Timeless & Contemporary Design

At MO.TO. / Morena Toro, our design philosophy is both contemporary and timeless. We strive to create new classics—high-quality pieces that endure, bringing joy to generations of families. Our designs are not dictated by fleeting trends but are rooted in a slow lifestyle, aiming to inspire through timeless elegance. Each piece is versatile, crafted to be creatively combined across collections.

Morena Toro was founded in 2009 by Lupe Quiñones, a Paraguayan fashion designer deeply inspired by her culture and the strength of empowered women. The brand’s name draws from Elvio Romero’s poem Morena Toro, but it also honors a real woman from Paraguay’s 1947 revolution, who earned her name for her bravery and skill in battle.

MO.TO. embodies the values of greatness and strength in women, without losing the delicacy and beauty that define true elegance. Love is woven into every piece, through the hands of our skilled artisans who carry forward the wisdom of their craft.

Sustainability

Sustainability Journey

Ethical Sourcing and Production

At Morena Toro (MO.TO.), sustainability is about respecting both people and the planet. Our work is grounded in timeless design, longevity, and the empowerment of women.

We create high-quality, timeless products in harmony with the environment, following the principles of the circular economy. We continuously innovate in materials and business practices, pushing sustainability forward.

Honoring Tradition: 'Mbeguekatumi'

We are dedicated to preserving traditional handicraft techniques, particularly those passed down by our female artisans. By blending these techniques with contemporary design, we respect the artisans’ slow, careful process—'mbeguekatumi'—honoring their ancestral wisdom.

Creative Waste Reduction

We upcycle leftover materials into new products, like 'trapito' rugs, and donate cotton waste to TEXCICLO for fabric production. Our packaging is also sustainable, made by a recycling company that repurposes our paper waste.

Our Workshops

Crafting Heritage

At Morena Toro, our creations are deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Paraguay. Our pieces are the result of a unique collaboration with master artisans who work in their own homes or workshops across different cities in Paraguay. Each artisan specializes in traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations, making them true custodians of their craft.

These artisans, each a master of their own art form, contribute their skills and knowledge to our designs. Lupe Quiñones, our founder and lead designer, works closely with these workshops, integrating their exquisite craftsmanship into the fabric of Morena Toro’s collections. This collaboration allows us to blend the traditional with the contemporary, creating timeless pieces that honor both the past and the present.

By working directly with these artisans, we ensure that every piece we create is not only beautiful but also carries the stories and traditions of Paraguay. Each item is a testament to the skill, dedication, and cultural heritage of the artisans who pour their hearts into their work, making every Morena Toro piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Sustainable Fabric for a Better Future

Natural Fibers & Innovation

While we primarily use local cotton, we've recently incorporated EKO linen, certified by OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, ensuring our fabrics are safe for skin contact and free from harmful substances.

Our EKO linen is part of a line of fabrics that prioritize sustainability, featuring 32% certified recycled fibers. These fabrics are designed to be more environmentally friendly, making them a better choice for both you and the planet.

Lyocell, one of the key components, is derived from eucalyptus wood—a species known for its fast and easy growth. Eucalyptus trees thrive without the need for artificial irrigation, pesticides, or fertilizers, making Lyocell a more sustainable alternative to cotton. In fact, it requires up to 20 times less water to cultivate.