Jumper by Siempre Viva

I am someone who likes to play with a lot of different styles in fashion. Sometimes I like a structured girl-boss look with a pencil skirt, fitted button up, and classy chunky heels. I also like to wear bomber jackets, dark wash jeans, and lace up boots. There are several sides of me, but if there’s one that I could stamp my name onto and live in forever, it’s something playful, colorful, and beautifully made. With that being said, I love this jumper!

This jumper by Siempre Viva stole my heart, and I feel both beautiful and like myself in it, which is the best feeling to have when scoring a great fashion find. As always, what makes this piece even better is that it came alive from the idea of a compassionate woman who emphasizes value in sustainability, economic empowerment, and colorful Mexican textiles.

“Made with love, wear with purpose.”

Skilled Artisans

Siempre Viva works directly within different indigenous areas of Mexico where the owner, Sally, sought out artisans who sew, weave, and loom, among other skills. Created in 2015, Sally works with these artisans of Suchitlan, Colima and San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas to provide economic opportunity and business mentoring for these artisans.

Philanthropy

Siempre Viva also collaborates with several philanthropic organizations including Melel Xojobal, whose mission is to empower the indigenous urban and rural population in Chiapas, mainly children, with participatory processes in education and communication. Siempre Viva also partners with with Cáritas Colima, a charitable organization that strives to reduce poverty in local communities in Colima by employing women who hand embroider Siempre Viva designs.

Handmade + Wellmade

As I’ve gotten older and more educated about sustainable fashion, I like to pick clothing items that are well-made and have unique detailing. I appreciate clothing that’s handmade with crosstitch patterns, because there’s a beauty in things that take skill, time, and love to create. Much like I’ve heard vegans only like to put happy things in their bodies (meaning, no animals were harmed), I can relate in that it feels really nice to wear clothing that comes from such good intention. Siempre Viva believes in social responsibility, being sweatshop free, and giving back globally. Representing that cause through my wardrobe feels awesome!

Slow Fashion Movement

This jumper is quite unique which makes it a standout piece. The details, colors, pattern, fabric, and cut look awesome together and I’ve gotten some positive reactions from it! One thing I’ve realized is that this jumper provides awareness based on the number times and I’ve received compliments from it. Confused by that? Let me explain…

When someone points out my outfit, I like to tell them about where I got it, and a little about the company. Since I know where my clothes came from and know history behind what I’m wearing, I think it makes others curious to question where their clothes came from (#whomademyclothes). These kind of conversations are the ones that create a slow fashion shift because they highlight garment workers. I’m grateful that this Siempre Viva jumper has already allocated thoughts towards conscious consumerism in such an effortless way that I wouldn’t have otherwise imagined. Kudos to that!