Now that Dia de Muertos is upon us, Joaquina is compelled to bring out a bag that evokes a sense of heritage. This Serape Stripe wool crossbody bag pays homage to Joaquina's ancestors and the diaspora of Native Americans, their culture, arts, and crafts. You may have wondered about the name of our brand, Joaquina. A little backstory needs telling here.
Joaquina is the name of my great-grandmother, a fashionista of the 1920s era. She was European born and raised, had a keen sense for style, and was an excellent seamstress. Over one hundred years ago, an earnest and hard-working Texas construction contractor of mestizo origins, Manuel, traveled to Spain. There he met, fell in love with, and married a beautiful young woman - Joaquina. He brought his bride home to El Paso to establish their home and family. But all was not marital bliss. You see, Joaquina disapproved of what she considered to be the rather crude and rustic living conditions of the Texas border town.
As Manuel was such a successful businessman, Joaquina anticipated a lifestyle that she was accustomed to: one of gracious elegance; one of satin upholstered sofas and lace curtains. To her dismay, most of the people in El Paso at that time lived in earthen "casitas" with chickens clucking about in their front yards! Joaquina deemed all of it to be quite unsatisfactory. It soon became apparent that Joaquina would have to travel to Houston or Dallas - long journeys in those days - to obtain suitable draperies, cushions, and other home goods, or she must make them for herself. A pipeline of European silks, damasks, and linens soon ensued. Joaquina's mother shipped from Spain to Texas all the dry goods Joaquina required to properly decorate her new home. The coarse, woven wool saltillos and serapes that Manuel had used as tablecloths and furniture throws were relegated to the bottom of trunks, out of sight, out of mind.
Manuel found his wife's behavior and attitude to be somewhat snobbish. After all, his mother and aunts had woven those woolens with their very own hands. But, being the good husband that he was, and far too busy to involve himself with interior decorating, Manuel gave Joaquina free reign on matters of homemaking. Those woolen runners and blankets remained in exile until they were exhumed many decades later by an intrepid young descendant. More on that part of the story is to come.
For now, it's gratifying to know that Pendleton Woolen Mills is keeping alive the spirit and sensibility of native textiles. The Serape crossbody bag is made from a remnant of vintage Pendleton wool. The fabric brings to mind the look and feel of the traditional serapes woven by the Mestizo women of Mexico. Utilitarian in nature, those textiles were meant to work hard and last a long time, just as this crossbody bag is meant to do.
Measuring 8.5 in by 10 in, with a 42 in poly rope strap. Magnetic closure. Flap is embellished with a stamped metal concho. Lined in light blue chambray cotton with one interior pocket. Available. Message Joaquina Design Studio for details. Payments processed through PayPal. You can also purchase Joaquina's work here: https:www.joaquinadesign.com
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