Breaking Barriers: Kene Kaya to Showcase Peruvian Indigenous Art at Miami Swim Week – PR.com
Miami, FL, April 26, 2024 –(PR.com)– Kené Kaya, the ethical fashion brand by Alessandra Durand, is ready to unveil a truly unique swimwear collection at Miami Swim Week® The Shows on May 30. This eagerly awaited collection, featuring indigenous art from the Peruvian Amazon, promises to enthrall audiences with its elegance, cultural depth, and the brand’s unwavering dedication to preserving indigenous heritage.
Alessandra, a Miami-based Peruvian designer, has long been passionate about highlighting the beauty and cultural significance of indigenous art from her homeland. Through her brand, she aims to magnify the work and talents of artists from the Shipibo-Conibo tribe, known for their intricate textile artwork of geometric patterns and vibrant colors, passed down through generations.
This collection stands out for its unique departure from the norm at Miami Swim Week, blending original concepts of art, fashion, and culture from the Peruvian Amazon. Featuring a dazzling fusion of printed and embroidered textile art and contemporary design, the collection showcases motifs inspired by the fauna and wildlife of the Amazon. Each piece reverberates with the rich heritage and traditions of the Shipibo-Conibo people, honoring their profound connection to nature.
“Kené Kaya,” translating to “the spirit of design” in the native language of the Shipibo-Conibo, encapsulates the essence of this remarkable collection. Featuring the intricate “kené” designs, the swimwear radiates artistic expression and cultural reverence with profound spiritual significance.
Founder Alessandra Durand believes in the transformative power of fashion and aims to make a statement at Miami Swim Week with her visionary creations. Collaborating with talented Shipibo artists in Peru, such as globally renowned artist Olinda Silvano, she has curated a collection that not only showcases their exquisite artwork but also pays homage to the culture and traditions of indigenous communities like the Shipibo-Conibo tribe.
“Bringing the essence of the Peruvian Amazon to Miami Swim Week is a dream come true,” Alessandra shares. “To me, fashion can be a powerful vehicle for celebrating diversity and preserving indigenous cultural heritage and traditional art forms. With this collection, we not only exhibit indigenous artwork to the world but also carve out a crucial space for indigenous artisans within the fashion industry. They are no longer limited to the streets of Lima.”
Alessandra’s journey into fashion has been shaped by her upbringing and unique personal experiences. Born to Peruvian parents dedicated to social justice and humanitarian causes, Alessandra’s background in International Development during her studies at Oxford and Stanford University ignited her fascination with alternative economic models and social entrepreneurship to address humanity’s most pressing needs. Visiting a slum in Lima, where a collective of Shipibo-Conibo artists reside after migrating from the Peruvian Amazon in search of work, she witnessed the challenges faced by talented artists who struggle to share their work beyond Lima’s streets. Kené Kaya tackles the issue of limited access and agency for indigenous Peruvian artists by offering a platform to showcase their work to larger markets, thereby spotlighting their immense talent and creativity on a worldwide level.
Guests at Miami Swim Week are in for an immersive journey through the verdant realms of the Amazon as they witness the debut of Kené Kaya’s extraordinary swimwear collection. Seamlessly blending elegance, artistry, and cultural reverence, this collection aims to leave an indelible mark on the canvas of the fashion landscape.