The symbols in Mayan clothing and textiles is much more than distinctive decoration.  The patterns tell a story based on the type of garment being made, what the cloth is eventually used for and the influences that the individual weavers bring to their looms.

The traditional brocade designs of the Chiapas Maya are drawn from local history and mythology. Diamond designs refer to the shape of the earth and sky. Undulating designs, often called snake or flower, symbolize the fertile earth with its abundance of holy plants and animals.  Each village, inspired by local custom and tradition, creates garments that are a direct reflection of their daily life and beliefs and each designer puts her individual signature on the pieces made.  The result is a unified expression of their heritage that is a symbolic representation of each community

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This cross-stitched dress from the village of Chalchihuitan is a perfect example of the geometric designs used to depict the earth, sky, and various gods and goddesses from ancient times.  The designs are timeless and this dress fits right in to today’s ethnic fashion trend. Big gold hoop earrings, some strappy sandals and you’re all set for summer.

Textiles inspired by brocade fabrics brought over by the Spanish are the inspiration behind these beautiful shawls.  The flowers are symbolic of the Earth’s fertile abundance, while the contemporary colors are a reflection of a younger generations influence.  This piece that we brought back from Zinacantan would work perfectly with jeans, black tank top and some great high shoes or boots. They are quite stunning to see up close.

The village of Tenejapa was where we found these black woolen shawls.  Women throughout the village wore one, each slightly different as a result of one’s embroidery and pom-pom design.  Woven from wool,  the texture is almost like a fur and keeps them warm in the winter months, similar to a blanket. It created a striking visual when they were gathered together in the market.  They are perfect for layering over a jean jacket in the fall to add something special to an outfit.

These delicate shawls from the village of Huixtan show the intricate needlecraft of the women from this region.  You can see the incredible skill of their handwork in the close-up.  They’ve created these lightweight pieces in absolutely joyful colors that are perfect for cool summer evenings.

Our cross-stitch tops from Chiapas are filled with a riot of color.  The patterns in these tops can be just geometric, just floral or a combination of both.  We love them with a pair of jeans. Check out all our styles at FTWWL

These tops, from San Andres Larrainzar, are said to have their origins from missionary nuns coming to Mexico and teaching the women embroidery styles popular in Europe at the time.  Also done in a cross-stitch pattern, you can see the designs are much more fluid and romantic. Again illustrating the unique influences of each village.

Expertly crafted by the women of Chamula, these traditional satin blouses can take up to two months to complete.  The intricate handwork is evident in the bodice, telling the tale of the woman who made it and the particular village it came from. In these small communities, it’s important to continue the embroidery tradition, yet equally important to allow for each woman’s creative spirit to thrive. They’re absolutely beautiful…easy to wear day or evening.

Finally, these wonderful white dresses embroidered in vibrant colors are typical to the village of San Juan Cancuc and traditionally worn by men, yet, when I found them I felt they would be perfect as a summer dress or cover-up.   We think they’d look great paired with sandals for an effortless and unique look.

You can find all these new items and much more on our site From The World With Love: Mexico.

Mexico is just the beginning of the adventure.  You can shop India, Ethiopia, Thailand and Paris too!

The beauty of the Mayan textiles that we discovered in our trip to southern Mexico goes much deeper than the eye can see. Which is usually the case when an ancient civilization’s art, cultural, social and religious beliefs are translated visually.   Combining these elements have led to the patterns, colors, and styles of the textiles woven still used today.  Most important, however, is the individual passion that each woman/weaver brings to the loom when she sets to work.  Her relationship to the beautiful natural surroundings, the warmth and love within the community that has shaped her and her religious convictions are the subtle nuances that make each garment, each textile, unique.

The universe was unpredictable and misunderstood by the ancients which required them to give meaning and description to natural events taking place around them.  In the Mayan culture, textiles were equivalent to the written word.  A picture book if you will.  The scribes, those individuals making sure the story was being told and passed down were the women in the villages who were believed to have been chosen by the gods to carry out this sacred task.  Being responsible for keeping their stories alive and passing them down,  these women were afforded goddess-like status among their people.

Women not only work together, but support one another on a much deeper level.  Weaving and dealing with the tasks of everyday life were one continuous motion.  In addition to the weaving, meals had to be made, children had to be tended to and farm chores carried out, creating a fluid symphony amongst the women, played from sunrise to sunset.

We saw many women sitting and sewing new designs as we shopped, and all were more than happy to explain some of the more mythical and fanciful scenes on the textiles.  Most had  learned their skills from their mother or grandmother.  And while some of the more traditional styles have been updated, not much has changed and the tradition remains to pass along the skills from generation to generation.

The  MAYAN women region of CHIAPAS are granted a status far different from what exists in the western world.  Their culture is much more matriarchal.  Women are the backbone of this society and as such, treated with a great deal of respect from the men within the community.  It is the women who hold the future of their lives and economy in their hands.

To that end, From The World With Love has made it their mission to bring these pieces of clothing to a world that can help establish and sustain these women in cultivating a cottage industry to enhance their lives. Visit our website to see all the beautiful pieces of clothing, jewelry and home items we brought back from Mexico and help this wonderful community flourish!

More to come….

We fell in love with these images from Coachella 2013.  All these looks are put together by girls with genuine style…taking elements from their everyday wardrobe and mixing them up with one of a kind vintage and ethnic pieces that we love here at FTWWL.

Inspired by their look, we put together our own style board based on things we have on our website and items you might have already in your closet.  Being confident enough to mix it up like this is what great style is all about.  Try it for yourself.

1.  Yak Wool Jacket @FTWWL

2 .  Maharani Bracelet@FTWWL

Instantly, this became my favourite place for morning coffee. Before leaving that day, I asked Ridwan if he’d be interesting in doing some pictures for FTWWL. Of course, he was delighted to talk with me as well as wear some of our amazing scarves. 

My first encounter was better than expected yet I couldn’t help but return soon after our first meeting to buy a cooking lesson and take in the warming aroma and welcoming atmosphere once again. 

 FTWWL: Where are you living?

             Ridwan: In Hell’s Kitchen, but most of my day is spent in Haven’s Kitchen….ironic?

FTWWL: Can you tell us your secret address? 

             Ridwan: Never! I cannot tell you..! It’s a secret

FTWWL: How do you start your day?

            Ridwan: With coffee of course!

FTWWL: And your guilt pleasure is?

            Ridwan: I can’t resist ice cream!

FTWWL: Working in a coffee shop is amazing. What other hidden talents do you have?

           Ridwan: I have a passion for photography and cooking.

FTWWL: If you had to choose your favorite city, it would be ________.

Ridwan: New York 

FTWWL: What does “happiness” mean to you?

            Ridwan: I achieve happiness by making others happy.

FTWWL: What is your favorite FTWWL item?

           Ridwan: A one of a kind bracelet

You can shop FTWWL and purchase your own silk scarf and pearl bracelet, just like the one Ridwan chose to wear. He looks stunning!

The Best place for coffee and recreational cooking school in New York Haven ‘s Kitchen.   You can shop the scarf and the Maharani pearl necklace-bracelet at        FTWWL .

Each of these one -of -a -kind shawls

you can find in FTWWL store.

One -Of-A -Kind only 8  different pieces

in Blue ,Orange Red and more in FTWWL  STORE

Inspired by Maharajas style,it has been created by the same techniques and designs as traditional Indian jewelry.

You can find it

In FTWWL Store