In & Out North America
When in Mexico, the U.S.A. and Canada, these two modern summer weekend looks never go wrong.
Same top and bottom with different shawls: a modern rebozo*, a colorful écharpe*, two pair of sandals, and same vintage hat
Same top and bottom with different shawls: a modern rebozo*, a colorful écharpe*, two pair of sandals, and same vintage hat
RebozoRebozos are Mexican versatile shawls with deep artistry and historical roots.
|
ÉcharpeFrench word for shawl. The fashion for écharpes in France is very old. A large piece of wide taffeta was usually worn by soldiers, sometimes as a belt, sometimes as a baldric, and often used to mark and distinguish pelotons..
|
North AmericaCanada, the U.S.A. and Mexico are in North America.
|
August 2025
Sand dunes that inspire our creative process. Learning the wisdom from the nature, plants and flowers that survive the strength of the coastal wind, salt, and sand.
Feat. crochet bag handmade by J. del Carmen Calderón de la Barca Villagomez
The Vest Is BackThe vest or waistcoat, is back! The close-fitting inner garment, usually worn between jacket and shirt that some us like so much. The Dictionary of Fashion History (2010) gives a chronology for the use of the word vest in both, menswear and womenswear.
|
In image: Adding a touch of personality and style to the vest, a handmade brooch crafted by Anastasia from Botanicum Art. The brooch is a replica of the lunaria (silver dollar plant).
|
On Sustainable Design
A Sustainable Closet Goes Beyond Re-inventing and Giving New Life To A Turkish Necklace
Necklace Design and Made In Turkey.
Sustainable living starts with sustainable design
By Viviana M. C. De La Barca
Hard to believe that's even the same unused necklace from ten years ago in a visit to Istanbul. I bought this necklace by Turkish high end brand Vakko. As a lover of quality and traditional crafts, personally, purchasing massively produced souvenirs is a no go. Unfortunately, only a few people of the sector hardly earns from this lifestyle; plus what do we really support by buying new cheap crafts?
Now, what’s even harder to believe is that in the Netherlands we throw away 15 kg of clothes per person per year!!
When googling upcycling or vintage, 99% of the searches prompt to giving old clothes a new life when brand new wearables, or hardly used items can also be restyled and repurposed. Clothing doesn’t have to be old to find them in secondhand shops or broken to revamp them. New items are sold in thrift stores. Picture a dress still in perfect condition because it had hardly been worn, or new items from previous fashion houses collections. Adding that conscious consumerism doesn’t mean giving clothes away for free (video).
Due that inflation would be inevitable in the roots of Trumpism, price hikes may inspire savvy shoppers to design, produce and buy more locally, and get the items that are made near to where you live. This is not necessarily a bad idea for the clothing industry.
Why consuming brand new mindfully is equally important as buying second hand?
Sustainable living starts with sustainable design. With new tariffs on imports isn’t hard to anticipate that consumers will seek out other options to purchase goods. Concerning clothes, this doesn’t translate to secondhand exclusively.
So, for whatever reason my great-quality-cool necklace has been hardly worn since, the decision to re-style it was done last spring. It is in the spring-summer months when I wear it the most; occasionally in the winter too.
People are increasingly shifting toward conscious consumerism for many reasons and one of them is quality. Sustainable design with great quality materials is key to win the war against global warming.
Hard to believe that's even the same unused necklace from ten years ago in a visit to Istanbul. I bought this necklace by Turkish high end brand Vakko. As a lover of quality and traditional crafts, personally, purchasing massively produced souvenirs is a no go. Unfortunately, only a few people of the sector hardly earns from this lifestyle; plus what do we really support by buying new cheap crafts?
Now, what’s even harder to believe is that in the Netherlands we throw away 15 kg of clothes per person per year!!
When googling upcycling or vintage, 99% of the searches prompt to giving old clothes a new life when brand new wearables, or hardly used items can also be restyled and repurposed. Clothing doesn’t have to be old to find them in secondhand shops or broken to revamp them. New items are sold in thrift stores. Picture a dress still in perfect condition because it had hardly been worn, or new items from previous fashion houses collections. Adding that conscious consumerism doesn’t mean giving clothes away for free (video).
Due that inflation would be inevitable in the roots of Trumpism, price hikes may inspire savvy shoppers to design, produce and buy more locally, and get the items that are made near to where you live. This is not necessarily a bad idea for the clothing industry.
Why consuming brand new mindfully is equally important as buying second hand?
Sustainable living starts with sustainable design. With new tariffs on imports isn’t hard to anticipate that consumers will seek out other options to purchase goods. Concerning clothes, this doesn’t translate to secondhand exclusively.
So, for whatever reason my great-quality-cool necklace has been hardly worn since, the decision to re-style it was done last spring. It is in the spring-summer months when I wear it the most; occasionally in the winter too.
People are increasingly shifting toward conscious consumerism for many reasons and one of them is quality. Sustainable design with great quality materials is key to win the war against global warming.
On Styling Ethnic Wear
Bag made in India. Ring and shoes made in Mexico.
Our body is a stage. What we wear is a social phenomenon.
The season to wear fashion with links between ancestral codes, artisanal collections and traditional ethnic accessories is here. How to style your ethnic wear? How to wear it without being disrespectful?
Our body is a stage. What we wear is a social phenomenon and we like to think that life, is the best runway, so why not wear the rich textiles and artistry of cultures from around the world? Ethnic fashion is all about embracing cultural elements, handcrafted details, and unique traditional designs that tell a story.
Whether you’re drawn to Japanese kimonos, or Mexican textiles, there’s an endless world of inspiration in the summer months.
Traditional Meets Contemporary: A Fusion of Styles.
How can you add a global touch to a modern outfit? Who says you have to choose between one or the other?
The beauty of ethnic fashion lies in seamlessly blending key traditional pieces with contemporary garments in one color. A traditional bag made of natural fibres can add character to a modern outfit. The key is balance and pair ethnic pieces with sleek, modern clothing to create a timeless look.
Today mixing modern garments with ethnic touches in the context of capitalism is tricky, but not impossible to disconnect your look from commercialism.
In all cases the most advisable thing to do for any non-indigenous person who wears Mexican ethnic creations, for example, is to help give the communities visibility, giving them credit and valuing their craft every time you can is an act of social sustainability.
Giving visibility to the indigenous communities of Mexico is a responsibility of Viviana M. C. De La Barca. We are proud to be part of the Mexican diversity and cultures, and we love to wear designs made by Mexican artists and artisans, by combining them with personal and contemporary items. Mexico is a multicultural country with more than sixty indigenous peoples with different languages and traditions.
Mind that the easiest way to style your traditional textiles and garments, not only from Mexico but from all over the world, is with a conscious and responsible attitude. Simply as that.
Our body is a stage. What we wear is a social phenomenon and we like to think that life, is the best runway, so why not wear the rich textiles and artistry of cultures from around the world? Ethnic fashion is all about embracing cultural elements, handcrafted details, and unique traditional designs that tell a story.
Whether you’re drawn to Japanese kimonos, or Mexican textiles, there’s an endless world of inspiration in the summer months.
Traditional Meets Contemporary: A Fusion of Styles.
How can you add a global touch to a modern outfit? Who says you have to choose between one or the other?
The beauty of ethnic fashion lies in seamlessly blending key traditional pieces with contemporary garments in one color. A traditional bag made of natural fibres can add character to a modern outfit. The key is balance and pair ethnic pieces with sleek, modern clothing to create a timeless look.
Today mixing modern garments with ethnic touches in the context of capitalism is tricky, but not impossible to disconnect your look from commercialism.
In all cases the most advisable thing to do for any non-indigenous person who wears Mexican ethnic creations, for example, is to help give the communities visibility, giving them credit and valuing their craft every time you can is an act of social sustainability.
Giving visibility to the indigenous communities of Mexico is a responsibility of Viviana M. C. De La Barca. We are proud to be part of the Mexican diversity and cultures, and we love to wear designs made by Mexican artists and artisans, by combining them with personal and contemporary items. Mexico is a multicultural country with more than sixty indigenous peoples with different languages and traditions.
Mind that the easiest way to style your traditional textiles and garments, not only from Mexico but from all over the world, is with a conscious and responsible attitude. Simply as that.
Huaraches
From the Purépecha indigenous language ("kwarachi"), are hand-woven sandals originally from center and southern states in Mexico.
These in picture are handcrafted following ancient weaving techniques introduced by the Aztec culture to preserve craftsmanship in our modernity. These sandals are ethically crafted and sustainably sourced. The leather is vegetable-tanned with traditional methods using earth-based tanning agents.
While we bought the sandals at a Dutch boutique ‘Vielgut’ in the city of Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, the other ethnic accessories as the bag and the heart keychain were purchased directly from the artisan themselves, as at an artisan market in Mexico.
From the Purépecha indigenous language ("kwarachi"), are hand-woven sandals originally from center and southern states in Mexico.
These in picture are handcrafted following ancient weaving techniques introduced by the Aztec culture to preserve craftsmanship in our modernity. These sandals are ethically crafted and sustainably sourced. The leather is vegetable-tanned with traditional methods using earth-based tanning agents.
While we bought the sandals at a Dutch boutique ‘Vielgut’ in the city of Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, the other ethnic accessories as the bag and the heart keychain were purchased directly from the artisan themselves, as at an artisan market in Mexico.
Blouse Made in Ibiza, Spain. Shoes Made in Okayama, Japan.
Skincare
Outdoor Style
Why is important sun protection no matter your skin type and tone?
—Growing up, living around- and exploring Mexico and diverse cultures in the world, has influenced everything I do as my lifestyle. So this spring we are back in the wild Mexican rainforest, wearing comfortable water sport clothing for better performance without giving up on style.
But first, safety!
Sun protective clothing is important for a full travel adventure. In the rainforest, there’s no exemption to the rule. In my youth, it took me just one painful sunburn in my shins to increase my risk of melanoma, so for me, it’s really not okay to enjoy the sun without protection. What’s my latest favorite sunblock product?
Facial sunscreen powder : FOTOSUN UV 100 cosmetic powder Made in Mexico.
Recently, I’ve been using facial sunscreen powders to provide a natural face cover that also minimizes facial shine. I like to use the brush for its practical and easy application. Its convenient presentation makes it perfect to carry it everywhere too! More advantages:
But first, safety!
Sun protective clothing is important for a full travel adventure. In the rainforest, there’s no exemption to the rule. In my youth, it took me just one painful sunburn in my shins to increase my risk of melanoma, so for me, it’s really not okay to enjoy the sun without protection. What’s my latest favorite sunblock product?
Facial sunscreen powder : FOTOSUN UV 100 cosmetic powder Made in Mexico.
Recently, I’ve been using facial sunscreen powders to provide a natural face cover that also minimizes facial shine. I like to use the brush for its practical and easy application. Its convenient presentation makes it perfect to carry it everywhere too! More advantages:
There are brands that offer high protection SPF 50+
- Available for all skin types
- Easy application
- Fragrance free
- PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
For a perfect and natural facial coverage, use it evenly over the face, neck and décolleté, at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and whenever necessary. It is recommended to repeat the application every couple hours, after swimming, physical exercise, towel drying, intense sweating or prolonged exposure to the sun. This helps the product to maintain its effectiveness. Mind that all skin types and tones are susceptible to sun damage. — Viviana M. C. De La Barca
- Available for all skin types
- Easy application
- Fragrance free
- PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
For a perfect and natural facial coverage, use it evenly over the face, neck and décolleté, at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and whenever necessary. It is recommended to repeat the application every couple hours, after swimming, physical exercise, towel drying, intense sweating or prolonged exposure to the sun. This helps the product to maintain its effectiveness. Mind that all skin types and tones are susceptible to sun damage. — Viviana M. C. De La Barca
Spring in OsloGuess what Mexican brands traveled with us in Norway?
|
|
Book Your Free Styling Session Now Live!
These items were some of our dear companions. Here the reviews:
1 - Clōe Memories Vanilla Body Cream.
The benefits of creams and lotions for our skin are endless. They help to keep the skin hydrated, soft, and fit in extreme climates.
This Body Cream moisturizes, nourishes and tones our skin thanks to the vitamin E and collagen in its formula. It is also a vegan product, cruelty-free certified brand and Paraben free. The vanilla version wrapped us in an aromatic wonder that tantalizes our senses thanks to its memorable scent
Clōe is one of the most important Mexican beauty and fashion brands today representing a sophisticated world with a global vision, and true to what they say, within the reach of those who really want to own it.
2 - ‘Volcán Cálido’ neckerchief.
This is a beautiful modern scarf design by young Mexican designer Francine. It means warm volcano in Spanish. It portrays an eruptive volcano in earthy colors with splashes of pink, yellow, red and orange tones, matching perfectly with our Spring mood.
While we love ‘Volcán Cálido’s’ design and colors, there’s no information on the textile used, or fabric type and materials, or if the fibres come from natural or synthetic sources.
3 - Urban Animal Print pants,
100% cotton pants with huge cool animal prints are made by Mexican brand ‘Cuidado con el Perro’ which means in Spanish be careful with the dog. Interestingly, this brand is owned by the multinational retail clothing stores chain C&A, which originated in the Netherlands where we are based. C&A is one of the largest fast-fashion retail chains in the world, next to H&M and INDITEX.
While the pants model matches our taste, the high waisted wide leg cut fits well, on the production and environmental side, the brand leaves a bit to be desired in their supply chains. To mention some, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models, inclusivity and labor wages. While C&A policies claim to be a company with a strong sustainability strategy including bio cotton, recycled and recyclable materials, or Cradle to Cradle Certified™ fabric, it lacks evidence on taking enough actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain and social sustainability.
1 - Clōe Memories Vanilla Body Cream.
The benefits of creams and lotions for our skin are endless. They help to keep the skin hydrated, soft, and fit in extreme climates.
This Body Cream moisturizes, nourishes and tones our skin thanks to the vitamin E and collagen in its formula. It is also a vegan product, cruelty-free certified brand and Paraben free. The vanilla version wrapped us in an aromatic wonder that tantalizes our senses thanks to its memorable scent
Clōe is one of the most important Mexican beauty and fashion brands today representing a sophisticated world with a global vision, and true to what they say, within the reach of those who really want to own it.
2 - ‘Volcán Cálido’ neckerchief.
This is a beautiful modern scarf design by young Mexican designer Francine. It means warm volcano in Spanish. It portrays an eruptive volcano in earthy colors with splashes of pink, yellow, red and orange tones, matching perfectly with our Spring mood.
While we love ‘Volcán Cálido’s’ design and colors, there’s no information on the textile used, or fabric type and materials, or if the fibres come from natural or synthetic sources.
3 - Urban Animal Print pants,
100% cotton pants with huge cool animal prints are made by Mexican brand ‘Cuidado con el Perro’ which means in Spanish be careful with the dog. Interestingly, this brand is owned by the multinational retail clothing stores chain C&A, which originated in the Netherlands where we are based. C&A is one of the largest fast-fashion retail chains in the world, next to H&M and INDITEX.
While the pants model matches our taste, the high waisted wide leg cut fits well, on the production and environmental side, the brand leaves a bit to be desired in their supply chains. To mention some, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models, inclusivity and labor wages. While C&A policies claim to be a company with a strong sustainability strategy including bio cotton, recycled and recyclable materials, or Cradle to Cradle Certified™ fabric, it lacks evidence on taking enough actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain and social sustainability.
Pink Love In My Clothes From Mexico
What Inspires Your Personal Style? Nature? Travel destinations? Art and design?
RAINFOREST STYLE AND ADVENTURE
—Losing myself swimming down canyons and in the incredible bio diversity of the Mexican rainforest is a dream come true. Mexico is home to some of the most enchanting tropical rainforests in the world that since young it has influenced my fashion and passion for animal print patterns: Ocelote (leopardus pardalis) and jaguar.— Viviana M. C. De La Barca.
Featuring sterling silver jaguar earrings made in Taxco, Mexico.
|
Featuring sterling silver jaguar earrings made in Taxco, Mexico.
|
Textile Art | Spring Patterns
Patterns and motifs are more than just designs; they are stories woven into the threats that adorn our world.
Some of the most common types of patterns to take reference include floral and animal patterns with a rich history of symbolic meanings that have been used for decorative and spiritual purpose in the Mexican tradition, as that of the vanilla orchids or the jaguar.
Geometric patterns have their origins dating back to ancient times with shapes like squares, triangles and circles to form designs that are regularly repeated in the architecture of the ancient pyramids around Mexico.
There are a surprising number of links between the textile creations of the past and those of the present, since patterns and color combinations come back recurrently. This as a reminder of how the habits of nostalgic renewal and international borrowing are both old and widespread in our world’s tapestry of cultures. Naturally, fashion playing an important role — continuously affected by technical progress and trade.
London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is home to some of the finest, most beautiful and rarest examples of human creativity in the decorative arts. Their collection of interior textiles and fabrics includes from Indian chintzes to Persian rugs. The V&A is a great source of inspiration and education.
London's Victoria and Albert Museum has exhibited Mexican huipils showing paint splatters and cotton skirts with printed floral motifs and ruffles, once part of Jewish Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo wardrobe. The artist’s clothing in the exhibits included examples of traditional Mexican dress – from Mexican indigenous textiles to rebozos (fringed shawls), embroidered huipiles (square-cut tops), enaguas (skirts) and holanes(flounces) — as well as her art to develop a sense of belonging and personal identity.
Other motifs from around the world in The V&A include from the sinuous necks of cranes embroidered in mid-19th-century Japan echoing the herons and swans of a modern 1939 creation by graphic artist Edward Bawden. Pomegranates appearing again and again, from seventeenth-century Turkey to late-nineteenth-century Britain. Originating in Persia, the ever-popular paisley motif of flowers growing on a curved stem appears in Iran transformed as a bird on an upholstery fabric in the 1960s. Whether realistic or stylized, birds and flowers are rarely out of fashion.
So this spring it couldn’t be any different to look at some of the most prominent motifs and colors featuring in our wardrobe palette, influenced by nature and trends of our days.
Some of the most common types of patterns to take reference include floral and animal patterns with a rich history of symbolic meanings that have been used for decorative and spiritual purpose in the Mexican tradition, as that of the vanilla orchids or the jaguar.
Geometric patterns have their origins dating back to ancient times with shapes like squares, triangles and circles to form designs that are regularly repeated in the architecture of the ancient pyramids around Mexico.
There are a surprising number of links between the textile creations of the past and those of the present, since patterns and color combinations come back recurrently. This as a reminder of how the habits of nostalgic renewal and international borrowing are both old and widespread in our world’s tapestry of cultures. Naturally, fashion playing an important role — continuously affected by technical progress and trade.
London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is home to some of the finest, most beautiful and rarest examples of human creativity in the decorative arts. Their collection of interior textiles and fabrics includes from Indian chintzes to Persian rugs. The V&A is a great source of inspiration and education.
London's Victoria and Albert Museum has exhibited Mexican huipils showing paint splatters and cotton skirts with printed floral motifs and ruffles, once part of Jewish Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo wardrobe. The artist’s clothing in the exhibits included examples of traditional Mexican dress – from Mexican indigenous textiles to rebozos (fringed shawls), embroidered huipiles (square-cut tops), enaguas (skirts) and holanes(flounces) — as well as her art to develop a sense of belonging and personal identity.
Other motifs from around the world in The V&A include from the sinuous necks of cranes embroidered in mid-19th-century Japan echoing the herons and swans of a modern 1939 creation by graphic artist Edward Bawden. Pomegranates appearing again and again, from seventeenth-century Turkey to late-nineteenth-century Britain. Originating in Persia, the ever-popular paisley motif of flowers growing on a curved stem appears in Iran transformed as a bird on an upholstery fabric in the 1960s. Whether realistic or stylized, birds and flowers are rarely out of fashion.
So this spring it couldn’t be any different to look at some of the most prominent motifs and colors featuring in our wardrobe palette, influenced by nature and trends of our days.
Spring Patterns 2025
|
Spring Patterns 2025
|
Spring Patterns 2025
|
Spring Patterns 2025
|
Spring Patterns 2025
Jade has been associated with life and renewal by the indigenous civilizations in Mexico.
The Olmec civilization flourished in the Preclassical Mesoamerica from c. 1200 BCE to c. 400 BCE. Their heartlands were the region of the Gulf of Mexico which are today the state of Veracruz and Tabasco.
The jaguar's symbolism is also prominently featured in Olmec as Mayan art and architecture in Mexico.
The Olmec civilization flourished in the Preclassical Mesoamerica from c. 1200 BCE to c. 400 BCE. Their heartlands were the region of the Gulf of Mexico which are today the state of Veracruz and Tabasco.
The jaguar's symbolism is also prominently featured in Olmec as Mayan art and architecture in Mexico.
by Viviana M. C. De La Barca