Created in 2013, TRUSS is the creative project of Elise Durbecq and Gillian Tozer. For our first collection, we have partnered with a group of weavers in Oaxaca Mexico, to produce a series of custom tote bags. We fell in love with the traditional market tote while in Oaxaca, where we spotted the bags on top of the heads and in the hands of market women. We loved the bright colors geometric shapes, and sturdiness of the bags and immediately pictured them being a part of every girl’s life back in New York City. What we value, beyond the quality and aesthetics of the bags, is the preservation and growth of Oaxaca’s artisinal trade and the people who foster it. Their skillset is not only rare but imperative in keeping these communities afloat. With this in mind, a percentage of the profits will aid in the support of Oaxacan communities. Elise is a production designer in New York, originally from Mexico City. Gillian is a content director, also in New York, originally from Melbourne. We are also best friends. Spring/Summer 2014 will be available exclusively at Opening Ceremony in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Online.
