Custom Made Hats by Designer Stephanie Ripa

La Juanita Sombreros is an Argentinian brand that features handmade hats with an emphasis on artisanship. Every part of the manufacturing process is done by hand. Designer Stephanie Ripa explains her thought process in depth: “Every person who chooses to make a hat with me can intervene directly in every detail such as the centimeters of the wing, shape of the cup, color, and size of the hat. There is no hat exactly like the other. The designs and decorations are also personalized, taking into account the wishes and preferences of each client. I even teach individual or group workshops, so you can learn the secrets to designing the perfect hat.”

When asked about the origin of her brand, she recalls her late grandmother whom she names the brand after. “I am licensed in psychology, and I started taking classes in sombrería as a side hobby. It had nothing to do with my career back then. When I visited my grandmother in Spain during her last days, I spent so much time reading her letters in her home. I came up with the idea of creating hat-making classes because she had signed up for a course that she was never able to attend. Hats were an accessory that she liked very much.” With these new ideas in mind, Stephanie returned to Buenos Aires and turned this hobby into her current job and main passion. 

Finally, Stephanie notes the globality of La Juanita Sombreros. “It is a brand that was developed in Argentina, which is where I live. But it is also a brand that reaches everyone since there are no limits to who can buy a Juanita hat. I design for people who want to have a truly unique hat as well as for brands who want to incorporate this accessory into their local stores in Argentina or other cities around the world. 

Be sure to check out La Juanita Sombreros if you are searching for a personalized hat made with high quality materials! And if you are interested in discovering the work of other artisanal designers in Buenos Aires, then book one of our services by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ button below! Enjoy the Shop Hop experience with us!

VERNNA: The Art of Slow Fashion

VERNNA is a brand of clothes, jewelry, accessories, and home decoration. It strives to evoke natural elements in their Limited Edition capsule collections. Garments are made from noble materials as well as tapestries and cushions from discards. Every piece is designed in efforts to promote the synthesis of form, functionality, and quality. 

Designer Barbara Vernengo highlights the concept of slow fashion when discussing the details of her brand. “It’s the opposite of fast fashion,” she tells us. “It’s timeless. It’s classic. I hope that customers come in and truly feel the quality of the fabrics I use. Then, they can purchase an item that they cannot find anywhere else.” 

When asked where she finds inspiration for her work, she quickly responded, “I find inspiration in nature and fabric. For example, I pride myself in being a ‘fabric seeker.’ I love how I can find a piece of fabric and transform it into an entirely new work of art.” But she also noted the difficulties in maintaining this creativity in a world of commercialism. “I make a conscious effort to prioritize quality and originality in every collection. I also want to be sustainable in a world that does not always work with the motive of promoting sustainability.”

VERNNA is also a representation of the talented women in Bárbara’s family. Her sister Lucia Vernengo is a jewelry designer whose work is a part of VERNNA. Her mother and aunts also hand-weave unique pieces for the brand. As she looks forward to the future, Barbara hopes to expand. “I am ready to produce more home decorations and even play with the ideas of experimentation and art.”

If you'd like to discover more designers like Bárbara in Buenos Aires then book one of our services by clicking on the Contact Us button below and live the Shop Hop Experience. We're your very own Personal Shopper !

Yunta Galería: Making Art & Design Accessible

Yunta Galería is an art gallery located in the neighborhood of Las Cañitas, Palermo in Buenos Aires. Home to many different types of artwork, the gallery emphasizes choice. “You can find pictures, screen prints, photos, sculptures, murals, and more. But the important part is that you choose to give life to something, and we will be glad that you decided to make that object yours.” 

We spoke to Guillermina Alvarez , the founder of Yunta, to learn more about the gallery. She tells us that she does not identify as an art curator but rather an art seeker. “The term curator is very formal. Art is such a personal field. Therefore, I prefer the term finder or seeker when people ask for my title.” She then explains the mission of Yunta: make art accessible. “Yunta is a platform for emerging artists. It acts as a connector between unique artwork and the people around the world who seek these special pieces.”

With such a diverse portfolio of art and designs, one might ask: “How does Guillermina select pieces for her showroom?” She explains that the process is incredibly intuitive. “I focus on the feeling I have when I first see the art. It’s as simple as that. It’s all intuition.” When discussing her aspirations and most rewarding professional moments so far, she emphasizes bringing happiness to her clients. Guillermina loves to act as the intermediary between the artist and the client who is inspired by their work. “The feeling of bringing both parties together generates pure happiness in my own life as well.”

Purchasing a piece of artwork from Yunta can be done virtually or by visiting the gallery in person. If you choose to visit, you can enjoy refreshments from the bar and cafe Seis Tigres, located in front of the gallery. You can also receive advice from Guillermina to find the perfect design to display in your home!

When searching for unique artwork in Buenos Aires, be sure to check out Yunta Galería! If you are interested in further exploring the design and art scene in Buenos Aires, then book one of our services by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ button below, and enjoy the Shop Hop experience with us!

Written by Samina Kaushek