New Resources Guide: Anita Arze
Anita Arze dug into her cultural roots and drew upon the handcraftsmanship of Bolivian knitting for her eponymous line of wraps, ponchos and coverups.
“I’d been going to Bolivia since I was a kid,” said Arze, whose parents were born in the South American country. “When I decided to launch my line, I wanted to use all the [arts and handcrafts] there.”
Arze borrows the patterns seen in colorful traditional South American ponchos and wraps and interprets the knit techniques into “modern and simple” styles, such as a collared diamond-shaped poncho in earthy, natural hues.
For her debut Fall collection, Arze offered alpaca wool ponchos, wraps and shawls knit on a hand loom in Bolivia. She expanded the theme of coverups for Spring with Peruvian hand-crocheted cotton vests, hand-knit sweaters and cardigans, and hand-crocheted knit dresses.
Aero & Co. in Los Angeles, Dari in Studio City, Calif., and Two Skirts in San Francisco carry the line.—Rhea Cortado
Contact: The Ranch Showroom (213) 489-4010
Wholesale Price Points: $89–$160
