In Favorite Mexican Designers Part 1, we selected brands that started small and quickly became very well known and opened their own stores. Now, we want to share with you some smaller brands that we think everyone should know about.
As you may be aware, smaller brands, such as these, have been the most impacted during this pandemic. If we all support local businesses, either by buying or sharing their work, we can help them get back on their feet. For more information or international shippings, DM them. You can even place an order with other friends and split the shipping cost.
#SHOPLOCAL #SUPPORTSMALL
Nahual Calli
This family sells gorgeous handmade alebrijes. The traditional type, originated in Mexico City, made from papier-mâché –a process that takes between 3 or 4 weeks to complete–. If you’re interested in the technique, they’ve been sharing tutorials on their Facebook page. Your mind will be blown when you see simple wires and newspaper sheets transformed into these pieces of art.
IG: nahual_calli
Ariela’z Jewelry Design
We’re obsessed with Ariela’s designs. If you’re looking for unique jewelry pieces with precious and semi-precious gemstones, look no further. Check out the available pieces in her online store or DM her on Instagram for special commissions or engagement rings. And follow her stories on Instagram, she’s always sharing new pieces and rare gemstones.
IG: arielazs
MexiCan Pet Shop
If you follow us on Instagram, you might have seen the embroidered bandana from Chiapas we bought for Sam. Doesn’t she look beautiful? They also make collars, leashes, and harnesses with various Mexican traditional textiles and embroidery. You can ask for their updated catalog through DM or mail.
IG: mexican.petshop
Vixu
We discovered this brand while doing research for our ‘Best Bazaars in Mexico City’ blog post. Aurora, the owner, uses repurposed wood to make home accessories, like lamps, side tables, clocks, and mirrors. You also might have seen us talk about it because we bought one of her branch lamps for our living room (like the one in the first photo).
You can find some of her pieces on Amazon.
IG: vixu.mx
Mamai
Home decor store that collects products made by Mexican artisans. Fairtrade and gorgeous pieces, what else is there… They mostly work with families in Michoacán, who make beautiful copper items, molcajetes, and tableware, but they also have items from Yucatán.
IG: mamai.mx
Cara de Planta
We stumbled into their IG while looking for a friend’s present, and we fell in love. Their mugs and plant pots are so unique (design-wise and literally, because they’re all handmade)! You can DM them to see their current stock and prices. They respond quickly and have great customer service.
IG: caradeplanta
Amarillo Pastel
Fernanda’s studio is our most recent discovery and she’s already one of our favorite Mexican designers. We’re blown away by her illustrations! Especially with the color pallets she uses and how she mixes her designs with a bit of paper cut. If you like her style as we do, you can commission a piece through DM. We’re still pondering on what we’d like to create. Any suggestions?
IG: amarillopastel
Did you see anything you liked? Do you have other favorite Mexican designers?
I love all the brands! Specially the ceramics and the illustrations!
Author
Right!? They’ve got really unique pieces…
Please continue to make more posts on designers and artisans!
The creativity and skill of Mexican crafts people, from the incredible variety of indigenous crafts to modern interpretations using traditional techniques and materials is just a mind-blowing inspiration for me every time I visit your amazing country.
I admire how there is a living tradition that is valued and passed down, and the growing trend towards recognizing and fairly compensating the people who make the products.
Perhaps you can do a feature on the Museo de Arte Popular? It’s one of my very favourite museums in DF, and beautifully showcases the richness of Mexican craft and history.