Recognized for fusing the textile traditions of artisan communities with contemporary fashion proposals, Mexican designer Carla Fernández has promoted a collaborative model that integrates the ancestral wisdom of indigenous weaving and embroidery, giving her creations a unique hallmark.
Her ethical and sustainable approach, along with her pursuit of innovation, has positioned her as one of the most original voices in the Latin American fashion scene. Here, she talks about herself and her artistic vision of fashion.
I’m motivated to create garments with a subtle rebelliousness in their form. I like collaborating with artisans who sometimes don’t even speak the same language (Tzeltal, Tzotzil, Purépecha, etc.). This dynamic has led us to develop a ‘design pedagogy’ that overcomes communication barriers through simple patterns (squares and rectangles). Moreover, we do exactly what we were told not to do in business or fashion school: we don’t follow trends; we set them, honoring symbolism and traditional techniques.
It’s a mutual understanding that goes beyond words. Sometimes we have a translator, but much of it comes from hands-on practice and observation. The word ‘texto’ (text) shares the same root as ‘textil’ (textile), so we work with sketches, shapes, and silhouettes to convey our ideas. There comes a point where everything becomes very physical and words are hardly needed; artisanal techniques naturally dictate the process.
Our style aims for a subtle elegance that is completed by the person wearing the garment. Each piece comes to life when worn, taking on the personality of its wearer. That’s what fascinates me about fashion: it’s a living, functional art form. We design, but the final result only emerges when people make the garments their own.
Right now, we’re working on process manuals to clearly document our areas of collaboration with artisans. We’ve had exhibitions both within Mexico and abroad, but we’re entering a period of reflection where we want to refine our methodology and share what we’ve learned over the years. It’s a time to sit down, rethink, and make adjustments that solidify the brand’s philosophy.
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