Other Voices: Dynamic Tradition, Empowerment and Andean Fashion in Peru

Abstract

The chapter proposes a reflection on the dynamism or stagnation of the textile tradition in Peru. For this purpose, Andean fashion was contextualized through its history of more than 5,000 years of excellence in textile art, which lost the essence of its tradition and even saw the role of the artisan as the main actor fade away. Textile tradition should not only be conceived for its changing character through different cultures, but also as the combination of traditions and techniques regardless of the syncretism observed in them. The support of some designers who contribute to the empowerment of textile artisan communities was identified, by mixing in their unique designs, techniques, colors and artisan essence. Likewise, an analysis was made of those entrepreneurships that through their platforms and commercial business models have generated a revaluation of Andean handcrafted textile art. All these efforts make possible the generation of identity, sense of belonging and enhance the quality of the works of the textile craft communities, through the exchange with their peers, forging in them professionals with decision-making power over their creative process and in the narration of their history through their textiles.