The Sake Project is a sustainable fashion brand founded in 2013 by Colombian designer Ana Tafur. Based in Peru, The Sake Project partners with Indigenous communities to preserve ancestral textile techniques like natural dyeing and intricate weaving, creating pieces that celebrate Latin American heritage. Each garment embodies a commitment to environmental responsibility and cultural authenticity, with The Sake Project producing around 3,600 pieces each year. By focusing on small-batch production and direct-to-consumer sales, The Sake Project champions a model of fashion that honors both the land and its people, blending timeless craftsmanship with a modern sensibility.

After seven years managing production lines in one of China’s largest manufacturing plants, Colombian designer Ana Tafur left her job to reconnect with her roots in Latin America. Traveling across the region, she learned ancestral textile techniques from Indigenous communities, which inspired her to launch The Sake Project, a sustainable fashion brand based in Peru, in 2013. Tafur is part of a wave of Latin American designers committed to preserving local craft, supporting sustainable practices, and building a transparent, community-focused supply chain.

FOUNDER: Ana Tafur

LOCATION: Lima, Peru

MATERIALS: Alpaca Wool, Cotton, Shiringa, Paiche Leather

The Sake Project carefully chooses materials that respect both the environment and Indigenous craftsmanship. They use alpaca wool for its warmth and softness, along with native Peruvian cotton—a naturally colored fiber grown using ancient, water-saving methods that don’t rely on chemical dyes. Organic cotton is also part of The Sake Project’s lineup, supporting eco-friendly farming practices. In partnership with Amazonian communities, The Sake Project incorporates Shiringa, a sustainably harvested natural rubber that promotes biodiversity and strengthens local economies. They also use paiche leather, crafted from fish skin byproducts, offering a durable, textured alternative to traditional leather while reducing waste. Even their traditional leather is sourced responsibly, using hides from natural byproducts and tanned with a non-toxic, chemical-free formula.