Tight rope walking on the streets of Quito

At many busy intersections around Quito you'll find different types of street performers trying to earn a bit of money. They are an unusual bunch, acrobats, jugglers, clowns, and the occasional fire breather. The light turns red, traffic stops, and for the next 90 seconds or couple minutes (depending on how annoying the light is!) they do their very best to entertain, hoping you'll be sufficiently delighted and impressed to give them a bit of spare change.

The most amazing performance i've seen however was a man who in the space of a red light managed to throw a rope across the road, set up a tightrope, hop up, compete a whole juggling routine with his female partner, gracefully jump back down and pull down the tightrope all before the light turned green!

Throwback Thursday! Child of the 80s

It's throwback Thursday! Lets take a look back on some old school fashion trends. As a child of the 80s and 90s, there is just so much retro love to spread. Yes, I wore all of these items at one time or another while growing up in Boston.

Stirrup pants. So bad.

Giant, weird hat inspired by Blossom.

Hypercolor Shirts

Doc Martins. I went throw a rebellious phase in high school.

Manic Panic. Gotta have bright locks.

Flannel around the waist...check!

Slap bracelets!

Artisan Training: An Inside Look

By Chiara Gerlich

Recently we’ve had one of our lead artisan administrative meetings again in Otavalo, at which five of our workshop leaders were present. Also present from the Andean Collection Ecuador team were Joy, Jason, Sally, Consuelo, Chiara, Eva and Hannah.

We organise these administrative meetings every few months in order to create a space to talk about issues that have come up during the previous months related to production, but also broader issues about the values we work by and where we are going as a company together. 

 

We always encourage collaboration among the artisans, and it is wonderful to see it happen in practice. This time around we discussed an issue in one of the workshops, where an artisan had problems using a new seed perforating machine. The other artisans were eager to think about solutions together and help their colleague. 

Here Gladys and Nancy are ponding over new machine problem together

Five Easy Ways to Celebrate World Fair Trade Day

Today is World Fair Trade Day and, in light of the Bangladesh garment factory tragedy, it's more important than ever to show your support for fair trade businesses. Here are five simple ways to celebrate.

#1 Find a local event
The Fair Trade Resource Network has a comprehensive list of local events throughout North America. Find one near you and show your support!

#2 Wear Fair Trade Fashion
As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Andean Collection is part of a vibrant community of ethical fashion designers who are committed to fair trade practices and transparency. You can find a comprehensive list here, but these are just a few of our favorites.

Mushmina
Sisters, Heather and Katie O'Neill, started Mushmina while living and traveling across Morocco and Mali.  They know employ over 75 artisans and have a storefront in Philadelphia, as well as an online shop. We admire their passion, their aesthetics and commitment to fair trade. They also have some pretty sweet home goods.

Mata Traders
Maureen Dunn started Mata Traders with her best friends Joni Bookheim and Michelle King during an around the world trip. Like Andean Collection, Mata Traders is inspired by travel and the principles of fair trade. Their clothing and accessories are made by artisans in India and Nepal. I love their brightly patterned fabrics, plus, it's affordable!

Raven + Lily
Once again, a beautiful friendship produced a beautiful line of ethical accessories and clothing. Friends Kirsten Dickerson and Sophia Lin founded Raven + Lily as a way to economically empower women across the globe. They have lines from Ethiopia, Morocco, India, Cambodia and even the USA.

 
Sseko Designs
A fair trade sandal company based in Uganda, Sseko Designs supports hundreds of female artisans, their families and the community. Good news, they now have a line of handbags too!

Andean Collection
As the founder and CEO of Andean Collection, I make sure to design pieces that I would wear. And I do, pretty much every day.

Holding a tagua seed and wearing Andean Collection's trapezoid necklace.

#3 Learn more!
Do you know what the ten principals of fair trade are? If not, visit The World Fair Trade Organization website. Discover the origins of the fair trade movement and why it matters.

#4 Show support
Most fair trade companies have either one, or all, of the following: facebook, twitter, pinterest, blog. Follow the companies you love, and tell them you love them! It's amazing how far a little support can go.

#5 Spread the word
OK, here's your mission. Tell just TWO of your friends about fair trade fashion and why you support it. We won't mind if you tell them Andean Collection sent ya!

Off the Beaten Path: Williamsburg Day to Night

Living and working in Williamsburg, Brooklyn I spend a lot of time in the neighborhood. Fortunately, it is one of the hottest spots in New York City and full of great restaurants, music and culture. Here is my guide to Williamsburg--day to night.

Start the day
Breakfast at Beco
Beco is an intimate restaurant/cafe/bar tucked away on a residential street in Williamsburg. Its' a hotspot for dinner, but I like to go there in the morning for their homemade empanadas and café forte. It's especially nice in the warmer months when you can sit outside and people watch.

Swim
In the summer the McCarren Park Pool is open to the public. I prefer to go for early morning lap swim. Believe me, those are some serious laps! The pool is nearly 40,000 square feet.

Photo courtesy of CurbedNY

Lunch
Five Leaves
Technically it's in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, but Five Leaves is an amazing lunch spot. It's always bustling and it's a great place to spot the latest street trends. Great outdoor seating, and it's dog friendly!

 
Happy Hour
Cocktail on the roof of the Wythe Hotel
Converted from a 1901 warehouse, the beautiful Wythe Hotel opened last year. Head straight to the rooftop bar to sip a delicious cocktail while taking in the views of Manhattan. I highly recommend visiting at sunset.

Dinner
Osteria il Paiolo
I probably come here once a month, at least. Their homemade pasta is divine, but the big draw (for me) is the burrata with shaved truffles. I dream of it...I want it...now.

Live Music
Pete's Candy Store
It's a Williamsburg staple that has live music every night of the week. The venue is cozy, the drinks are great (order El Diablo even if it's not on the menu) and it has a beautiful backyard. If you're into insanely competitive trivia, visit on a Wednesday evening. 

One of my favorite local bands, The Flanks, playing at Pete's Candy Store.

Dancing
K&M Bar
Sure, there may be hipper spots in the neighborhood, but this place has zero pretentions and is just straight up fun. The DJ isn't afraid to play a little 80s rock if you ask nicely.  
 

Late Night Snack
Food trucks on Bedford Avenue.
After a night of dancing, you'll need a bit of sustenance. You can't get any better than the many food trucks along Bedford Ave. They've got it all, from falafel to organic ice cream.

Van Leeuwen artisan ice cream.