We interviewed Ana from Franklin Panama, the maker and creative mind behind our beautiful handmade silk scarves, which are both chic and versatile, and of course, perfect for summer!
When did you know you wanted to design scarves?
It was about 4 years ago.
One day I was walking down the street in Panama and I came across the molas design everywhere I went. I knew I had to design silk scarves whoch showcased this beautiful molas culture. I'm a lawyer, so the first thing that came to mind was in the copyright so I contacted the Congress General Guna to have their permission to start working!
Tell us about your design process.
The designs of molas are inspired mostly on original designs of the Gunas because we want to keep the tradition of their culture but also give those a chic and elegant touch that you can use every day either for your work or dinner and feel that you are wearing a very unique and special piece with a story. The design is digitally transferred and sent to Italy for printing on silk.
What sort of creative challenges do you face?
What I wanted above all was to keep the spirituality and importance of hte Mola in the design of the scarves and that was the main reason I wanted to go speak with the General Guna Congress directly so that I could ensure I had all the legal rights that protect this great people and heritage. It was a long process and a great challenge but it was worth it.
Tell us a bit more about the artisans you work with as well as their hand-weaving techniques.
We work with graphic designers so I give them guidelines of what I want always based on the art of our Mola Gunas.
Where are you based and where do you like to spend your free time and find inspiration?
I am always around the old areas of the city and the Gunayala Islands (San Blas), which are Guna territory and are one of the most beautiful islands around the world.
Do you have any style tips for scarf aficionados?
To me the scarves are a basic and essential piece in the wardrobe of a person either male or female and it can change the whole outfit and can turn something simple into something really interesting and elegant. My main advice is to always carry one in your purse or tied to the neck, because you never know when you'll need it.
