The old man of the Andes

This project began with inspiration from the cacti that inhabit the highlands of the Andes Mountains and the culture of the Aymara people, who have lived in that region for generations.

Some cacti native to the Andes survive intense UV exposure and extreme climates not through sharp thorns, but through soft, hair-like textures that protect their surfaces. I became deeply interested in this unique way of adaptation and survival.

At the same time, Aymara women have historically expressed their cultural identity through layered garments and richly textured textiles, going beyond functionality and protection from harsh weather. Their clothing reflects both survival and tradition within an extreme environment, which became another important starting point for my work.

By combining these two inspirations, I translated the soft, hair-like texture of the cactus into knitwear. Inspired by the Aymara tradition of hand-weaving textiles, I created the entire process by hand, from development