Bolivian designer makes a fashion statement with ancestor’s apparel

Americas Now

She’s a Bolivian designer used to making fashion statements. But in taking the clothes of her indigenous ancestors and turning them into high fashion, she’s also making a “political” statement.

The garments worn by her grandmother and other Aymara women, known as Cholas or Cholitas, made them the target of discrimination.

Now these embroidered outfits are worn with pride. Fashion designer Glenda Yañez is our Urban Voice.

The Aymara indigenous nation has occupied the Andes for centuries. Close to a million Aymaras live in Bolivia, Peru and Chile.