Ollie McKenzie is credited with designing one of the first Chimayo jackets in 1930. McKenzie's design helped turn the Chimayo weaving tradition into fashionable, wearable art for visitors and tourists. She helped diversify a craft, creating jobs and a lasting symbol of craftsmanship and heritage.
Our Chimayo jacket is woven just a few hours south of where it all began. Staying true to tradition, each piece is handwoven on antique looms by skilled artisans. The wool, is sourced from a 150-year-old American wool mill.
In paying homage to the original design, every detail matters. For the zipper, we’ve partnered with an American company known for its high-polish finish that leads to an extremely smooth glide.
The original Chimayo jackets used corduroy for warmth and strength, and we continue this legacy by working with an Italian mill that’s been producing corduroy since 1883.
For the sleeve buttons, we’ve embraced tradition as well. The originals featured a variety of materials, ranging from hand-stamped silver to roughly made twigs. We've chosen to use corozo buttons, sustainably made from the nut of an ivory palm.
It's not unusual to still spot a vintage Chimayo jacket, well-loved and worn, but enduring with age. The durability of the wool and corduroy has allowed them to survive nearly a century, and we’ve worked hard to ensure our reproduction is just as faithful, from the cropped silhouette to the matching patch pockets.
In making our Chimayo jacket, we’ve partnered with skilled weavers who carry this cultural tradition forward, preserving a craft that is slowly fading. While there's been a slight resurgence in Chimayo weavings, the next generation is showing less interest in learning the craft. Fewer artisans are available each year, making the craft even more precious.
Our hope is that through our efforts, we can play a small part in keeping this beautiful tradition alive—offering a jacket that’s not only a tribute to its history but a symbol of enduring craftsmanship and cultural pride.
