Learn About The History Of The Former Miss Guatemala Who Triumphs With Her Luxury Bags

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

What a pleasure to sit at the table with former beauty queen Alida María Boer, a superwoman who inaugurated this new section of our magazine that we dedicate to highlighting women who, through their work in the world of fashion, beauty and lifestyle, achieve impact the lives of others, help the neediest communities or empower Latinos in the world. Especially women!

This fashionable businesswoman has changed the lives of more than 500 Guatemalan artisan women by designing luxury accessories that have a long history behind. Find out how Boer came to achieve her dream in this interview that took place in the beautiful restaurant of the Jane hotel in New York.

How did you come up with the idea of designing these bags?

From a very young age I have been involved in the world of fashion. I have been modeling since I was 15 years old and it is in 2007 and it is in 2007 that I have the opportunity to travel a lot to the interior of my country and realize all these artisan techniques that exist and that are, I like to use the term artisanal couture, because they are such complex and beautiful techniques … and I said what is the best way to display these pieces of art? And there began the idea of showing these pieces of art. Two years later [I thought] the best way is in the women's handbags.

You were Miss Guatemala, how does that influence your life?

It opened doors for me to learn more about my country and these are things that I would not have seen otherwise. Going to these remote places, seeing the techniques in textiles, the techniques in wood … I said "wow, how incredible the art that our country has". God knows the path it takes you, if it had not been Miss Guatemala and I had not had the opportunity to see my country that way, perhaps I would be doing something else.

Let's talk about the name of your bags, how was the name born?

I was called Alida María and when the project started there were three ladies with me and they all had María in the name, either first or second,… by pure coincidence. In our countries it is a very common name, very representative. She not only represents the women behind the project, but also the woman who will carry our portfolio.

When you thought about what type of woman is going to wear these bags, how did you imagine that woman?

She has to be an independent, elegant woman who does not follow trends but has a unique style and who appreciates art and quality above all.

I imagine that many know the huipil, but you as a Guatemalan can explain it to us better

Marías is really born with the huipil, it is like her soul. It is the blouse of the traditional costume of the Mayan woman, it is the most visually striking piece, with more meaning and it is like a type of ID. Just as today we have the license, the huipil told you what region you came from, if you were married, the colors have their meaning.

And how long do they take?

A huipil can take the simplest, about 8 weeks if there is time to dedicate, up to a year. It is really exciting.

How are you helping the artisans?

The main thing is to pay them fair, appreciate their art and make them proud of what they do and I have seen the change. And I have seen when they are proud and look at the bags that are being sold in different parts of the world.

You have your business, you are a mom, a businesswoman, you help others and you have very laudable goals… how do you do it, are you a superwoman?

I don't think of superwoman, but I think it's complex. Sometimes I look at Instagram photos of women who look perfect and say "that's impossible." One when you are a mom you always have this that you say "if I am working on myself I do not have the time to see my son, then if I am on my son I do not have the time for me.." you always have this internal conflict, but each woman is different and you have to find the balance that is good for you.