Giovanna and Lorena

"We are Giovanna and Lorena and we make beautiful and functional leather bags. We met about eight years ago. We worked in the same company but left it at nearly the same time. Lorena wanted to get together to talk about creating our own venture. We then brainstormed until our ideas became clear. Our venture was founded in February 2014. We were sure we wanted to work in the fashion field and also pay tribute to Mexican artisans and designers. By the end of the year, we felt we were ready and started selling our designs. We've been growing little by little. <br><br> "Our desire is to create women's purses ? and some men's items, like wallets - that are exclusive, unique, of high-quality and design and primordially Mexican. Our collections and handbags have very Mexican names to promote the great work our people do. We want to make known the many native cultures of Mexico and, because of that, we seek inspiration and try to incorporate elements from the peoples who came before us, like the Maya, Huichol, Purepecha, Lacandon and Toltec peoples, among others. There is a huge variety of colors within them that shine, which are happy, fun, strong and radiant that embody plants, flowers and symbols. <br><br> "Another aspect of our venture is that we have fun. Everything we do must be happy and enjoyable. This is our hallmark. <br><br> "We collaborate with around 20 designers and artisans, all from Jalisco. They are men and women who are very creative and able. Their work is 100 percent artisanal. Nothing is mass produced nor is industrial machinery used, only simple equipment and, above all, our most important tools ? passion and creativity. <br><br> "One of the things that fascinates us about this work is the complete freedom we all have to create each bag. Each person sits at a table and pours their emotions onto the leather, finding their muse in their own hearts and enjoying the freedom to express their feelings on a piece of leather, fabric, yarn or <i>ixtle</i> cactus fiber. No bag is identical to another. A bag from Giovanna and Lorena is a reinterpretation of our culture. When someone buys one of our designs, that person receives not only an accessory, but a a little piece of our beloved Mexico. <br><br> "A little after starting, we've been able to show our designs in the U.S. and Canada as well as a number of Mexican cities. The design, passion and determination to show our pride in the talent of our artisans keeps us moving to continue building our small venture."