Paris, France – October 2024 – During Paris Fashion Week, Kene Kaya, the luxury fashion brand founded by Peruvian designer Alessandra Durand, held a special showcase that bridged two vastly different worlds. Durand introduced the intricate textile art of the Shipibo-Conibo tribe from the Peruvian Amazon to Paris, presenting a collection that celebrated the heritage and craftsmanship of one of Peru’s most marginalized indigenous communities.
For Durand, this was more than just a fashion display. Draped in a vibrant red piece from her “Art and Agency” collection, she demonstrated her belief that fashion can be a force for change.
“I believe that fashion, like art, has the power to influence and inspire transformation. By bringing Shipibo-Conibo artistry to Paris, we are celebrating their cultural heritage and advocating for greater visibility and agency for Indigenous communities,” Durand explained.
The garment she wore, hand-dyed by renowned Shipibo-Conibo artist Olinda Silvano, took over two weeks to create. Silvano’s hand-painted designs, made using natural dyes from Amazonian tree bark, vividly represented her people’s cultural traditions. The entire collection, crafted with sustainable materials, reflected the rich heritage and artistry of the Shipibo-Conibo people.
Kene Kaya’s collection featured bold colors, ancestral embroidery, and hand-painted designs, all grounded in a deep commitment to eco-conscious fashion. This dedication to preserving cultural heritage while promoting sustainability was central to the event.
Durand’s showcase during Paris Fashion Week was more than a fashion moment—it was a cultural statement. It symbolized a bridge between the Amazon and the global fashion scene, showing how fashion can preserve cultural legacies and empower marginalized voices. Through her designs, Durand conveyed the importance of sustainable practices that honor both the environment and the communities who protect it.
With this collection, Kene Kaya illustrated that fashion is not just about aesthetics—it’s a tool for storytelling and advocacy. Durand’s vision extends beyond the runway; she is committed to using her platform to support and uplift indigenous communities like the Shipibo-Conibo, who continue to fight for recognition and agency.
To explore Kene Kaya’s “Art and Agency” collection and learn more about the brand’s mission, visit www.kenekaya.com or follow them on Instagram at @shopkenekaya.