Afternoon Royal Fam,
Angela here, owner of Queen Adwoa’s Closet checking in live from the concrete jungle with, as always, another “globally classic” piece … This time? All the way from Peru! … Quick back story? I decided do a bit of garment hunting in Brooklyn recently in a super hush location (blog post on that next week) when I came across a few cute gems and yet another showstopper piece. Early on in Q.A.C’s launch I wrote a pretty in-depth blog post on the basics of thrift shopping.
If you haven’t read that particular entry yet, I highly recommend it. That write up, in addition to next week’s post, is pretty much my “how-to” bible on scoring really dope vintage in a sea of what are basically toss-outs from other people’s closet ... Or are they??? There's amazing treasures to be found if you know how and where to look!
At any rate, as I’m sifting through a bottomless pit of clothing piles, my friend Rosie hands me what initially looks like a blue blanket. Eyebrows furrowed, I start opening up the fabric thinking, “what the heck is this!?” .. Seeing the puzzled look on my face, she asks, "well, do you want it or not?" Clearly, if it made it to this blog post, I was definitely impressed LOL. What initially looked like a couch throw blanket turned out to actually be a Peruvian poncho, called a “Lliclla” or "manta" by the Quechua people.
In Peru, which was founded by the Inca people, and where the main mode of transportation was (and in some remote locations, still is) by Llama … Both aspects celebrated in the unique design of this particular wool cover-up .. The Lliclla is often worn by women who favor the traditional Quechua style of dress. Culturally a mashup of indigenous dress with colonial Spanish influence, this covering is primarily used to protect the women from the cold as they navigate chilly Andes Mountain air.
For those women with children, it's also used as a body wrap to carry their little ones while completing tasks outdoors. While this traditionally colorful wool is worn around the neck and secured by either tying, a pin, or button .. Even more colorful the mantas are worn for holiday's and festivals.
In short? To say I lucked up on this incredible find is an understatement, LOL! And? .. I just might be adding this beautiful cover-up to the QAC webstore .. Perfect for late spring nights or an evening at the beach. Interested? Awesome! Follow the Q.A.C shop on Instagram for announcements! New items arriving soon!
Till then? As always ... The (fashion) Journey Continues!
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