Weaving traditions as an Explorer’s mission
Weaving traditions as an Explorer's mission
Niccolò Ricci, CEO of Stefano Ricci
Drinking water protection, reducing soil erosion, wildlife habitat preservation, restoration of forests and wetlands, and aiding the traditional textiles of Cusco, all through the conservation program. These are the goals we strive for with the SR Explorer Mission Programs. This conscious decision reflects our vision for the future, inspired by Chief Seattle’s words in 1852: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” Addressing climate change, promoting responsible sustainability, and showcasing the beauty of the world through the lens of renowned photographers have become central to our entrepreneurial journey. As proud ambassadors of genuine Made in Italy craftsmanship, we are committed to passing down local expertise to younger generations. We seek to embody values shared worldwide, knowing that respecting our clients is the only way to ensure our dreams endure.
Our journey to Peru and its centuries-old weaving tradition in the Sacred Valley was profoundly inspired by Nilda Callañaupa’s unwavering dedication to preserving a tradition that might otherwise have been lost. Her efforts, which began in the early 1990s, were aimed at securing a future for the native Quechuan people. This work, first highlighted by the National Geographic Society, has since been recognised by leading international NGOs for both its quality and impact. Previously, we have supported conservation programs linked to Giant Tortoises through the Charles Darwin Foundation, the reintroduction of Golden Eagles in the Altai Mountains with the Kazakh Falconry Association, and the rewilding of Asian Elephants with Wild Earth Allies. Now, we have partnered with the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco (CTTC). Personally, I find a similar spirit in this mission to the one we undertook in Florence, a city rich in art and craftsmanship, when, fifteen years ago, we worked to preserve Antico Setificio Fiorentino, a manufacturing gem with 18th-century looms and a warp built according to designs by Leonardo da Vinci.
I am also pleased to announce a biannual agreement with The Explorers Club, providing grants for two international expeditions dedicated to young explorers. We discussed the details in New York, at the headquarters of this century-old institution, with which we have shared from the outset a passion for exploration—both physical and spiritual. This spirit has driven mankind to the furthest corners of the planet, from the North Pole to the South Pole, from the Mariana Trench to the summit of Mount Everest, and even further, as demonstrated by the lunar landing in 1969. While these initiatives may not seem directly related to our current collections, they are deeply embedded in the DNA of our brand, and we like to imagine them “worn” by our clients across the world.
