CASTELLANO ETHNIC ORIGINS is a fair trade, sustainable brand that works with indigenous artisans in North Colombia. Founder and CEO Daniela Castellanos is a young social entrepreneur that strives to make a social impact in the fashion industry through her bags that embrace the human story of the artisans and provide clean water in deprived areas.
CASTELLANO ETHNIC ORIGINS strives to deliver hand-made luxury products with a message of social responsibility, whilst empowering indigenous communities and sustaining the finest craftsmanship in Colombia. Each bag tells a story of tradition, culture and heritage.
According to Castellanos, “our ultimate goal is to gain the trust and respect of people everywhere, just as we have done with the local communities. We want you to believe in us and identify with our mission. We want to touch your heart and connect you to a far-away corner of the world.”
Highlights:
- CASTELLANO bags and bracelets are currently carried in 20 independent boutiques in the UK including 6 in London and the department store Bentalls (Fenwick group).
- CASTELLANO has partnered with the corporate responsibility team from Swarovski Crystals to receive materials that are used for a limited collection of headbands. Read a post about the Water project.
How can CASTELLANO help to solve social problems through their products?
How can CASTELLANO make consumers aware of the issues?
They currently work with up to 200 Wayuu women in the North of Colombia. Every bag is paid 50% upfront to help their daily needs.
- They generate work for 12 people in their workshop in Bogotá to embroider their Swarovski bracelets.
- They have partnered with a woman’s organization in RISARALDAD, COLOMBIA who make their macramé bracelets at home.
- They are able to provide 10.000 litres of water to 15 rural villages, sufficient for about 35 people in each village, twice a month.
- They aim to bring sustainable power pots to give light at night to women and children lacking basic electricity for their homework and weaving work.
They are different because they want to connect two worlds – the indigenous, native world (heritage culture, tradition and craftsmanship) and the world of luxury fashion (high-end consumer). CASTELLANO’S Kickstarter is launching on September 15, 2016.
Facts and Figures: https://www.castellanoethnicorigins.com/pages/fact-and-figures
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Videos |
Founder: Daniela Castellanos | Twitter: @DaniCastellanoM
Watch her videos working with Indigenous women in Colombia:
https://vimeo.com/castellanoethnicorigins
