Launching
for Spring 2007, Ilo Guaraní is a ready-to-wear collection
created by the team at New York fashion showroom, Agent 011. Spearheaded
by South American born showroom co-owner, Veronica Cardenas, and
her mother Nina Cardenas, the collection combines modern shapes
with Paraguayan handmade lace known as Ñandutí.
When the Spaniards originally came to the New World, they introduced
the lace-weaving techniques to the Guaraní Indians. The
name “Ñandutí” means "spider web"
in Guaraní, the official language of Paraguay. The first
half of the collection’s name takes itself from the material.
Translated from Spanish, “Hilo” means thread and is
pronounced “ilo”.
Ilo Guarani is the culmination of a New York aesthetic and South
American artisinal workmanship. The collection is designed and
produced in New York incorporating the lace handwork from Paraguay.
This first ready-to-wear collection combines modern silhouettes,
such as shorts, camisoles, tank tops, cropped jackets, and bubble
dresses with the traditional lace and hand made silver filigree
hardware. Organic, neutral colors such as creams, greys, and whites
form the perfect background, while small shots of mustard and
green showcase the collection. Chain embellishments, as well as
belts in patent leather, linen burlap, and raffia add texture
and depth to tonal separates.
A portion of the profits from Ilo Guarani will be donated towards
building a school for the children of the Guarani Indians.
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