SOUVENIR SHOP
June 19th 2022

Twice a year, AKOG takes a deep dive into the cultures of various countries and regions to draw inspiration for seasonal collections. Showing appreciation for these cultures has been an integral part at A KIND OF GUISE since its foundation in 2009.

Launching the Souvenir Shop takes this approach a step further by featuring a selection of carefully curated, handmade products sourced from local artists, tribes and small businesses within the country highlighted in AKOG’s current collection. While some souvenirs are unique one-off pieces and others have been custom designed in limited quantities, they all tell a story and serve as a token celebrating local craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Since Colombia provided the core inspiration for SS22, many souvenirs were sourced from seven indigenous communities around the county and were made by hand through an extensive process that can take from days up to several months.

The Wounaan tribe for example creates vases and trays from naturally dyed palm fiber by following ancient hand-weaving traditions passed through generations, among them the craftsmen family Chiripua Pizarlo, whose creations can be found as lamps and various distinctively-shaped baskets.

The Wayuu community located in La Guajira makes bracelets and hammocks with artisanal looms and crochet weaving, with the latter taking up to three months to make. We collaborated for extra-large, custom versions that fit up to 3 people and feature the typical AKOG slogans “no worries” and “stay classy”.

Decorative accessories such as necklaces, earrings, and eyewear bands come from three sisters living in Pereira, Colombia’s coffee region. The focus here is on details: still today made traditionally from Mostacilla beads, the more elaborate combined, the bigger the recognition and status of the one who wears them.

Up in la Sierra Nevada the tallest snowy mounting closer to the Caribbean sea, the Arhuaca community weaves bags in order to carry their most precious objects. Supplying their products self-sustainably for centuries, the tribe raises sheep and turns the wool into yarn without dyes.

All profits of this project will be donated to Survival International, a non-profit organisation that preserves and protects indigenous communities and their territory.

Discover the full range here.