It’s been a little over a month since Yanawara officially launched with the Next x Madewell Maker Collective, and I still can’t quite believe it. For a small business like ours, this is more than just a milestone—it’s a dream come true. Sometimes, I’m still in awe that it actually happened.

There are times when I’m so immersed in the daily grind that I don’t have the chance to fully appreciate moments like this. It wasn’t until a few days after the launch that I began to recognize the significance of what we’ve accomplished.

Yanawara was founded five years ago with a clear mission: to create timeless, beautiful knitwear while honoring the traditional craftsmanship of our artisan partners in Bolivia.

I aimed to create more than just clothing—pieces that carry meaning, crafted from soft, luxurious, yet sustainable fibers. My goal was to evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia, capturing the coziness of childhood, the scent of natural wool, and the simple joy of those cherished moments.

My vision for Yanawara was to craft designs that were simple yet elevated—timeless pieces you could wear for years, effortlessly pairing with your favorite jeans. I’ve always been a fan of jeans and timeless basics, which is why I admire Madewell.

I learned about Madewell’s sustainable initiatives through Nest, an NGO that supports small businesses and artisans globally, and which I’ve been a proud member of since Yanawara was born. The fashion industry is a challenging space for any small brand, but it’s even harder for sustainable businesses like ours, where every decision is rooted in ethics, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.

So, when I received the news that Yanawara had been selected for the Next x Madewell Maker Collective, I was overwhelmed. It was a moment of pure joy. For a small business like ours, this is a huge validation of all the hard work, long hours, and sacrifices—not just mine, but those of my entire team, my artisan partners, and the support of my family. It felt like everything we’ve been striving for had been worth it.

While this feels like a significant milestone, I know it’s just the beginning. I am so grateful for the constant support of our community and am more committed than ever to our values, vision, and business model. Opportunities like this are vital for small businesses, and I’m beyond thankful to Nest and Madewell for being our partners and providing us with this platform.

To celebrate this special moment, I had the chance to do a photoshoot in New York City and in my studio, wearing both Madewell and Yanawara. It was a beautiful way to capture the essence of my journey so far and I’m very happy to share this with my friends and community.

If you’d like to explore this special curation, you can find Yanawara on Madewell’s platform on Label We Love. Thank you for being part of this journey!

Pamela