stories.
Then there were the practicalities of a home for two teenagers who need their space to bring friends home and a partner with very diverse interests to mine but just as passionate. We are surrounded by instruments, books, surfboards, and bikes and so forth.
How did you navigate WFH, home schooling etc?
I am lucky to share an office with my partner who has a great sense of humour, so it was always animated and comical. But on a serious note, Zoom, Facetime and WhatsApp have been transformative and enabled me to connect with colleagues whether it's Melbourne, other cities in Australia or in faraway parts of the world.
Given travel is near impossible right now I use my contact and friendships from across the world to put collections together from my desk. It’s not as exotic but it’s a necessary solution in these surreal times.
I have also loved having my kids’ study at home, to be able to spend so much time together. They grow up so quickly, so it’s been lovely to have them so close, as they prepare to take the next steps towards adulthood. It happens so fast and I’m holding on to each moment.
What are your plans for Origen's future?
Origen has always been about a beautiful community of customers that are like friends. I have been lucky to work with designers and artisan partners who appreciate traditional craft and the value of cultural diversity in design. This remains at the core of what makes Origen so unique and authentic.
It is part of our DNA that we embrace and it is what gives us a living, beating heart that can’t be replicated.
I will continue to make this my priority while still evolving and surprising our customers with beautiful treasures.
Once we can travel again, where will you head to first?
I would like to travel back to Uruguay to visit my country and my family. Other destinations like Mexico, Guatemala, India, Thailand and Bali always beckon. It has been a long time…
Author: Ami Birla
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We really wanted to put the spotlight on this label as we truly believe that each piece is so beautiful and considerate, so we got together with Maddie & Charlie, the designers, to bring you a fun and insightful interview. Hope you enjoy Xo
1.Tell us about Barry Made & the family connection with your brand.
‘Barry made is designed in Melbourne by two sisters, for all sisters.’
We are the next generation of sisters that share wardrobes and ideas. We have made a wardrobe for all sisters to share. Our casuals are elevated for anything the weekend may throw at you. Nuanced with a new season twist and made from beautiful fabrics to make weekends look as good as they feel. Our sweet spot is going home to the country on the weekends to spend time with family, whether together at home or out and about, barry made is for gallivanting in comfort, and most importantly on trend!
Fashion is passed through the generations, from hand-me-downs to shopping with family, and it has shaped our taste and values in quality and fabrics. Family has inspired barry made, it is what we all love to wear!
2. We know that you have been working with the same makers for over 30 years. Why do you think those relationships are so important to the core values of your brand and products.
Barry Made:
‘Made’ for family weekend time.
‘Australian’ boutiques.
‘Delivering’ high quality.
‘Elevated’ and edgy casuals.
We feel so fortunate to have experienced manufacturers crafting our clothes, the same manufacturers that have worked with our family for many years. Starting Barry Made just before the pandemic made us really rely on our makers, and we trusted that they would do everything possible to continue to supply us and our stockists without compromising on quality. We have the utmost respect for each others’ businesses, this strong relationship has given us peace of mind during these uncertain times.
Barry Made is crafted with respect for design, our production is small and special and each piece is packaged into beautiful recycled paper bags with cotton stitching. Each piece is made with quality when you have had makers for this long.
3. What are your favourite pieces in the new collection?
Maddie: Our Optical printed styles are my favourite, the colours in the print are easy to wear, and I have been rotating between the Bosco shirt and Wilmont duster all Autumn. I particularly love the Celena skivvy under the Wilmont duster, it’s optical gone mad and an illusion like no other!
Charlie: Dip dyed lounge collection, they’re my all-week-round picks. Day to day I wear this set with sneakers, and even when going straight from work to drinks I have thrown the Kemp in black check over as a duster. Love the ease of elevating our loungewear.
4. You are starting to get a bit of a cult following! Why do you think your products are so loved by your customers?
Thank you! It is really exciting for us to have the same customers looking out for our next collections and buying Barry Made from small boutiques each season. We both feel proud to see locals with a bm tote or wearing one of our staple shirts.
We really think what has set us apart from other casual brands is that our fabrics are comfortable and as we prioritise natural fabrics where possible they are soft on the skin, whilst being unique and on trend.
5. We are privileged to have your products both in store and online. What makes you decide if a retailer is a good match for your brand?
We are so proud to be available in Origen, thank you so much for supporting us! Origen has a wide product selection for all women, and barry made has its own unique spot on the shelf.
It is important for barry made to be represented by people who are passionate, inclusive, caring and kind, to not only us but also their customers. You’ve been lovely to work with and we look forward to designing new clothes for your customers each season.
A few fun questions
1. Paperback or Kindle?
We’re both old school – paperback!
2. What is on your Spotify playlist?
Working together 9-5 means our music taste has merged. We go from Fleetwood Mac and Earth Wind and Fire on the weekend with family, to Jungle Giants on weekdays.
3. Brunch or Dinner?
Brunch, always boozy!
4. Your local café?
The Coffee and Chai Latte morning run – Gaea on Gertrude St, Fitzroy
5. Air B&B or Luxury Hotel?
That’s easy - a cute Air B&B in a small country town.
Our latest obsession is tiny houses, we will be booking one of these for our next weekend away!
]]>This is exactly how you will enjoy the AUTHENTIC & DELICIOUS Spanish beverage.
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS (makes 12 cups)
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