Artezano, the concept store founded by VIPOP and Nominal, features artisanal brands, of food and fashion, in a stunning location. With chef Agnes Lessa in charge of the menu, you have a big selection of truly delicious food.
While everything is thoughtfully created (and is SUPER Instagram worthy) we have to recommend the Rose Bowl, consisting of Greek yoghurt infused with rose water, granola and strawberries, as well as their ever-popular Avo Avo Avo, a smashed avocado toast, topped with poached eggs.
For drinks, you have barista David Wu to thank. You can enjoy a coffee or try their seasonal drinks such as the Sparkling Rose Lemonade. The atmosphere, people and of course, the fashion transport you straight to South America.
While you enjoy the food and sun in their café, you have to stop and marvel at the items, from swimsuits, dresses, hats to earrings, rings and necklaces, each piece has unique story. Trying them will have you truly appreciating the time, effort and craftsmanship gone into every item.
The staff are also incredible, always with a smile on their face, and will share the stories of brands and designers, bringing you along on this beautiful, vibrant journey.
The Story Behind The Designs
The founders of VIPOP, Lenia Perez and Fabiana Gonzalez, (pictured above) created the brand to showcase South American artisans but has since expanded to bring underrepresented brands to Asia, while also working with handcrafters that use sustainable and ethical practices, with quality materials and craftsmanship.
They curate their brands with lots of love and care, with each brand sharing their stories. They have found brands that are sustainable, either using zero-waste processes, working with vegan, organic or recycled materials or are carbon-neutral. Moreover, the majority of the designers are women themselves, and many employ local, underprivileged populations including indigenous folk, single mothers, people with disabilities and former inmates.
Brands With Socially Responsible Practices
One brand they carry that encapsulates their values is Baobab, a Colombian swimwear brand that uses recycled ocean debris such as plastic and fishing nets which is created into iconic pieces. Plus, for every item bought, they also plant a tree. Armadillo Stores is another unique brand that is not just sustainable but also fair trade certified and uses ethical practices.
They work with Kichwa artisans from remote regions of Ecuador that use the hard to process cabuya plants as the core fabric. By employing and empowering this population, they are able to keep this tedious and time consuming, but culturally significant crafting technique alive and bring their beautiful bags and ponchos to you. Moreover, it supports the artisans who would otherwise struggle financially and socially.
VIPOP also works with brands that have a strong social mission. For example, Suki Cohen, a lingerie and swimwear brand promotes positive body image and seeks to create pieces for women to feel comfortable and natural in.
While most of their brands are from Latin America, VIPOP also works with international brands such as KRSV, a Hong Kong based designer that uses commercial textile silk waste, to create high-end, handcrafted pieces that are flattering and suitable for the Asian climate.
Each piece that VIPOP sources is bought in small batches, with only 2-3 of each size. So no matter what you buy, you are sure to stand out from the crowd!
