Maria Buzina is the alias of Gabi Golcaves, a Brazilian designer who turns canvas truck tarpaulins into quirky fashion accessories.
Golcaves launched her label in 2004 with the aim of developing exclusive bags using organic processes and unconventional materials. At that time she didn’t know exactly what those materials would be. She tried several before settling on the canvas, a fabric which points to her own heritage. As the granddaughter of truck drivers, Golcaves was excited to work with the material which brought back the smells and memories of her childhood.
The Maria Buzina label celebrates the imperfections of the materials it uses. Every stamp, every hole, and every mark points to the fabric’s history. Just like a work of art these canvases tell a story, which now continues as the bags they form continue to see the world.
Maria Buzina’s adorable handbags are available at selected stores in South America and Germany. International shoppers can also find them at Maria Buzina’s online store, although this can be a bit difficult for English speakers to navigate. It’s a shame there’s no translation as there is for the regular website. If you’re finding it too tricky you can also find a selected range available online through EarthLover.