A Belizean fashion brand inspired by cultural fusion and traditional techniques. A discussion with Emilio Perera
© Emilio Perera
“From a young age, I realized that the peoples of Belize are of many backgrounds whose heritages are merging [...]. I’ve met many people across the region with beautiful stories that intertwine with each other. These stories have inspired [...] harmony as I’ve come to realize that my story is also a story about us.”
With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we are often disconnected from the stories behind the products we buy. With that said, there is a growing need to take a step back and see where our favourite pieces come from. When we look at the history, materials and craftsmanship that go into manufacturing a product, we start to see the heritage that accompanies every piece.
Taking inspiration from his country, Emilio Perera has grown to be an influential designer in the Belizean fashion scene. The Emilio Perera brand is an accessory design house and crafts-studio that uses traditional techniques to create unique and limited pieces.
When talking to Mr. Perera, his vision for his brand became quite clear. He understands the importance of safeguarding and honing traditional skills to build something new and resilient for years to come. Learn more about him and his heritage-inspired products below.
What can people see, experience and purchase?
Emilio Perera: I specialize in leather accessories but also work with natural fibres, hand-loomed fabrics, wood and more. Pieces are created depending on material availability. Designs vary and are limited.
I also work on creative product design, direction, and story. I welcome conversations and collaborations with other creatives.
What is the history of your products, how did it come to be?
Emilio Perera: Emilio Perera, the designer/artisan, was born in 2013 from a beautiful encounter and relationship with Guatemalan art, culture and its people. For several years I delved into a world of creativity, community and connection that told stories of craft, of heritage and of life. I lived, learned and crafted in Antigua, Guatemala for a few years before returning home to Belize City in 2019. I am pursuing design in Belize with locally produced materials and newfound regional techniques. My work is a creative process strung together by hundreds of hours focusing on design development.
© Emilio Perera
© Emilio Perera
How does heritage inspire you and your goals?
Emilio Perera: From a young age, I realized that the peoples of Belize are of many backgrounds whose heritages are merging. There is cultural diversification. I’ve met many people across the region with beautiful stories that intertwine with each other. These stories have inspired harmony as I’ve come to realize that my story is also a story about us.
These entanglements of stories inspire my works. They are designed to show how various materials can work together beautifully and whose design adapts to the environment no matter the city.
My designs have incorporated weaving techniques of various materials, manufacture and use of local leather, traditional henequen natural fibre production, and use of hand-loomed fabrics.
Every piece depends on the continuation of these heirloom skills. My goals are to design in such a way that values materials, promoting traditional means of production and to modernize and expand design, skills and the arts.
© Emilio Perera
© Emilio Perera
How do you hope your product will serve your community?
Emilio Perera: I owe this project to the many artisans across the region willing to teach and show their craft and who have allowed me to be a part of their stories.
I hope to bring an awareness of what is possible to the creative community and the community at large. I hope to stretch the imagination of creatives to be innovative and resourceful with the information and materials at hand.
I also believe that the more hands that contribute to the creation of each piece, the greater the impact and the intention. I hope to intrigue the local artisans I collaborate with to take the next step in their craft and be an integral part of their creative story.
Contact:
Emilio Perera is most active on Instagram but can also be contacted through Facebook or email at pereraandco@gmail.com.
Written by: Ella Békési