Ángeles, the creator and designer of Charana Zero, migrated from Ecuador in 2019 to Valencia to study fashion business sustainability and co-design, and fell in love with the city.
During her time in this city, she fell in love with its vibrant atmosphere and discovered a large number of consumers who supported local production and design. In addition, she noticed that more and more people were adopting a critical and responsible attitude when choosing where to shop.
Motivated by this situation and her passion for sustainable fashion, Ángeles decided to create her own garment-making space. In this space, she makes the garments herself in a conscious way, using fabrics sourced from Ecuador.
A highlight of Charana Zero is her commitment to craftsmanship and collaboration with indigenous communities in Ecuador. The fabrics and decorative details of the garments are handmade by these communities, contributing directly to the preservation of Ecuadorian cultural traditions.
The majority of Charana Zero garments are made from alpaca fabric, an extraordinary natural fibre known for its many benefits. Alpaca is prized for its softness and warmth, making it an ideal choice for winter wear.
In addition to its comfort, alpaca fabric has thermoregulatory properties, which means that it adapts to body temperature, maintaining a comfortable feel in different weather conditions.
In addition to the alpaca fabric, some Charana Zero garments are made of cotton, a material that is breathable and soft on the skin. Accessories, such as the hoop earrings, are made with coloured micro-crystals, made of high-quality gold-plated metal.
Each model is designed based on the ‘zero waste’ pattern-making strategy, which means that waste is minimised as much as possible during the production process. This technique seeks to make the most of the materials used, thus reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
In addition, alcapa fabric is biodegradable and easy to recycle. It is a fibre that decomposes naturally in the environment, without causing damage to the ecosystem. Moreover, as it is biodegradable, it does not generate waste that remains in the environment for years.
All Charana Zero garments are ethically made in Valencia, Spain, where Ángeles has set up her production space.
Although production takes place in Valencia, the fabrics used in the garments come directly from Ecuador, Ángeles’ country of origin and the source of inspiration for her work. This connection with Ecuador is essential to Charana Zero’s identity, as it allows her to incorporate the richness and authenticity of the traditional fabrics of the region.
Charana Zero deeply values this tradition and seeks to support these communities by using their weavings in the making of the garments. This direct collaboration contributes to preserving ancestral techniques, and allows indigenous weavers to be recognised and fairly remunerated for their work.
Care and respect for alpacas is vital to Charana Zero. Therefore, they ensure that the communities that supply them with alpaca fibre have healthy, ethical and responsible practices with their animals and come from small-scale farms.
Each piece of Charana Zero is unique, as it is made to order according to a pre-established pattern. This form of customised production allows each customer to request personalised details, such as size, colours and the combination of woven ribbons, ensuring that the garment is perfectly tailored to their individual tastes and needs.
In addition, this practice helps to maintain a more conscious and sustainable approach, as it avoids wasting materials and minimises the environmental impact associated with mass production.
Charana Zero is an environmentally conscious and committed brand that focuses on continuous improvement of the value chain of its garments, using techniques that reduce negative environmental impacts.
At COSH! we were able to talk to Ángeles, and with complete transparency she explained her production process to us.
Be curious and discover the history of Charana Zero garments!
Each Charana Zero garment tells a story and reflects the talent and knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
By choosing a Charana Zero garment, you are choosing a living history, a connection to ancestral roots and a way to support the legacy of indigenous peoples.
