Photo Courtesy of Marie Taillefer
After the huge success of his Africaba Bag, Christian Louboutin is now presenting the Mexicaba, in collaboration with Taller Maya, a part of Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya that helps those in the Yucatan Peninsula preserve their unique craft skills and conserve authentic craftsmanship for the long-term economic empowerment of Mayan artisans.
“You only need to visit my house and see all the stuff I’ve brought back over the years to know I really love the diversity of Mexican design. The heritage is so rich, from the indigenous side, to the arrival of the Spanish, to the mélange when these come together. I love the embroideries, the colors, the pagan motifs of wild animals that are a little naive, and all the images of death, taken in such a light way, it isn’t scary anymore," commented Christian Louboutin.
Indeed, Taller Maya offers safe and friendly workshops for these artisans, who usually gather in small groups and apply their inherited traditional skills. But most of all, Taller Maya grants these talented artisans a sense of community- something that is very important at a time where globalization has taken over the essence of culture. By doing so, the foundation allows natives the opportunity to provide for themselves though their art skills, upholding their cultural heritage and making them self-sufficient. For each Mexicaba sold, there’s an added benefit to Taller Maya and Mexican artisans. Furthermore, ten percent of profit from sales in Christian Louboutin boutiques are donated to the Foundation and certainly, Taller Maya artisans are rightfully paid for their work.
The result translates into a canvas of vibrant handwoven cotton, rich Mayan embroidery, bone beads crafted from the horns of bull cattle and wooden beads painted with mythical wild beast motifs. The embroiders of CSAO (Company of Senegal and Western Africa) play a huge role in the Mexicaba, as every bag comes with a little poupette bag charm made by the women of CSAO, dressed in Paris and finally accessorized in Italy. Truly an endeavor connecting the four corners of the world.
“Even beyond the economic impact and positive social impact on more than 100 families, what everyone loves is the special energy. Working with the Christian Louboutin team has opened our minds to new possibilities,” added Maria-Carola Diez Director of Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya / Taller Maya.
Louboutin has mastered the art of bringing together artisans from all over the world and his creations are living proof of the marvelous social impact he’s making on cultural foundations. Head to the Photo Gallery to view the process of making the Mexicaba and of course, snippets of its fabulousness!
