14 November 2017

For the AW 17-18 collection, the Balkan Route, MIRIAM PONSA sought the collaboration of Nunua, a social project linked to the Maresmon association, which, through work with artisan felt, inserts socially vulnerable women.

Nunua defends a local craft project, promotes the training of women and commercializes innovative products. In accordance with the philosophy of MIRIAM PONSA, Nunua combines craftsmanship and design to create products charged with ethical values ​​and solidarity.

Can you explain us where Nunua’s roots come from?

Nunua was born in 2010 under the name of Entrellana, a social project that works with artisan felt. We learn, we work and we are passionate about the art of felting wool, we create unique pieces and garments. After resorting to creativity and valuing the results, in 2016 we decided to work with the fabric to create, directed to designers and the creation of unique scarves. It is at this moment that Nunua is born, a handmade brand with social and solidarity values.

Nunua is a project with high social values, how is the work you do with women who are in a situation of vulnerability?

From the local Employment Office or from Social Welfare we are referred by women who are in a situation of long-term unemployment or relationship difficulties. Through the training in the felt, we create cohesive groups. The work with the felt is the guiding thread and selling the resulting products, we try to create jobs for these women.

How was the creative process of making the collection for Miriam Ponsa?

It was the result of a long process of experimentation. The creation of felt fabric has been present always and at all times. The results in textures, techniques and tints has led us to the creation of very special fabrics always using organic materials, in their original state. Our first contact was fortuitous, we arrived at Miriam at a moment when our work fit perfectly with the theme that inspired her new collection. We must also say that the themes that inspire Miriam Ponsa, leave a fantastic open door to inspiration.

What special feature offers the work with felt?

Working with wool the way we do it, gives us the opportunity to create very special fabrics. We do not work in the usual way with weft or warp. With the fur of the sheep or other animals, with water, soap and hands, tissue is created by kneading. The results are unique textures, completely handmade and practically unrepeatable.

From the research with felt came very interesting pieces, were you surprised by the results?

Throughout the entire creative process that involves working the felt, the results obtained do not leave indifferent. Once a specific job has started with specific materials, the results surprise us constantly, always depending on a series of factors, placement, colors, technique used or work time. Each fabric project has a different result and these results do not leave indifferent.

What meant for Nunua to see your work on the runway?

It has been a very good experience. Working for a designer as Miriam Ponsa is an exceptional experience to learn. The opportunity to collaborate with her on the runway has been very important to us, and we will always be grateful. To see the results of the fabric made by her, has helped us to learn and grow in confidence. A challenge that we will never forget. We will always be willing to collaborate with Miriam and with designers and designers who are interested in our fabrics.