The indigenous community of the Pastos, settled in Colombia’s southern province of Nariño, has found in Flor Imbacuan a creative promoter of their traditional weaving craft. Flor, born within the ethnic reservation of Cuaspud-Carlosama to a family of weavers, has early memories of sheep shearing and wool spinning. She chose to pursue a career in fashion design after being awarded a scholarship to study at the Autonomous University of Nariño. It was her opportunity to empower the women in her community as a pioneering role model. Once she returned to her territory in 2012, she engaged them to repair their guanga, a traditional pre-Columbian vertical loom.
With a new colour palette and contemporary designs, Flor reinterpreted the ancestral weaving technique of the Pastos into marketable products for the fashion industry. With huge power of transformation, Flor fostered a new sense of belonging and respect for traditions, which eventually became core values of her workshop, Hajsu Etnomoda. Hajsu’s colourful creations have featured on national runways and been recognised with artisan and designer awards in Colombia.
Hajsu
