The Moral Wardrobe: Manos Zapotecas (MZ Fair Trade)

The Zapotec are an indigenous people from Mexico whose culture dates back at least 2,500 years. They are credited with creating the first writing system in Mesoamerica and have a long craft tradition in jewelry and textiles. There are currently around 800,000 Zapotec throughout Mexico and the United States.

Manos Zapotecas partners with Zapotec artisans to create beautiful bags with traditional textiles under fair trade guidelines. The bag I received is lined in cotton and has an internal pouch for extra storage. The handwoven exterior is made of 100% wool and the strap is made of soft leather.

This crossbody is just to my taste. It’s lightweight when empty, thick enough to hold its shape, but soft enough to mold around my body and not get in the way. I’ve been using a Vera Bradley hipster for the past year or so and I’d say this bag feels fairly similar against the body.

Each MZ bag holds an element of discovery, from the significance of each Zapotec
design, to the bold color combinations, and most importantly, of the hands from
which they come. – Manos Zapotecas

Leah Wise

Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.

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