Throw Away Your Poncho. These 5 Local Brands Are Dictating Fashion in Tulum
Written by Alex Ruelase
It is no secret: the Riviera Maya is a trendy place. Just go to Tulum and glance around. Everyone looks like they just popped out of a lookbook, and it has become a bit of a game to look sharp and, of course, Instagram-ready.
This was, of course, not always the case in Mexican beach towns. Once upon a time, tourists wore ponchos to feel like they were blending in with the setting. Throw those into the fire pit. Time to up your wardrobe and get acquainted with some of the best of Mexican design. These are five local brands, designed and manufactured in our country, that are setting trends in the Riviera Maya, not only with their aesthetic but also with the meaning of their products.
Lobato
Designed in Mérida and produced in small communities in the Yucatán Península, Lobato aims to celebrate a conception of femininity that is free of stereotypes. Their flowy gowns, fabricated with techniques that minimize waste, are conceived to liberate women from artificial standards, reconceptualizing what feeling confident and elegant in a dress should be.
Their most recent collection was inspired by the jungle of Tulum and includes dresses, tunics, tops, and skirts. Their garments are made with natural materials, primarily cotton and linen, and use no chemicals for treating the fabrics. Thus, Lobato takes the spirit of the Riviera Maya and materializes it in clothing that is perfect for classy beach escapes.
Caralarga
This design studio draws inspiration from the simplicity and the raw qualities of its materials. They started designing in 2014, figuring out new ways of repurposing discarded cotton and other textiles. Then, they continued experimenting with other natural fibers, and today their creative team works on several collections of garments, textile jewelry, home decor pieces, and even large-format interior design elements.
Caralarga’s work pays tribute to the wisdom of nature and the origin of its materials. At the same time, they introduce an innovative proposal that exists within the long cultural tradition of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Casilda Mut
Casilda Mut is all about weaving connections. Founded in 2010 by a designer from Chiapas, it has made it its mission to create development avenues for communities in Los Altos, a region that has historically struggled with marginalization. Designed and made by women for women, it attempts to recover traditional techniques from the region, to provide livelihoods for female artisans, and to communicate their worldview.
Their workshops in Chiapa de Corzo manufacture a wide range of garments and even products for home decoration. Further, all their dresses, blouses, and skirts are embroidered by hand to give them an artisanal quality. You can find their shop in Tulum’s hotel zone.
Amara
Starting out as a swimwear label in Tulum, Amara is becoming a conscious lifestyle brand that applies the principles of permaculture to its concept of regenerative fashion.
Their work is guided by three axes: people care, including livable wages and aiming for a four day work week; planet care, via minimizing waste, using compostable materials, and employing renewable energy; and fair share, which means redistributing resources to the community and working towards a circular economy.
Their design is not less impressive than their conceptual framework. Amara’s swimwear uses geometric infused prints and fresh color palettes, paired with curve-flattering shapes and daring cuts. Made for the “fearless, yet elegant explorer”, their entire range of garments is made with recycled fibers, which can be repurposed through their end-of-life program. Overall, a fantastic brand to consciously experience the Riviera Maya.
Fernando Rodríguez
For some time now, designer Fernando Rodríguez has been at the forefront of jewelry design in the Riviera Maya. He launched his brand in Playa del Carmen in 2001 and since has produced more than 20 collections, creations inspired by the freshness of the Caribbean and the will to revitalize an elegant conception of femininity.
Curiously, his workshop is lead by elderly artisans. “Elderly people are world-class professionals”, he says, and aims to channel the life experience of these expert craftspeople into original pieces. At the same time, he uses exclusively materials sourced in Mexico, from nickel-free silver to decorative crystals. In short, a local designer who captures in jewels made with top workmanship and love for this region of the country.
