![The signature Ecuador Collection - Catalina Sweater in Sky](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/TQ-TOUCHED_5078835_1.png?crop=center&height=675&v=1645578777&width=1440)
The Signature Ecuador Collection
From lost luggage and the subsequent search for new clothing while on vacation, to a valued partnership with an amazing small family-run business, discover the story behind our Ecuador collection.
Necessity breeds innovation
After a cold flight to Ecuador and lost luggage upon arrival, our founder, Melanie, had little option but to look for new clothing. A blessing in disguise, she found a piece so good she wore it the entire trip. The search to find the source of the impeccable knitwear led her to a small, family-owned company in Quito, who we now partner with to create some of our signature styles.
![The Ecuador Collection - Blue sweaters](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/4_24d29103-01a8-474a-92f1-8433f6eb4905_1_570x570_crop_center.png?v=1645578963)
![The Ecuador Collection - Detail close up](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/Screen_Shot_2021-10-11_at_6.40_2_570x570_crop_center.png?v=1645578963)
Committed to quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices
![](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/w920_q60-1_1_fdadab09-e671-4403-9fe3-3bdbe0f72280_569x676_crop_center.png?v=1646936685)
![Pom pom in orange and pink](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/Pompom-feature_571x350_crop_center.jpg?v=1648053010)
In the capital city of Quito nestled in the lush Andean foothills, we met the Davila family, the owners and creative minds behind a local knitwear company, and excitedly began our collaboration and development of MERSEA’s line of travel-centered apparel. Among our first designs together, the Classic Wrap—inspired by Melanie’s vacation purchase—and Catalina Sweater remain our best-selling pieces.
All of our Ecuadorean-made sweaters and wraps are knit from yarns that are spun and dyed in-house, ensuring consistent quality and environmentally ethical processes—every drop of water is cleaned and reused on site. In addition to recycling 100% of production scraps, the factory is set to completely eliminate the use of fossil fuels by the end of 2023. Each piece of our Sustainable Ecuador Collection is a result of thoughtful design and collaboration—these timeless silhouettes will always have a place on our packing lists.
All of our Ecuadorean-made sweaters and wraps are knit from yarns that are spun and dyed in-house, ensuring consistent quality and environmentally ethical processes—every drop of water is cleaned and reused on site. In addition to recycling 100% of production scraps, the factory is set to completely eliminate the use of fossil fuels by the end of 2023. Each piece of our Sustainable Ecuador Collection is a result of thoughtful design and collaboration—these timeless silhouettes will always have a place on our packing lists.
![drop of water graphic](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/Group_218_24ade8b6-e58c-4704-9114-5b12f80e28f6_50x50.png?v=1646264743)
Every drop of water is cleaned and reused on site.
![recycle graphic](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/Group_219_50x50.png?v=1646264743)
100% of production scraps are recycled into new materials.
![fossil fuels graphic](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/Group_220_03a400fa-b790-4add-850f-a83f64a64cd3_50x50.png?v=1646264743)
The factory is set to eliminate use of fossil fuels by the end of the year.
![Lina our founder smiling in front of the machine that makes all of our products made in Ecuador](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/Lina_Ecuador.jpg?crop=center&v=1649118323&width=1366)
MEET THE ARTISAN
The Davilas
Factory Owners - Quito, Ecuador
More than just a manufacturer, the Davila family has become our creative partners and friends after our serendipitous meeting over 15 years ago. Committed to quality craftsmanship and social responsibility, the Davilas have been an important part of MERSEA’s apparel collection development.
![Our founders Mel & Lina standing with the factory owner in Ecuador](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/Davilas.jpg?crop=center&height=900&v=1646250297&width=800)
MORE FROM THE MERSEA JOURNEY
![](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/Stories_Feature_1.jpg?crop=center&height=1140&v=1704834326&width=1140)
MERSEA x Pura
![Threee different size straw woven market bag on grey stairs](http://mersea.com/cdn/shop/files/medina-market-basket-3-sizes.jpg?crop=center&height=1140&v=1677276892&width=1140)