Our collaboration with Aha Bolivia in recreating our digitised UV mapping designs via digital communication was a challenging and interesting experience that produced stunning results.

Being pioneers of craftsmanship we sought to mix the old with the new, traditional manual techniques with digital tools, to create a uniquely modern, ethical and fair-trade product range.

UV Mapping face renders

UV Mapping translated into crochet

Crochet shirt pattern development

The step by step design process and daily exchanges opened potential new doors for collaborations over digital mediums but also highlighted limitations that through face to face communication could have been solved easily, but the difficulty and imperfections of a seamless exchange and culture barrier are what made the final pieces so unpredictable and interesting. Sometimes being definitive (standard in design) creates a lack of character, particularly true in fashion.

Could this be a new way of working in a post-Covid world?

Crochet “FACE” shirt in progress

Final crocheted shirt

Final pieces were produced in Bolivia using fair-trade wools and cotton farmed ethically and manufactured by a hub of local fair paid crafters.

For more on Aha Bolivia visit their website here: http://www.ahabolivia.com

Detail of crochet “FACE” skirt

Crochet “FACE” bolero and skirt

Detail of crochet “FACE” bolero embellished with glass beads

AHA Bolivia x KORLEKIE collaboration featured in Bolivian fashion press