Social project meets fashion brand, South America's Ruralanas

With the attempt to improve the quality of life of rural women in Uruguay, the fashion brand Ruralanas was created in 2003 by the Gastesi Foundation Marticorena. The company produced items made by local women using traditional techniques, including weaving 100 percent wool. In 2009 the Ruralanas became independent, remaining in the hands of designer Virginia Montoro. Today, it now employs over 100 craftsmen and produces own-brand fashion as well as items for 17 other firms.