In 2000, Carolina Kleinman moved to Los Angeles from her native northern Argentina to study art. She frequently returned home to South America, often peering into stalls to peruse the intricate hand-embroidered textiles of the region. It was a familiar experience for Kleinman, who as a child spent hours playing with brightly wrapped fabrics in her mother's Argentine clothing store. My grandfather was involved in the textile and trim industry in Bolivia," she says. Fashion was always a part of my life, but as I grew up, I wanted to do something really meaningful," Kleinman explains.

After a few years in Los Angeles, Kleinman and her husband moved to the small town of Tepoztlan, Mexico, south of Mexico City. In this town with its large handicraft market, she gradually became acquainted with a community of artisans and began to discover the craftsmanship of countries as far away as Peru and India.

Kleinman was struck by inspiration when she revisited the Bolivian market. In 2005, Kleinman officially launched her eponymous brand, Carolina K.

She was inspired to create a clothing collection filled with items that would highlight and protect the work of artisans in Bolivia and other global communities.

Over the next 16 years, Kleinman and her tight-knit team of women have worked with over 300 artisans across three continents to develop handmade pieces. From day one, Kleinman committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability. The collection is made from organic materials and shipped in compostable packaging, and Kleinman says it demands fair trade standards throughout its supply chain.

Her dedication to sustainable practices is constantly evolving: two years ago, after seeing bags of leftover fabric during a factory tour in India, the designer decided to launch the Zero Waste collection (open in new tab). The line includes swimwear, face masks, and an array of home accessories, all one-of-a-kind pieces made from dead stock and discarded textiles.

Currently living in Miami, where Carolina K's design studio and headquarters are located, Kleinman hopes to connect with the South Florida community; in March, he opened his first flagship boutique, which will be located at the Carolina K's Miami headquarters. The space reflects Kleinman's transportive worldview. The bright and spacious store also serves as an event space, filled with whimsical mementos from Kleinman's travels, along with hand-woven rugs, embroidered ottomans, handmade blankets, and of course, her latest clothing collection.

We sat down with the designer at Zoom to discuss her design philosophy, her new Miami storefront, and the most magical pieces from her Spring '21 collection.

Marie Claire: How unique is your approach to design? [Carolina Kleinman: I started the brand intuitively. In the beginning, if I saw something I liked at a market or on a street corner, I would talk to the artist and ask them about it. Then I bought things and built a relationship of trust. Eventually, I started asking if I could do something similar. I would send them my designs along with threads and materials, and they would work with the community to accomplish the schedule. In Tepoztlan, I had artisans come to my house, spend time with me, and that's how we created the pieces. It's a very passionate, slightly unconventional approach, but I wouldn't have it any other way. To me, their pieces are not just clothes or accessories, they are collectors' items that will last a lifetime, true works of art.

MC: What has been your mantra this past year?

CK: One of my greatest accomplishments is making meaningful choices.

In the last year I have been able to devote more time to the things I love to do to satisfy my soul. I start my day with yoga at 5 am. It's a ritual to keep me balanced. I also devote time to music, singing, playing the harmonium, and spending quality time with my son. I want to have a clear mind [this year]."

It has also given me the opportunity to re-evaluate and change many things about the company. For more than 15 years I have been on a mission to preserve our heritage and respect Latin American culture. I truly want the Miami community to immerse themselves in our [Carolina K] universe.

MC: It's great that your brand is run entirely by women.

CK: We are a strong, hardworking team. When women come together, our power and opportunities are limitless. I have collaborated with women all my life, and now is the time to use our voices and resources to lift each other up and share our wisdom. As a firm believer in women's empowerment, it has been a pleasure for me to support and learn from over 300 artisans, many of them women. [My grandmother Greta was a great inspiration to me. My female friends around the world each bring their own lessons and inspiration. Also women activists, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, mothers, sisters, and daughters.

MC: What is your style/ethos?

CK: I don't have one aesthetic. I wear soulful clothes that elevate me. I dress according to my mood. It comes naturally and usually takes me 10 minutes to change.

I have been known to wear lots of colors, textiles, and embroidery. Sometimes I braid my hair or wear all my jewelry, but I spend my morning yoga practice in sweatpants and I love it.

MC: What is your favorite piece from the latest collection?

CK: I love the Peacock Valerie dress made from sustainable viscose. I love layering it over a lisette one-piece swimsuit in a different print each season, made with eco-ocean fabrics and eco-friendly dry printing techniques. The Barbara Kaftan in Sunflowers is made of recycled chiffon and there is also an Ocean Reef Lexi Kimono. The red Martina dress (opens in new tab) was entirely handmade in 15 days by female artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico.