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fashion

Joy

Grandson learned his grandma used to be a pro model. So he surprised her with a photoshoot.

50 years later, she's still got it.

@olliemuhl/TikTok

Stunning in every era.

We’ve had quite a few stories of older women shattering the glass ceiling of beauty standards, showing us that a few wrinkles and gray hairs do not make a woman inherently less attractive or glamorous.

In fact, the opposite is often true. For with these markers of age comes wisdom, sovereignty, and the kind of confidence that can only be granted through experience. All of these are sexy things.

But women have been made to think otherwise for far too long. And let’s be real, just because there has been progress here, it doesn’t mean that the beauty industry (or how we collectively view beauty in general) has quit becoming a young woman’s game.

Older women still rarely find themselves represented as vibrant, sexy, desirable or aspirational as their younger counterparts. Or as compared to older men…which is a whole ‘nother can of worms.

All this to say, anytime there is a story of an older woman challenging societal norms simply by being their fabulous selves, we think it’s a story worth sharing. And this one certainly fits the bill, with its own special flavor of grandma-grandson wholesomeness.

This is Ollie Muhl—a content creator, and objectively good looking dude.

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Of course, perhaps Muhl should credit some of his aesthetic to genes provided by his grandmother, whom he recently discovered was an international model back in the day.

In a video posted to his TikTok, Muhl shared that when her grandmother first told him of her former profession, he “didn't believe her.” But grandma had the receipts, aka a stunning modeling portfolio.

@olliemuhl

That video quickly went viral. People could not stop talking about how gorgeous Muhl’s grandma was. A few even recognized some of her ads.

“OH MY GOD my grandma has a picture of your grandma on the wall of her small hut in the middle of nowhere in Moldova! This brings so [many] memories. The world is a small village, “ one person wote.

Another gushed, “literally one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Wow.”

After his initial video went viral, Muhl was inspired to prove that even after 50 years, his grandma still had the “it factor.” So he surprised her with a professional photoshoot.

In a subsequent TikTok video, we see Muhl’s grandma gasp as she’s greeted by a hair, makeup and wardrobe team, who quickly get to work zhuzhing and spritzing.

@olliemuhl I better be the favorite grandchild after this A huge thanks to everybody that helped to make this happen. Truly a special moment for my grandma.💕
♬ original sound - Ollie

Meanwhile, Muhl’s grandpa is also there, and “in need of air” as he watched his wife get glambotted.

“The way grandpa fell in love all over again,” one viewer wrote.

Finally, we see that Muhl’s grandma truly hasn’t missed a beat as she nails every angle and pose, leaving most passersby breathless.

So many commented to say how this woman should get back into modeling asap.

This is right here exactly what should be on the cover of magazines, graceful aging. And when I want that I mean, letting it do what the world is going to do and letting your personality shine through.”

“Brands! You need to book her now!’

She needs to continue modeling. We need our age represented by your beautiful grandmother. Chanel?”

And because we know you’re dying to see, here’s the final product.

See on Instagram

Of course Muhl’s grandmother got many, many more compliments, but what really seemed to affect people was this grandson’s sweet gesture.

“A really touching story, great idea to start a shoot. Your grandmother is really very stylish. Great photos, the outfits look like they were made for you. Excellent!,” one person commented.

Another said, “Absolutely terrific set of shots, Ollie. The full story of what you did for your grandma needs to go into a top fashion magazine…It is such a fantastic story and would make brilliant reading!! ⚡️💥💜👌🥇🏆🥇👌❤️💥⚡️”

Indeed, there’s just so much to love about this. Sweet grandsons, glamorous grandmas, gorgeous photos…and a great reminder that beauty has no expiration date.

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family

Pop Culture

She re-created famous fashion ads to make a great point about diversity

"The next generation can only get inspired and reach for the stars themselves if they believe they can do it too."

All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.

A classic pose.

From a young age, Deddeh Howard was enthralled by fashion and its role in culture. Unfortunately, she was never really able to see herself in it.

"Something that always bothered me when you see these amazing images [was] that very rarely you ever see a black woman on them," Howard, who grew up in West Africa but now resides in Los Angeles, wrote at her blog, Secret of DD.

"Black girls are almost invisible," she wrote.

So Howard created "Black Mirror," a photo series in which she re-creates famous photos with herself in place of models like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Gisele Bundchen, and others.

Howard's partner, Raffael Dickreuter, shot the series. As its title suggests, it holds a "black mirror" up to the fashion world. The project's goal is both to make people notice the lack of diversity in the fashion world and to provide inspiration to other non-white models.

Deddeh Howard, Gucci, fashion world, diversity

The shades of Gucci.

All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.

superstar, glasses, education, celebrity, representation

Glasses make you wiser.

All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.

Kendall Jenner, Calvin Klein, underwear models, black models

The original sexy.

All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.

Of the models featured on the fall 2016 runways, 75% were white. There's a major need for a diversity boost.

Sometimes, that lack of diversity can be downright embarrassing. Earlier this year, one fashion show featured models walking to Beyoncé's "Formation," a song Essence described as a "wholly and undeniable a tribute to Blackness — particularly Black girl power." The problem: The show didn't feature a single non-white model.

Guess who rides motorcycles.

All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.

David Yourman, high fashion, racial inequality

Classy and feminine.

All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.

A bike ride with expensive accessories.

All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.

$lingerie, Victoria\u2019s Secret, feminine$

The lingerie pose.

All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.

Dolce & Gabbana, little black dress, stars

Thinking "Breakfast at Tiffanys” maybe?

All photos by Raffael Dickreuter, used with permission.

Diversity, representation, and visibility play key roles in shaping ambition and self-acceptance in the real world.

It's important to be able to see yourself in the world, and it's important to know that someone who looks like you can succeed.

"The next generation can only get inspired and reach for the stars themselves if they believe they can do it too," Howard wrote on her blog. "For that reason diversity in ad campaigns is in my opinion much more important than you might think."

This article originally appeared on 12.08.16

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representation

Joy

Man's 'high fashion time travel' video takes us through 12,000 years of insanely cool outfits

He even travels to the future in style.

@wisdm/Instagram

So. Much. Yes.

There are tons of mesmerizing fashion history videos online where women take viewers on a stylish adventure through Victorian gowns to flapper dresses to bell bottoms and beyond, just to showcase all the ways that women’s clothing has evolved.

But it’s been just as thrilling of a ride for men’s fashion, and Wisdom Kaye, dubbed “TikTok’s best dress guy” by Vogue, has a video to prove it.

In a video titled “High Fashion Time Travel,” the model-stylist-photographer ambitiously takes us on a style journey that begins all the way back to 10,000 BCE, aka the Paleolithic Era.

Granted, folks from the Paleolithic Era wish they could have worn such luxurious pieces, but his inspired designs still remarkably capture the essences of each time period while adding his own artistic flair.

Did we mention he even “travels” to the future? Watch below:

See on Instagram

You might have noticed that after the 1900s, he gets very specific with which dates he’s representing (1954 vs the 1950s, for example). Perhaps this is to convey very particular, even fleeting trends that history was actually able to record. Which is certainly a nice touch, instead of applying a generic fashion identity to an entire time period. It’s almost like he’s really good at this?

With over 6 MILLION likes on Instagram alone, it feels safe to say that folks certainly think so.

“Can’t imagine the amount of time and effort you put into this🤯maaaaaad respect to you👏” one person wrote.

Another added, “the best thing my eyes have ever witnessed.”

It’s also interesting to see how, for both men and women, the 20th century forever changed the way we prioritize casual comfort (t-shirts FTW!) and how we continue to incorporate more diversity and experimentation with gender expression as a way to focus on self expression, and individuality. A special thanks to passionate folks like Kaye who can really convey our own ever evolving humanity through fashion.

By the way, there’s more eye candy where that came from. Kaye can seemingly make high fashion out of anything, from popular cartoon shows to comic characters to text fonts (yes, really), and will regularly take on fashion challenges prompted by his followers.

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@wisdm8 Replying to @user9381720148560 ♬ original sound - Wisdom Kaye

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Give his TikTok and Instagram a follow so you don’t miss out on any incredible looks he’s bound to be serving.

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fashion

Family

60 models. 12 sizes. One photo project to change how we view the human body.

What's size got to do with it?

Categories are great for some things: biology, herbs, and spices, for example.

Image via

But bodies? Well, putting bodies into categories just gets weird. There are around 300 million people in America, but only 12 or so standard sizes for clothing: extra-extra-small through 5x.

That's why designer Mallorie Dunn is onto something with her belief — people have different bodies and sizing isn't catching up.

Dunn has found that the majority of clothing sizes stop at an extra-large, yet the majority of women in America are over that. "And that just doesn't make sense," she says.

All images via Smart Glamor, used with permission.

Human spice rack, only, a LOT more variations of flava. ;)

That's why she started a project around her clothing label, Smart Glamour, to document the bodies of models according to their sizes — and to show how one size can look very different on different bodies.

In pursuit of creating a fashion environment that's kinder to all bodies, Dunn has dedicated herself to educating consumers about sizing.

First, she found 60 people of 12 different sizes and took their pictures.

Then, she put five women at a time in the same size of skirt and shirt to show how diversely beautiful human bodies are and to prove that everyone looks different in clothes no matter what size they have on.

She hoped to show people that 12 sizes don't even come close to capturing the beauty of the human form.

All these models are wearing the same size ... but do they look the same?

"No matter what size you are that's not what dictates your worth or your beauty."

"I had a convo with a friend of mine who was like 'Yeah, if I went from a medium to a large, I'd be fine with it, but if I went from a large to an extra-large, that wouldn't be OK' and I was like, 'Why???' And she had no rational reason behind that," Dunn said, describing a conversation we've all either had, started, or heard. "We've been taught forever that the bigger something sounds, the worse that it is."

Dunn's project also shows just how arbitrary and narrow-minded clothing sizes are.

Sizes really are just numbers.

Unlike the images we are presented both in clothing ads and in entertainment and media, human beings aren't, as Dunn remarked, "robots who come out on a conveyor belt ... we're all shaped differently."

The pressure to look one way is obnoxious. And kinda dangerous.

"We've been taught forever that the bigger something sounds, the worse that it is."

There's so much weight — no pun intended — on being the "right" size.

"You put an 'extra' on top of a 'large,' and suddenly it's the end of the world," Dunn said of her experience in fashion sizing. "... And it really doesn't mean anything, it really only means that there's an extra inch of fabric."

One extra inch of fabric.

3 in 4 girls report feeling depressed, guilty, or shameful after just three minutes of leafing through a fashion mag.

But I'd like to imagine a world where everyone can try on clothes and leave the emotional burden of worrying about fit to the clothes.

Instead, let's focus on what looks good on our bodies. Let the clothes handle the emotional roller coaster of not fitting, and you just live your life in the body you've been given.

Dunn, who has worked for fashion houses for her whole career, puts it bluntly: "Clothes are not made for all bodies. ... We shouldn't then think when something doesn't fit us that it's somehow our fault."

Dunn's models also have a group on Facebook where they support each other, compliment each other, and generally lift each other up. Model Stephanie describes it this way: "We see the beauty in one another and help each other to recognize our own beauty at the same time." Fashion leading to body optimism and confidence? Yes, please.

And Dunn herself drives a hard line when it comes to feeling good in the skin you've been given. Her philosophy is this: No matter what size you are, that's not what dictates your worth or your beauty.

Self-worth not based on appearances. That's a category we can all aspire to "fit" into!

This article originally appeared on 07.27.16

From Your Site Articles

Education

Think it takes too long to get dressed? Be glad you weren't alive in 1857.

How did they go to the bathroom?

via Polina Tankilovitch/Pexels and Mathew Brady Studio/WikimediaCommons

Getting ready now takes far less time than it once did.

If you ever find yourself lamenting how long it takes to make yourself look presentable these days, be glad you weren’t alive in 1857. A woman who goes by @sewn.by.ellen describes herself on Instagram as a “fashion historian and historian costumer” recently posted a video captioned “Getting dressed in 1857,” and suffice it to say, the process was much lengthier and more complicated than whatever you have going on these days.

The Swedish content Swedish content creator begins the video wearing “chemise and drawers,” which she describes as the layers that would be closest to her body and washed most frequently.

Next is the corset, which @sewn.by.ellen says “creates the correct shape for the time and also supports the bust and makes my posture so much better.”

If you’re already feeling sweaty, hang in there, we’re just getting started!

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @sewn.by.ellen

Next comes the “steel crinoline” which is perhaps the most unusual-looking piece of this outfit, given that it looks like a cage more than a garment.

But evidently, the steel crinoline was an improvement for ladies of the day who were used to creating the exaggerated shape afforded by the crinoline with a multitude of petticoats.

“The skirts in the 1850s were large and supported by several petticoats, sometimes up to 7 at once, so when the cage crinoline was introduced in 1856, it was a big relief for women. It’s made out of a connecting series of steel hoops and as you can see, it’s very light and foldable,” she explains.

Then she puts on a petticoat, just one, which fits over the cage crinoline, and then sleeves (the sleeves of the dress are their own separate garments because why not) and then the skirt of the dress and then the bodice followed by a bonnet.

By the end, there is very little flesh showing—pretty much just her face—and she cuts a gigantic, one assumes very fashionable for the time, figure.

The video went viral, having been viewed 5.3 million times. Commenters had a lot of questions, many of them having to do with how to handle the call of nature. “How in the world did they go to the bathroom?” asked suematkins2

“All I can think is by the time I got that all in [sic], I’d need to pee and I feel that would be quite a challenge, but it’s a beautiful outfit. I love the old fashion style!” said shannon_mcbroom.

Other commenters couldn’t help but wonder about how hot the getup might be.

“I’m grateful to live in more casual times. It looks kind of hot and restricting,” wrote cynthiaparbury. “I can’t wrap my head about [sic] women in that day having hot flashes w/ all those layers!” said duggbar

“What about the summer - so many layers of clothes” wrote danielline.philipine.

And then there were those who commented on how long the whole getting dressed process must have taken. “I would be late for work every day,” theghostofmisswillmott said. (Some commenters replied that women likely weren’t heading off to work in these days.)

“Makes you appreciate how easy we have it today in terms of easy-to-wear clothes. I don’t like taking longer than two minutes to get dressed,” said myladyscribbler.

“By the time she finishes she has to put on her nightgown,” said shivashab. “I am from 1850, and I am still getting dressed for work,” quipped sinneahartmusic.

The historically accurate dress was made by hand by the creator who has degrees in fashion studies and museum studies and who says she sews both as a hobby and for work. The video and its popularity serve as a fascinating reminder that having to pull it together to look presentable for your Zoom call when all you want to do is sit around in your pajamas, you know, hypothetically, is really not all that bad.

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Pop Culture

Family-run business crafts gorgeous heirloom-quality leather bags for the modern world

Kodiak Leather is the perfect blend of style, functionality, and timeless appeal.

Editor's Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of proceeds from sales of items listed in this article

We live in a disposable culture where products are cheap and abundant but not built to last. And in the short term, that's great. But over the long haul, this wasteful mindset takes its toll, especially on the environment. However, a company called Kodiak Leather is trying to change that. As a family-run business, Kodiak Leather remains dedicated to crafting heirloom-quality bags for the modern world. Driven by a passion for people and leather, the brand offers products that embody the perfect blend of style, functionality, and timeless appeal. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans from around the world, ensuring that you receive a treasure designed to last a lifetime and worthy of being passed down through generations.

Heirloom-quality leather goods provide a sense of luxury and durability and hold sentimental value as they become an essential part of your life's story. These timeless accessories only improve with age as they witness your experiences and adventures while maintaining elegance and character. Investing in heirloom-quality leather products is not just about owning a fashionable piece; it's about preserving a legacy for future generations.

The Kodiak Leather Difference

At the heart of Kodiak Leather's success is its collaboration with skilled artisans from the US and India, who share the brand's passion for quality and ethics. This global partnership ensures that each product is expertly crafted and adheres to the highest standards of ethical production and material sourcing. By choosing Kodiak Leather, you're investing in a brand that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and the art of leatherworking.

Kodiak Leather's rigorous quality control process sets them apart from the competition. Each product undergoes multiple inspections before it's shipped, guaranteeing that you receive a piece that is both flawless and worthy of being passed down through generations. This dedication to heirloom-quality craftsmanship ensures that your Kodiak Leather products will stand the test of time and become cherished family treasures.

When you purchase a Kodiak Leather product, you're not just buying an accessory – you're joining the Kodiak Family. The personal touch and care that goes into crafting each piece is a testament to the company's passion for people and leather. From the artisans who create the products to the customers who use them, the Kodiak Leather family is bound by a shared love for timeless, heirloom-quality goods that enrich lives and tell stories.

Kodiak Leather has carefully curated a collection that features products designed to cater to the needs of today's discerning consumers. Among their most popular offerings are the versatile Katmai Leather Backpack, the stylish and functional Juneau Leather Tote, and the charming Drifter Leather Journal. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that they look good and serve their purpose efficiently, making them the ideal companions for the modern individual.

The Katmai Leather Backpack

The Katmai Leather Backpack is a standout piece in the Kodiak Leather collection, boasting top-grain cowhide that looks stunning and promises durability. Designed with multiple compartments and pockets, this backpack has ample space for all your essentials. The adjustable straps and carrying handle offer convenience and comfort, making it easy to take your backpack wherever you go.

Perfect for both work and leisure, the Katmai Leather Backpack is designed with versatility in mind. Its unisex aesthetic makes it suitable for everyone, while the padded laptop compartment and organized storage options cater to your busy lifestyle. Whether you're heading to the office or embarking on an adventure, this backpack is your ideal companion.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Katmai Leather Backpack is the leather's aging process. Over time, the top-grain cowhide develops a beautiful patina, which adds character and depth to the backpack. This natural aging process enhances the bag's visual appeal and serves as a testament to its timeless elegance, ensuring that your Katmai Leather Backpack remains a stylish accessory for years to come.

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Katmai Leather Backpack

$159 NOW AT KODIAK

The Juneau Leather Tote w/ Pocket

Crafted from top grain water buffalo leather, the Juneau Leather Tote is both a stylish and practical addition to your accessory collection. This tote features an exterior easy-access pocket, perfect for stashing items you need on hand and large carry handles that comfortably fit over your shoulder. The rich texture and natural variations in the leather make each tote unique.

When it comes to style and functionality, the Juneau Leather Tote has it all. The spacious interior, complete with pockets for organization, ensures you can easily carry everything you need. The interior zippered pocket and hidden magnetic closure offer added security for your belongings, making this tote perfect for everyday use. Whether you're heading to work, running errands, or enjoying a day out, the Juneau Leather Tote is ready to help you take on the world.

Kodiak Leather is committed to using only the highest quality materials, and the Juneau Leather Tote is no exception. The water buffalo leather is visually stunning and incredibly durable, making this tote a long-lasting investment. With proper care, your Juneau Leather Tote will age gracefully and continue to impress for years to come, proving that it's more than just a fashion statement - it's a testament to the Kodiak Leather legacy.

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Juneau Leather Tote w/ Pocket

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The Drifter Leather Journal

The Drifter Leather Journal is a true reflection of Kodiak Leather's dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Made from top-grain leather and featuring a snap button closure, this journal is both elegant and secure. Inside, you'll find handmade artisan paper, giving it a unique and personal touch. The refillable design ensures that you can continue using this beautiful journal for years, making it a cherished keepsake.

Compact and beautifully designed, the Drifter Leather Journal is the perfect travel companion. Its convenient size makes it easy to slip into your bag or backpack, so you can capture memories and jot down ideas wherever you go. Choose between Antique Brown or Dark Walnut color options to suit your style, and let this journal accompany you on all your adventures.

Owning a timeless artifact like the Drifter Leather Journal goes beyond simply having a stylish accessory. It represents an opportunity for personal reflection, growth, and connection to your experiences. As you fill its pages with your thoughts, dreams, and memories, it becomes a treasured part of your life story – one that can be passed down through generations, enriching the lives of those who come after you.

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Drifter Leather Journal

$45 NOW AT KODIAK

Experience Kodiak Leather For Yourself

Kodiak Leather offers a stunning range of products that blend style, functionality, and timeless appeal. The Katmai Leather Backpack, Juneau Leather Tote w/ Pocket, and Drifter Leather Journal each possess unique features and benefits, catering to the diverse needs of the modern world. These versatile and stylish accessories are designed to support your busy lifestyle while making a lasting impression.

Investing in heirloom-quality leather goods from Kodiak Leather means more than just owning a beautiful accessory. It's about embracing the lasting impact of these products as they become an integral part of your life story and, eventually, the stories of future generations. By choosing Kodiak Leather, you're investing in a legacy of craftsmanship, durability, and timeless elegance.

So, why not explore the exceptional Kodiak Leather collection and discover the perfect piece that resonates with your personal style? Become part of the Kodiak Family today and experience the difference that heirloom-quality leather goods can make in your life.

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8 beautiful scarves, hand-made by local artisans, under $30

The scarf, a simple accessory that some find an essential fashion piece. Both fashionable and function with the warmth they provide, scarves can be a valuable gift for any occasion or person. Here, we've selected our best selling scarves from our store. At Upworthy Market, when you purchase a product, you directly support the artisans who craft their own products, so with every purchase, you're doing good. These scarves are not only unique, but they are hand-made by local artisans and all under $30.

1. Fair Trade Woven Dark Gray Alpaca Blend Scarf

Celinda Jaco selects a cozy blend of Andean alpaca for this handsome men's scarf. Classic in style, it features fine stripes of white and black woven through the dark grey textile. Hand-tied fringe completes a distinguished design.

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2. Handwoven Grey Herringbone 100% Alpaca Scarf

Woven by hand on a traditional loom, alpaca in shades of grey form a classic herringbone pattern. Raquel and Gregor weave this distinguished scarf by hand. The ends are not hemmed but are neatly trimmed for a smooth silhouette.

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3.Hand Woven 100% Cotton Infinity Scarf

Vinita of Thailand presents this lovely striped scarf in burgundy and white. Thai artisans masterfully weave this cotton infinity scarf by hand, creating the perfect accessory for a chilly day.

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4. Textured 100% Baby Alpaca Wrap Scarf

Peruvian artisan Alfredo Falcon uses baby alpaca wool, which refers to the fine fleece from the season's first shearing, to knit this sophisticated scarf.

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5. Tied-Dyed Cotton Wrap Scarf

Decorated with fantastic hues of pink, purple, and blue, this impressive wrap scarf from Thailand features an original design by Vinita. The skilled artisan hand-weaves the scarf of cotton, applying the colors with the traditional tie-dye technique. Dainty fringes complete the scarf at each end.

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6. Blue Cotton Hand Woven Scarf

A palette of cotton strands in blue and beige evokes ocean freshness from the Guatemala coasts. Woven by hand on a backstrap loom, they are transformed into a stylish scarf by women from the Yama Aj Chixot Artisan Group.

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7. Men's Artisan Crafted Woven Brown Alpaca Blend Scarf

Celinda Jaco selects a cozy blend of Andean alpaca for this handsome men's scarf. Classic in style, it features fine stripes of ivory and camel woven through the chestnut brown textile. Hand-tied fringe completes a distinguished design.

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8. Artisan Crafted Woven Black Alpaca Blend Scarf

Celinda Jaco selects a cozy blend of Andean alpaca for this handsome men's scarf. Classic in style, it features fine stripes of white and gunmetal grey woven through the midnight-black textile. Hand-tied fringe completes a distinguished design.

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