Fashion Design and International Enterprise
“Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
- Coco Chanel
The Challenge
Across the high-Andean communities of Cusco, the ancestral art of backstrap-loom weaving is both a cultural treasure and an economic lifeline. Yet the women who hold this knowledge are often cut off from the markets that value it, leaving them dependent on intermediaries and unpredictable prices. As younger generations migrate to the cities in search of income, the intricate techniques passed down through generations risk being lost. Without a dignified and reliable way to earn from their craft, both the weavers' livelihoods and a centuries-old tradition are placed under growing pressure.
The Facts
Two communities:Away Pallay works with women weavers from two high-Andean communities in Cusco, Acchahuata and Chalwaccocha
Entirely handmade: Every garment is 100% handmade using the ancestral backstrap-loom technique
Local & natural: Weavers use sheep and alpaca fibre from their own communities, coloured with natural dyes from local plants and roots
Co-created designs: Colours, patterns and measurements are decided jointly with the master weavers through a co-creation process
Ancient tradition: Andean weaving in the Cusco region dates back thousands of years, predating the Inca
Potential Solutions
Peru's textile heritage is world-renowned, and demand for authentic, ethically made Andean products continues to grow both nationally and internationally. This creates a clear opportunity: by connecting the weavers' extraordinary skill with strong design and access to global markets, traditional craft can become a sustainable and dignified source of income. Realising that opportunity takes more than good intentions. It requires product development that appeals to contemporary buyers, professional branding and communications, and the commercial capacity to reach customers far beyond Cusco. At EcoSwell we support Away Pallay in building exactly this bridge between ancestral knowledge and the modern marketplace.
Our partnership focuses on three core pillars:
Strengthening design and product development while honouring traditional Andean weaving techniques
Expanding Away Pallay's reach into new national and international markets
Ensuring the women weavers benefit economically while their cultural heritage is preserved
Our Initiatives
EcoSwell places volunteer interns directly alongside the Away Pallay team in the centre of Cusco, contributing skills in fashion, design and international commerce while gaining first-hand insight into the artisans' craft. We take a people-centred approach that keeps the weavers' knowledge and wellbeing at the heart of every decision. Our initiatives include:
Design & Product Development - Working alongside the Away Pallay team, our volunteer interns support the creation of new products, colour palettes and collections that celebrate traditional Andean weaving while appealing to contemporary audiences. A dedicated creative workspace allows interns to develop ideas independently and then bring them back to the team, ensuring every design stays true to the master weavers' techniques and the community's cultural identity.
International Business & Market Outreach - To secure long-term income for the weavers, we help Away Pallay expand its reach beyond Cusco. Interns with an interest in business, marketing or international trade research new markets, support communications with international clients and partners, develop promotional materials, and analyse sales opportunities, contributing fresh ideas that strengthen the enterprise's presence on the global stage.
Retail Operations & Storytelling - Much of the work takes place in Away Pallay's shops and offices in the centre of Cusco, where interns support day-to-day operations. This includes assisting customers, presenting and selling handmade textiles, organising displays, and sharing the stories behind the artisans and their products, helping visitors understand the tradition, skill and social impact woven into every piece.
Community Visits & Cultural Exchange - Volunteer interns travel into the rural weaving communities where Away Pallay's artisans live and work. Spending one or two days in the community, they learn the traditional weaving process directly from the women, see the social impact of the enterprise first-hand, and experience daily life in the Andes, building genuine connections that ground the design and business work back in Cusco.
Community Support & Experiential Tourism - During these visits, interns may also lend a hand with day-to-day activities and community projects according to local needs, from agricultural work to supporting community initiatives and taking part in cultural and experiential tourism. These shared experiences foster meaningful connections between volunteers and the communities, and participation is included as part of the EcoSwell financial contribution.
