Fashion past and present

A young Guatemalan label uses recycling to preserve the country's traditional weaving heritage in a unique contemporary collection. Jaspe Maya Moderno was founded by two young designers in Guatemala City, who had a passion for sustainability and for the country’s Mayan heritage. Together they set about creating a range of clothes that would have a low environmental impact and would promote and preserve the traditional indigenous crafts of Mayan weavers by incorporating traditi onal Jaspe into contemporary fashion. Jaspe (pronounced Has - pe) is a form of Mayan weaving in which the yarn is dyed in sections prior to weaving to create intricate patterns. It is used for traditional clothing, and the fabric used in the Jaspe Maya Moderno range is recycled from vintage textiles that are between 10 and eighty years old. Co - founder Victoria handpicks the fabric from sources all over Guatemala to ensure that the origin can be traced, before incorporating it into their designs. The loungewear collection combines Jaspe fabric with soft cotton - blend jersey that is made in a local factory and uses the recycled fibres of denim off - cuts from jeans manufacturing, which would otherwise be discarded as waste. The end result is a range of clothes that are soft, supremely comfortable and with an aesthetic that appeals to the contemporary fashion market – and which has become one of the most popular brands with Inclusive Trade's customers.

The Camden Joggers – slim cut jogging bottoms made in jersey with Jaspe pocket details – were initially made with the female market in mind but have found a place in unisex lounge and yogawear. The Jaspe Infinity scarves have become one of Inclusive Trade's best sellers and are popular with adults who enjoy their versatility. Each unique button - down scarf be worn multiple ways to accessorize plain outfits, and the soft cotton fabric makes them popular with people who have skin sensitivities and can't tolerate wool