About - The Marchanta N.Y.C.

New York-based contemporary luxury brand noted for its series of collectible sculptural objects designed for the modern lifestyle. Each piece infuses bold, sleek aesthetics that pay tribute to the elegance, strength and fearlessness of the Caribbean culture.

“As a child in my native Dominican Republic, I was mesmerized by the marchantas – fiercely independent rural women carrying baskets piled high with fresh fruit and flowers to sell in town. Rising at dawn, preparing their precious wares and traveling extraordinary distances on foot or muleback, the hard-working marchanta is a loving curator of the bounty and beauty of the Dominican countryside. Her customers eagerly await her arrival and delight in the enchanting juxtaposition of colors, textures and aromas. The goods she sells, while simple and rustic, are lovingly prepared and beautifully displayed. Each aspect of the exchange feels thoughtful; sustainable; authentic. Marchanta celebrates the essence of these awe-inspiring women.

The Marchanta brand is about elevating and bringing together diverse artistic traditions, beginning with my own Latin culture, with its distinctive colors, textures, and techniques. Cross-cultural collaboration fascinates and inspires me.”

-Raylin Díaz, Founder

the founder

Native from Dominican Republic, Raylin Diaz, our brand founder, is a classically trained fine artist, architect, visual storyteller and award-winning creative director of fashion windows. Raylin brings his exacting eye to the world of art and design exploring cross-cultural perspectives, tapping into these disciplines to experiment with traditional narratives reimagined through a modern lens.

Proud of his Dominican roots, Raylin has collaborated with local talent and incorporated elements of Dominican culture for some of his most emblematic projects. Previously worked as global lead of visual presentation for Diane von Furstenberg, visual creative director for Saks Fifth Avenue windows in New York and visual advisor for Maison & Objet Academy in France.

Currently, Raylin is the artistic director of Indomita, a non-profit organization based in the Dominican Republic that supports local talent following his passion to contribute and mentor upcoming designers.

mission

Devoted to responsible craftsmanship, Marchanta collaborates with craftspeople and artists across disciplines worldwide, driving adialogue between natural materials, traditional craft methods, and fresh innovative design, emphasized in responsible sourcing. Fully remotely operations with a valuable team of people around the world committed to our brand mission to provide a product that is luxurious and ethical responsible to the world of art and décor.

sustainability

Limiting waste
Our small production runs, custom designs, and minimal packaging creating as little waste as possible.

Minimizing our carbon footprint
Through streamlined operations and a remote organizational structure, Marchanta is committed to a minimal carbon footprint.

Sourcing sustainably
We take great pride in sourcing materials that do not harm the environment: Our signature sculptural objects are made of raw local materials, responsibly sourced. Our candles are made with a percentage of GMO-free vegan wax and contain natural fragrances. Our wicks are made of lead-free cotton. Our travel packaging consists of plywood crates.

social responsibility

Supporting Communities
Marchanta collaborates with a network of suppliers and craftspeople who share our vision of quality and sustainability from woodworkers to farmers. Marchanta’s philanthropic initiatives are focused on sup- porting education and empowerment in the Caribbean region.

Casa Marchanta
The philanthropic side of MARCHANTA, focuses on providing real opportunities for Dominican women. Through education, employment opportunities and access to a professional network, CASA MARCHANTA will be a second stage of the project, which seeks to promote underrepresented Dominican women.