Mauro Pesoa

ancestral trade

art - design- craft

Rescuing the trade of wicker basket weaving

A tribute to our history:

Trades are the very essence of cultural diversity and richness. They arise naturally from the skills and available resources of each region. Their history, traditions and structures are fundamental to society. When these trades become endangered, saving them also means saving our history. The art of wickerwork and basket weaving, which is based on ancestral techniques for weaving natural fibers and forming unique pieces, is just one of these valuable trades. It is a trade that makes us proud and represents who we are. As a design brand, we believe we can combine the tastes of the consumers by interlacing different cultural styles. It is our responsibility to create products that express the artisanal tradition of our craft and at the same time adapt to the lifestyle of our intended market. In addition, we also feel very strongly about not interrupting the natural chain of this inherited trade. Just as my mother transmitted her passion for this work to me, we are committed to continue the legacy and preserve our inheritance of wickerwork.

With each piece we create, we honor the craftsmanship and dedication that this trade requires. We value the connection with our roots and we make our best effort to keep the wicker tradition alive. We are propelled by the desire to preserve the essence of this ancient art and transmit it to future generations.

Join us on this journey to rescue and appreciate the trade of wickerwork. Discover the beauty and authenticity of our hand-woven pieces, which carry within them the history and magic of this antique trade.

Our Challenge

The biggest challenge that the Mauro Pesoa D’Auteur Design brand has faced is to find the balance between the preservation of the ancestral techniques of wickerwork and the trends of the modern fashion market. The challenge lies in fusing tradition and craftsmanship with a contemporary focus without compromising the essence and authenticity of the brand. This entails creating innovative and functional designs that remain respectful of the wickerwork legacy while at the same time satisfy the needs and preferences of the modern day consumer. Another important challenge is accomplishing sustainability in every step of the production process, from selecting the materials to determining how they are distributed and consumed in order to minimize the ecological impact and promote an ethical and conscious approach to fashion. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires creativity, commitment and a continual search for excellence in design as well as production methods.

A glimpse into the past: In this treasured photo from 1996, we see Mauro Pesoa’s mother, Monica, and his Grandfather Pocho (Manolo) in the region of Rosario. At only four years old, Mauro began shaping his first memories and this image captures one of the innumerable family moments of his early childhood. His mother and grandfather are his eternal inspiration.

the death of the trade:

Rescuing tradition and sharing knowledge

An Endangered Trade:

At present, the wicker trade faces an alarming issue: there are only fifteen master wicker workers in Argentina. This is a concerning number that reveals the urgent need to preserve and bring back to life this ancestral technique.

Well aware of the cultural significance and historical wealth that the trade implies, Mauro has embarked on an ambitious project: the creation of a book containing wicker working techniques. His goal is to preserve ancestral knowledge and transmit it to future generations.

Through this book, Mauro hopes to teach these techniques to everyone who approaches it with the desire to learn. His purpose is to make sure the trade doesn’t perish. The idea is to share the techniques, secrets and passion for wickerwork so that more people can venture into this art and continue its legacy.

The brand’s project goes beyond its designs. We understand that with every master wicker worker lost, a piece of our history disappears with them.

The brand aims not only to diminish the disappearance of the wicker masters, but to also raise awareness and interest among the younger generation. The task to revive a forgotten trade requires dedication and support from all those who value craftsmanship and the preservation of traditions.

Preserving the ancestral trades in our communities is an insurmountable task. We must value and promote its continuity to keep our heritage alive and to enrich our cultural legacy.

Mauro Pesoa

Lover of art and native cultures, he considers himself a responsible, dynamic and creative person. Since 2013 he has been developing a homonymous brand which has transformed his life. He has combined wickerwork, the trade of his family, with clothing, which has allowed him to appreciate the value of the craft and turned it into the identity of his brand. His family history and trade continue to be a part of his life. He has challenged himself to shape this material into new forms, creating contemporary artisanal products that have a place in the modern market. This has taken him many years of learning and consolidating his brand.

Four years ago, he took the decision to expand the brand, creating new business units in home decor, art and wicker weaving workshops. He has demonstrated immense motivation and discipline in order to obtain results both inside and out of the fashion industry, always seeking new opportunities to perfect his abilities and face new professional challenges.

For several years now, he has adopted a firm stance about the sustainable commitment of his brand. He recognizes the role he plays in the future and acknowledges that he can act as an ambassador for change in the present. He is aware of the fact that the clothing industry will continue to be passed down, and as such, wants to make sure that it will be continually transformed through growing consciousness of its impact.

Minimal Impact

Labels

Between the ancestral and the contemporary

A brand’s labels have been reimagined and evolving to offer a more comfortable and significant experience to the consumer. Placed on the outside of the clothing and designed with looser thread, they allow for easy removal. Currently, the labels include a QR code that stores coded information and takes you to an online address to know more about the story and history of the product you are wearing. Additionally, they blend in with patterns inspired by the old Argentinian stamps that used to accompany the wicker labels. This combination of history and modernity adds a special value to the products.