Eco Art Shoes from upcycled traditional Mola

I was recently introduced to Mola boots and shoes, my attention immediately grabbed by the vibrant colors and patterns of vibrant, one-of-a kind, vegan, fair trade shoes being produced by The Aware Network. What’s Mola? Mola is a traditional Central and South American art form consisting of intricately layered textile art, hand-stitched Mola is created by the women of the Kuna tribe of Panama and Colombia.

Jasmine Wallace and Daniel Rawson created Mola shoes because they wanted to walk the talk, so to speak. Jasmine’s mother is Colombian, a heritage Jasmine is closely connected with and inspired by, and which led to this project. They felt Mola shoes could be a great alternative to mass produced big brands, and a way they could contribute to society along socially ethical, eco-conscious and spiritually fulfilling lines.

Hours of painstaking work go into creating a single Mola. Several layers of cloth in a variety of colors are loosely stitched together and fine-tipped scissors are used to cut the top layers. The cut edges are folded back and stitched to the layer below, with embroidery detail often added on the top layer.

Sewing Molas is a cultural practice passed on by grandmothers to younger generations in the Kuna community. A Kuna woman sews a Mola to reflect her mastery and wisdom, and her view of the cosmos and life, a vision of the world full of color and meaning for her Native Indian culture. The Mola is worn to show her maturity, wisdom and experience in life expressed through the details stitched thereon. Once a woman enters a new phase in life, she unstitches the old Mola from her blouse (lets go of the old) and stitches on the new Mola with its new symbolic meaning. Traditional Mola designs represent Kuna culture, mythology, native animals and plants, ranging from abstract images to geometric designs, mazes, animals and plants.

Not just for the ladies, the boots and shoes come in a variety of styles for guys and gals, including hi-top sneakers, boxer boots, ballet flats, mary janes, open-cut flats, knee high boots, and more! Supposedly very comfortable, with rubber soles and easy to clean in warm water with a cloth. Color fast too, so no worries on the patterns running.

Each pair of boots and shoes are constructed using one, authentic, re-claimed, Mola, along with other vegan materials, resulting in each pair being unique individually tailored. The ultimate in up-cycling with the added benefit of preserving a beautiful traditional art form, with 10% of their profits supporting environmental and social justice non-profits like the International Women’s Development Agency, Oxfam, and Climate Friendly.com, and those promoting indigenous cultures and peoples such as the World Council of Elders and Cultural Survival.

The Aware Network is Australia based, but ships to the US, fees included in the price listed on their website. www.theawarenetwork.com.au/