Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) is, without a doubt, the most important event in the major leagues of fashion. It is held in seven different countries, and its main goal is to promote fashion as an art while it gives designers the opportunity to be seen by the press and international buyers. The most famous events hosted by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week take place in New York City. Yet, the brand launches three more fashion weeks in the Americas: in Miami, San Jose, and Mexico City. The latter is the second-most important MBFW, since Mexico City lets its chaotic streets and iconic places be invaded by the mix of art and glamour through fashion. In addition, MBFW is the ultimate platform for all the newcomers who are trying to make their way in the demanding industry of luxury clothing. This year, about a dozen recently established creators presented their new ideas for next year’s Spring-Summer trends delivering new textures, designs, and ways to tell stories through the art of clothing. So, these are five designers that are breaking the mold in Mexican design that you should keep in mind if you feel like wearing something unique and daring.
Ocelote
“Simplicity is the most complex form of expression” is the way the brand describes itself. Founded in 2015 by designer Cesar Flova, Ocelote gives a sense of subversion through clean and symmetrical cuts. Though the color palette for this collection was a little sober, the fashion label plays with forms that, despite the familiar structures, offer captivating pieces in the axis of each piece. If this clothing looks familiar to to you, it may be because one of the label’s biggest fans is none other than J Balvin himself.
Photo @_pavelhofman
Photo @amonterrosas_
Photo @nathaniel.medina
Rcano
Nothing makes me happier than to going back to the eighties, and Rcano did it excellently. The inspiration for this runway was charged with a “Bowie” vibe, and the color palette and cuts reminded us of the beauty of those days of cassettes and Atari. This Hong Kong-based label founded by Mexican siblings Rafael and Tamara Raya Cano intertwines Mexican and Hong Kong cultures, offering menswear that is chic without losing its practicality. This collection’s color palette is perfect for those events that require a more sophisticated vibe without losing your carefree personality.
Photo by @gabespinosa94
Photo by @gabespinosa94
Picture by @maskbalam
Arkatha
Sisters Thalia and Ariane Navarro focused their attention on the needs of urban women when it comes to new proposals and experiments. Without losing sight of comfort and practicality, Arkatha presented a collection that mirrors the elegance and glamor of Mexico City’s identity. Their sober color hues contrasted with what was expected for a traditional color palette for summer-spring. Yet, we’re always thankful for those ideas that go against the status quo and that excel in their execution. A true breath of fresh air for the season.
Photo @analuciachh
Photo @mercedesbenzfashion
Photo @anacuellar
Manov
For a small fashion line that is trying to find its place in the industry, Manov, a menswear label founded by designer Pável Jiménez in 2011, finds in its hybrid tailoring a unique spirit of elegance and high fashion tradition that will position it as a big clothing brand very soon. The collection’s alluring fabrics and structures never compromised on comfort and functionality. A true trailblazer in the Mexican scene of fashion design.
Photo @manovmanov
Photo @manovmanov
Ary Villa
“I want it, paint it black” would have to be the motto for “l’enfant terrible” of this edition of Mexico’s Fashion Week, Ary Villa. His brief collection dazzled with the structure and texture of each of his pieces despite the lack of color for a Spring-Summer collection. He’s surely one of the highlights of this edition of MBFW, and his talent and imagination is simply out of this world. I just cannot wait for him to be sponsored by big brands of clothing for his luxury and pret-a-porter lines. A talented artist you should definitely keep an eye on.
Photo @tfsmagazine
Photo @tfsmagazine
Photo @gerardovieyra_
Talent is everywhere, and the options for us to embrace and live glamour are more democratic than ever. In a world of globalization, there is a bigger and broader communication towards ideas and culture that can be embodied through pieces of clothing. Fashion is now only a click away, and the beautiful creations presented at Mexico’s MBFW can be purchased anywhere in order to experience the beauty of fashion. This art form invites us to play with clothes in order to embrace new looks that are representations or reflections of our identity. Style is not a matter of money; style is a matter of creativity.
Cover photo by @maskbalam
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