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Claudia Perez-Reyes

"My full name is Claudia Pérez-Reyes Ego-Aguirre. I was born June 30, 1976 and studied design and decoration here in Peru. Afterward, I went to New York to specialize in accessory and jewelry design. My work is one of constant creation and I am passionate about what I do.

"I've always designed things, but I began working full time in this field in 2001. My greatest inspiration comes from people, my daily contact with others. And each of my designs is unique and original. I place my own creativity in every piece and each one has its own personality. I'm a perfectionist to the extreme, so the details and finishing of my designs are very carefully done.

"I've always been involved with art, designing useful and decorative items as well as jewelry. When I returned to Peru I became involved with the world of leather, and my idea is to combine Peruvian elements in a modern concept. After researching the available materials, I began developing my designs. They were a sensation from the very beginning.

"This is how my group came about. I'm the designer and I work with a team of people who help me. From the moment I design it until the finished piece is crafted, there is someone creative responsible for every step. I've named my handbags 'Aukenida.' It's a word that doesn't have a meaning in any language. For us, it is an expression to pay tribute to that wonderful Peruvian material – natural alpaca wool. We started with the word Auquénido and changed some of the letters to make it more personal. These animals should be loved even more than they are, although they are cherished in the entire Andean sierra. In gratitude, we took this name for our designs.

"Beginning with a series of influences and fashion trends, we carry out the crafting process. It isn't easy at all. I begin with a sketch and then develop the idea so that the piece is useful and comfortable. Later, we meet in the workshop and I talk with the artisans about the design. We then create the pattern and make a first sample to see if we can improve any aspects of the design and correct the fine details. Finally, if we approve the design, we craft it.

"I've exhibited my work in Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima.

"Stories of the highlands have been told in documentaries. There we see those natural landscapes that leave their inhabitants speechless, as much for their beauty as for the lack of oxygen. We try to keep this alive in every design. We strive not to lose that which is ours – our identity."