Olga Reiche
INDIGO
What’s your story?
In 1979 I moved to Antigua, Guatemala and there I started working for Oxfam UK. My work was as a secretary but sometimes I also had to go to visit the Cooperatives and groups that were asking for grants. That made me get to know the many villages in the highlands, also their weavings and weaving techniques. I fell in love with them. Since then my passion for Guatemalan textiles began. In 1987 I opened a shop called Ojala for widows from the armed conflict in Guatemala. I Started with 27 widows from the Ixil Triangle, pretty soon there were 700 widows. My first attempt at product development. I had to decide: what size, what colors, what length and also the final product. One thing was very clear to me, that I was never going to mutilate or cut any hand woven textile. I introduced the natural dyes to the weavings. Something that I learned by myself. After I closed the widows shop in 1989 I became a consultant for different NGO´s on natural dye workshops to different Indigenous groups, specially around the Lake area of Atitlan. In 2005 I opened INDIGO as a brand and store specializing in natural dye clothing and textiles and the use of organic fibers and recycled plastic woven on looms by Indigenous women and men. Since then I have either been having a studio, or retail shops as well as working on small custom made orders for clients in the USA and Europe.
What are your values?
Rescue of traditional weaving techniques. Natural dyes, Design applied to traditional symbols and weaving techniques without mutilating the weaving, but using it as it comes out of the loom. Every piece is hand sewn after is woven, assembled by hand with stitches and embroidery decorating seam. Design products woven with discarded plastic bags.
Where are you located?
Antigua, Guatemala in Central America.
What can we find at INDIGO?
Textiles handwoven with eco-dyed threads and yarns, designs inspired by Mayan cultural traditions adapted to foreign markets.
Are you open to collaborations or custom work?
Yes I do Custom work. Collaborations only with someone that would do similar work as I do.
Where can we learn more about you?
Facebook: Indigo Guatemala | Instagram: @indigocustomtextile
