The Free People Collection by Mayta Lara Leal

The Free People Collection consists of 5 different kinds of bags for men and women, all of which are made of vegetally tanned goatsleather. Inspired by the traditional Moroccan flap bags and combined with clear modern lines, the collection combines functionality with elegance.

The Designer

Mayta Lara Leal is a fashion designer from Brazil, where she completed her Bachelor of Fashion Design at State University of Santa Catarina – UDESC (2009). Mayta interned developing costume for theater, opera and ballet in 2007, and as entrepreneur, launched her own accessories label Catarina.art (2006 to 2009). She has worked as a teacher at the International Institute of Fashion Design Chio Lecca in Lima – Peru (2010) and later worked at ATTO knitting manufactory as Coordinator of Products in Sao Paulo – Brazil (2011 to 2012). Recently she finished her M.A. in Sustainability in Fashion at ESMOD – Berlin (2013), having her project selected for the Green Showroom Berlin 2014. Her goal is to create awareness of social and environmental responsibility through fashion.

1. What does it mean to you to be a selected designer at ABURY?

It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to have this experience, working with artisans in a different country and designing great products that are beneficial to this and future generations. ABURY works in a way that designers are brought together with old traditional art crafts, bringing in a bit of modernity to this unique culture, giving value and a new way to look at handmade items. I couldn’t be more pleased to be involved in such a project and learning with the exchange provided, which is most likely that you will not find in other labels.

2. Tell us about how it was to work with the communities?

My experience in Morocco was amazing. There were intense months with ups and downs, working non-stop: designing, learning about Morocco and the local handcraft culture, looking into the materials and processes, talking and working with the artisans. I had a lot of difficulties with the language, the cultural and social differences, which put me in interesting and funny situations. My stay with the communities made me see beyond the markets and museums, I got to experience the everyday life and took a look into their lifestyle and what the craft traditions mean to them.

3. What inspired you to design your collection?

Life! We just need to look with curious eyes to be fascinated with every little aspect of life. Children are a lot like this. From that point on it is even easier to be inspired in a place like Morocco, with so many stories, incredible people and ancient history. I found myself immersed in colors, smells, art, crafts, music and dance; all of which contributes to the whole story peppered with symbolism. Each moment in Morocco, the good and challenging ones, contributed to immense inner growth that I wish to be able to express throughout my design and everyday life.