ABOUT
Costaiia is a curation and design studio that works in collaboration with artisans and craftsmen in Mexico.
Established in 2020 by Patricia Maria Pietri, Costaiia was founded with the intention of creating a landscape that would interlace contemporary and traditional worlds through craft and design.
Costaiia’s creative direction is rooted in the idea of storytelling, inspired by myths, folk tales, stories and customs passed down and re-interpreted through generations.
Our collections are a reflection of our passion for preserving tradition and folklore while paving new ways for artisanal design.
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FOUNDER'S JOURNAL ON ARTISANS
LEYVA-FLORES FAMILY
It is difficult to imagine a time when more than half of the people in Xochimilco were textile artisans. However, I can vividly hear the lively sound of the foot loom echoing from all the houses, creating a magnificent orchestra.
The Leyva Flores family tradition has been handed down by four generations, but unfortunately, they are now down to the final generation that will continue to practice this craft.
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to converse with Don Jose, a 95-year-old man and the father of Javier, Mario, and Jose Jr., who have created numerous textiles for Costaiia. Don Jose began learning this family tradition at the age of 11. He would assist his father and grandfather in making "canillas" and gradually learned the more intricate aspects of the craft as he entered his teenage years. Throughout his career, the artisan industry underwent significant changes. While Don Jose initially crafted textiles for women's traditional dresses, the community's modernization led artisans to adapt the purpose of their craft. During his time, artisans began to produce bed sheets and curtains, which were in high demand and remain the specialty of Xochimilco artisans. However, these products are no longer as sought after. Few households prioritize owning Mexican artisanal crafts over store-bought sheets and curtains. The craft has slowly transformed into a keepsake, something tourists bring home as a memory or Mexicans purchase as an accent decoration showcasing their cultural heritage. Over time, fewer people are purchasing these products, resulting in the closure of numerous workshops.
One day while exploring Xochimilco, I encountered Javier, Don Jose's eldest son. Following the sound of a foot loom, I arrived at their house. There stood Javier, shirtless (which they say is their family's uniform due to the scorching heat), listening to rancheras on the radio as he skillfully crafted a long textile. Intrigued, I knocked on the door and inquired about his current project. While I expected him to be making a bed sheet or a curtain, I was curious to know if he was working on something different from what I had seen before. Kindly, he invited me into his home and showed me his work. Although it was intended to be a curtain, on the loom it resembled an incredible fabric for pants, so I requested that he make me a few meters of it and ship it to Mexico City. This was the first time he had received an order solely for fabric. However, he swiftly produced three meters and sent it to me. I became captivated by his fabric and began ordering a significant amount, gradually incorporating it into the majority of Costaiia’s designs. This collaboration has blossomed into a regular partnership, and we have developed a wonderful friendship over the years.
Javier and his brothers are the last artisans in their family lineage. When their children were young, they witnessed the decline in artisanal production and encouraged them to pursue a higher education and strive for a better future. All of their children are now married and hold office jobs that have enabled them to provide a good life for their own children. It brings me joy to see the younger generations grow and forge their own paths, but it saddens me to witness the demise of Xochimilco’s craft along the way.
VERONICA AND CANDELARIA
Veronica and her mother Candelaria are the epitome of resilience and determination. Through Costaiia, I had the opportunity to collaborate with these incredible single mothers from San Bartolo Coyotepec, a small town in Oaxaca known for its black clay artisans. Witnessing their unwavering dedication to their craft and their commitment to providing a better future for their children was both inspiring and humbling.
San Bartolo Coyotepec is a community entrenched in the production of black clay. The men of the town work the fields, harvesting clay to bring back home where the entire family collaborates in molding and crafting unique pieces. From the youngest children to the oldest grandparents, every generation contributes their artistic touch, resulting in an array of beautifully diverse creations. This tight-knit community's economy relies on the distribution of black clay products throughout Oaxaca and the influx of tourists seeking authentic craftsmanship.
My first encounter with Veronica was nothing short of captivating. She exuded a palpable energy that drew me in immediately. Her fierce personality, combined with her genuine passion for her craft, made her an individual I knew I wanted to work with. I proposed the idea of creating handmade buttons, a concept she found amusing since she had never encountered anyone making them before. Undeterred, I confidently requested 1500 buttons and placed a deposit. Right from the start, I trusted her completely.
Veronica crafted the 1500 buttons over a period of two months. She had to burn the buttons three times to ensure their durability. Although they may be just buttons, they embody something much greater - they symbolize time, the love of a mother for her children, and the unwavering determination of these incredible women to propel their families forward.
Every time I encounter Veronica and her mother, I am overwhelmed with joy and a sense of empowerment. They serve as a constant reminder that women are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. Their resilience, strength, and unwavering dedication not only fuel their own aspirations but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
Veronica and Candelaria, through their collaboration with our brand, have not only created beautiful handcrafted buttons but have also become a source of Costaiia’s inspiration. Their story is a testament to the power of unity, determination, and the pursuit of a better future. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with these women and for the lessons they have taught me along the way.
THE WOMEN OF SAN LUIS DEL RIO
Nestled in the mountains of Tlacolula de Matamoros lies San Luis del Rio, a community graced with a meandering river and approximately 500 residents. The people of San Luis are known for their warm hospitality and stunning natural surroundings. But what really sets the community apart is its deep-rooted tradition of weaving, passed down through generations of hardworking women.
The art of weaving is ingrained in the fabric of San Luis del Rio, quite literally. From the age of 8, girls in the community begin learning this ancient craft under the guidance of their mothers and grandmothers. By the time they reach 10 years old, they gather together with their friends, exchanging ideas and even engaging in friendly competitions to showcase their skills. The girls begin selling their creations within the community, using the proceeds to host gatherings for one another, buy food, and share their earnings. The youngest weaver of Costaiia’s crochet pieces is 16 years old, who diligently crafts our Salo Jacket’s red pockets. Her mother mentioned that she pays for her art materials and beauty supplies with the money earned, and dreams of learning how to make the more intricate pieces such as our ponchos and sweaters (to make more money, of course!).
This community has deep-seated values and traditions that emphasize love and devotion. When a woman from the community gets married, she unveils a heartwarming tradition - weaving a crochet basketball shirt for her partner. This tradition is cherished throughout the entire community, with the men proudly donning these shirts, symbolizing the affection and hard work woven into each intricate stitch. Listening to the women recount their stories about their husbands' shirts highlighted the emotional significance they’re craft held. Many men in the community work in the mezcal fields, either cultivating the Maguey plant or distilling Mezcal in the local palenques. The women ensure their husbands' well-being by providing sustenance and tending to their children's needs.
“Every woman in San Luis del Rio knows how to weave," they proudly mention. "While some may not pursue it professionally, it is deeply ingrained in our culture to learn and spend our afternoons perfecting our craft, eagerly waiting for our partners to return from work."
San Luis del Rio is not merely a picturesque community hidden away in the mountains; it is a place where the art of weaving intertwines with love, companionship, and tradition. Costaiia is proud to share and embrace the rich cultural heritage that permeates every thread of the community's collective fabric, while striving to give these woman an outlet to grow and provide for their families.
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MADE-TO-ORDER
Please note that all of our pieces are made to order, given their hand made nature.
Each order will take from 7 to 14 days to be made + shipped, depending on garment style and fabrication.
Shipping:
We do not refund for packages lost in transit and are unable to refund or replace stolen/un-retrieved packages that have been confirmed as delivered.
International Shipping: Duties and taxes are NOT included in the total at check out. Our prices are not inclusive of any taxation or customs charges you may be liable for on your packages entry into your country. Please refer to your country's government website for more information.
Returns:
Due to our hand-made nature, all sales are final.
Please email us at hello@costaiia.com if you have any doubts regarding measurements.
We accept returns of unworn, unwashed clothing within 48 hours of delivery if the item is defective or does not match its description. However, please note that each item can have slight alterations given that it is hand made.
Please contact us at hello@costaiia.com or via Instagram DM for instructions on how to place a return.
After two days of delivery, all sales are final.
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WHOLESALE
Please email us at hello@costaiia.com for wholesale information.
