Discover the diversity of Colombian crafts with Yasmin Sabet
Introducing Deep Dive, our latest content series where we ask creative women about their areas of expertise in the destinations that they know best. Come along for the ride as we dive deep into the world’s most exciting destinations through music, food, fashion, design, and more.
This Deep Dive is part of a collaborative series with White Label Project, a digital concept store and community platform for the most exciting female-led impact brands in fashion and design from around the globe. In this edition, we meet the founder of Mola Sasa, a partner brand of White Label Project.
Yasmin Sabet is the founder of Mola Sasa, a Colombian brand that creates unique handcrafted accessories and homewares. Aiming to bridge the gap between tradition and progress, Mola Sasa collaborates directly with various indigenous communities of Colombia to translate their own traditional art forms and crafts into distinctive accessory collections that blend techniques, colors, textures and materials. We sat down with Yasmin to hear more about her journey with the brand, the significance of crafts and artisans in Colombia, and her favorite spots in Bogotá.
Tell us about your journey with Mola Sasa.
I had just moved back to Colombia and was looking for pieces for my new apartment. I went to buy textiles at a downtown market in Bogotá when I had the idea to make bags out of these heritage textiles called Molas which I had been familiar with growing up. My cousins had just started a showroom in New York and offered to take in my brand and it started to get a lot of attention. So it really kind of just happened and since then it has been organic. More women artisans have become part of the project through the years and they have been able to make a livelihood, so the impact is real and tangible. The fact that it has impacted so many women and that the work is directly with indigenous women has made it very interesting to me and is what has kept me going. I have learnt a lot and made many mistakes, but here we are almost nine years later and still moving forward each year with new and exciting projects.
How has Colombia inspired your work?
I have this quote on my website which I think sums up the question: “For me Colombia is color and music; it vibrates with its cultural mix and rich ethnic variety. This has certainly been a great influence for Mola Sasa and I can see it translated in many ways in our designs. We mix various techniques that speak of a country full of color and diversity; in that way are able to share a piece of us with the world.”
Half of me is Colombian and it is one of the places I grew up in. I was lucky from an early age to travel and see different places and topographies and idiosyncrasies, which has shaped my view of things. It has influenced my creativity and informed many of my designs. I think it is also important to mention that I grew up in a family with great values and a strong sense of belonging. In my family, giving back to the country and building for its people has always been a priority and this has also seeped into the way that I have structured Mola Sasa.
Can we hear more about the significance of crafts and artisans in Colombia?
Colombia has a strong tradition of crafts that dates hundreds of years. Because of its great diversity, there is also a large diversity in the crafts in Colombia. There are many indigenous groups still today and their crafts speak of their beliefs, culture, communities, and surroundings. In many of these crafts, we can see how natural resources are adapted and used for basketry, weaving or other techniques. Also in many crafts, we can see a Western influence where the craft was influenced by external techniques such as sewing and cutting. There are also artisanal cooperatives that are no longer made up of indigenous communities but descend from indigenous peoples, so ethnic traits are present in their crafts. Unfortunately for a long time, artisanal crafts were seen as cheap popular items, but this is changing and the value of the handmade is really appreciated now. Colombia has some beautiful crafts and there are several brands out there elevating them so the world gets to see them.
Beyond traditional arts and crafts, what’s new and exciting about the creative scene in Bogotá?
Just before the pandemic, a new fair was inaugurated in Bogotá called ArtBo which has brought in an injection of art, as well as many satellite fairs which is great. Several Colombian fashion brands have gained international recognition which has helped bring attention to Colombia and to smaller brands/creatives. A lot more energy has been put into bringing foreigners to see and buy Colombian fashion.
Where do you like to go in Bogotá for inspiration?
I love the mountains in Bogota that limit to the East with the city. They are majestic and imposing and I always turn to the mountains for inspiration. Their mysticism fascinates me as well as their strong “Music” energy. The Muiscas were the indigenous peoples of this region.
What boutiques should we visit to experience local crafts and designs?
I love La Comuna—you can find a great curation of local pieces and great coffee.
St Dom is a great concept store which only carries Colombian brands.
Loto del Sur is one of my favorite Colombian brands that sells skincare products, soaps, and candles.
I love Artesanias de Colombia and its headquarters at Las Aguas (although it has been suffering under new leadership, unfortunately.)
La Escuela de Artes y Oficios is an absolute gem; you can visit the school which is housed in a stunning historic house and they have a great shop.
Danielle Lafaurie and Olga Piedrahita are favorites and sensational creatives.
Casa Cicuta in the Candelaria is also a must-visit. They have a lovely selection of very special local artisanal crafts as well as pieces by designers and artists.
What are your favourite hidden gems?
My favorite hidden gem is Pasaje Rivas which I love. It is a popular market located in a chaotic downtown street not far from the Candelaria. Not many people know about it, although recently they opened a restaurant there called Testigo and apparently the lines are long these days.
The best way to find little hidden treasures in Bogotá is to walk in La Candelaria (the old town). I also think that the Teusaquillo neighborhood is full of hidden gems.
