<a href="http://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/top-mexican-fashion-brands/">Mexico City</a> might not be up there in the collective consciousness with <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/europe/france/paris/articles/10-ways-to-immerse-yourself-in-the-paris-fashion-scene/">Paris</a>, <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/london/articles/the-history-of-london-fashion-week-in-1minute/">London</a> and <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/new-york/articles/new-york-city-fall-fashion-10-autumn-trends/">New York</a> as one of the fashion capitals of the world, but it is full of movers and shakers who are redefining how we look at Mexican fashion. This is particularly apparent in the capital, where both the young and established designers of the city show off their latest collections in upmarket neighbourhoods. Here’s our guide to Mexico City’s eight best local designers.

<h2>Sandra Weil</h2> <p><a href="http://theculturetrip.com/south-america/peru/articles/the-10-most-beautiful-towns-in-peru/">Peruvian</a> by birth, yet well established in Mexico City, <a href="http://www.sandraweil.com/">Sandra Weil</a> is a <a href="http://www.vogue.mx/agenda/articulos/sandra-weil-tienda-emilio-castelar-b-1/4555">big name on the fashion scene</a>. Having opened her first boutique in the incredibly upscale area of Polanco, she designs ready-to-wear and tailormade custom pieces, although she is arguably best known for her contemporary wedding dresses. Their exquisite shape and fit is impressive, and the neutral colour palettes she tends to work with only enhance the impact of the occasional striking patterned detail. It goes without saying that the quality of her outfits are second-to-none.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Sandra+Weil/@19.4307135,-99.2024928,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x85d20202b029776f:0x3a6626f12774bd5a!8m2!3d19.4307085!4d-99.2003041">Emilio Castelar #185, Miguel Hidalgo, Polanco, Ciudad de México, México</a>, +52 55 5280 7597</em></p> <div id="attachment_803193" style="width: 1376px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/fotorcreated5.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-803193" class="size-full wp-image-803193" src="https://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/fotorcreated5.jpg" alt="Sandra Weil | Courtesy of Sandra Weil" width="1366" height="768"></a><p id="caption-attachment-803193" class="wp-caption-text">Sandra Weil | Courtesy of Sandra Weil</p> </div> 

<h2>Sandra Weil</h2>
<a href="http://theculturetrip.com/south-america/peru/articles/the-10-most-beautiful-towns-in-peru/">Peruvian</a> by birth, yet well established in Mexico City, <a href="http://www.sandraweil.com/">Sandra Weil</a> is a <a href="http://www.vogue.mx/agenda/articulos/sandra-weil-tienda-emilio-castelar-b-1/4555">big name on the fashion scene</a>. Having opened her first boutique in the incredibly upscale area of Polanco, she designs ready-to-wear and tailormade custom pieces, although she is arguably best known for her contemporary wedding dresses. Their exquisite shape and fit is impressive, and the neutral colour palettes she tends to work with only enhance the impact of the occasional striking patterned detail. It goes without saying that the quality of her outfits are second-to-none.

<em><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Sandra+Weil/@19.4307135,-99.2024928,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x85d20202b029776f:0x3a6626f12774bd5a!8m2!3d19.4307085!4d-99.2003041">Emilio Castelar #185, Miguel Hidalgo, Polanco, Ciudad de México, México</a>, +52 55 5280 7597</em>

[caption id="attachment_803193" align="aligncenter" width="1366"]<a href="http://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/fotorcreated5.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-803193" src="http://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/fotorcreated5.jpg" alt="Sandra Weil | Courtesy of Sandra Weil" width="1366" height="768" /></a> Sandra Weil | Courtesy of Sandra Weil[/caption]


Sandra Weil | Courtesy of Sandra Weil

Sandra Weil

One of the country’s most influential designers, <a href="http://www.ricardoseco.com/">Ricardo Seco</a> is <em>coahuilense </em>by birth but based in Mexico City. First dedicating 12 years of his life to business, he finally went to study fashion in <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/milan-s-10-must-try-restaurants-dining-in-the-fashion-capital/">Milan</a> and has gone from strength to strength since then. He’s most recently partnered with New Balance, for whom he created some striking <em>Huichol</em> beaded trainers. Aiming to demonstrate the modernity of Mexican fashion, while doing away with the <em>malinchismo </em>(preference for all things foreign) that can dominate in the country, he partners with local artisans to bring his designs to life.

huichol-skull-1172518_1920

<h2>Lorena Saravia</h2> <p>A promising rising talent in Mexico City’s inner fashion circle, <a href="http://www.lorenasaravia.com/">Lorena Saravia</a> is a designer to watch out for. Having <a href="http://www.vogue.mx/moda/estilo-vogue/articulos/estudio-showroom-lorena-saravia-diseno-mexicano-ganadora-whos-on-next-mexico/2504">won the Who’s On Next Vogue México award</a>, she has repeatedly featured in prestigious publications and even boasts boutiques in Mexico’s big three cities; Monterrey, <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/the-10-best-cultural-hotels-in-guadalajara/">Guadalajara</a> and Mexico City. Having studied in <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-6-best-menswear-stores-in-barcelona/">Barcelona</a>, she presented her first collection in 2010 and designs for the modern, professional woman. Her minimalist designs are expertly executed and deceptively simple, yet feminine and delicate at the same time.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Lorena+Saravia/@19.4317505,-99.1968552,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x85d20201ed522c69:0x64f4ac63ddb2c542!8m2!3d19.4317455!4d-99.1946665">Av. Presidente Masaryk, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, Col. Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Ciudad de México, México</a>, +52 55 6729 8837</em></p> <p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hVjXSS_RkaY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> 

<h3>Lorena Saravia</h3>
A former winner of the <a href="http://www.vogue.mx/moda/estilo-vogue/articulos/estudio-showroom-lorena-saravia-diseno-mexicano-ganadora-whos-on-next-mexico/2504">Who’s On Next Vogue México award</a>, Lorena Saravia now has three branches of her <a href="http://www.lorenasaravia.com/">eponymous boutique</a> across Mexico, one of which is in Polanco. While Polanco in general is a <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/shopping-guide-polanco-mexico-city/">great shopping spot</a> in Mexico City for anyone who wants to rub shoulders with the Mexican elite and do some designer label shopping, we particularly recommend Lorena Saravia for its delicate and minimalist designs made for the modern yet feminine woman.

<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Lorena+Saravia/@19.4317505,-99.1968552,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x85d20201ed522c69:0x64f4ac63ddb2c542!8m2!3d19.4317455!4d-99.1946665"><em>Av. Presidente Masaryk, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, Col. Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Ciudad de México, México</em></a><em>, +52 55 6729 8837</em>

[caption id="attachment_1074183" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/dresses-53319_1280.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1074183" src="https://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/dresses-53319_1280.jpg" alt="Shopping at Lorena Saravia is never a bad idea | Pixabay" width="1280" height="1034" /></a> Shopping at Lorena Saravia is never a bad idea | Pixabay[/caption]


Shopping at Lorena Saravia is never a bad idea | Pixabay

Lorena Saravia

<h2>Ximena Valero</h2> <p>One of the true Mexico City natives to make our list of local designers, <a href="http://www.ximenavalero.com/">Ximena Valero</a> began her fashion career taking sewing classes in the city as a teenager before rising to international recognition at an impressively young age. First studying in San Francisco, she ran a fashion photography studio for a period before working with Victoria’s Secret in New York. Now based in <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/where-not-to-go-in-los-angeles/">LA</a>, she’s the co-founder of New York Fashion Group and boasts a huge inventory of attire that is all designed and made with the same excellent care and attention.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Ximena+Valero+Fashion+Lab/@34.0442266,-118.2545154,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80c2c6354bda722d:0x319796361b888e0e!8m2!3d34.0442222!4d-118.2523267">704 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA, United States</a>, +1 323-314-5787</em></p> <div id="attachment_803192" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/15622745448_908b012897_o.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-803192" class="wp-image-803192 size-large" src="https://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/15622745448_908b012897_o-1024x682.jpg" alt="Ximena Valero | © TEDx Tijuana/Flickr" width="1024" height="682"></a><p id="caption-attachment-803192" class="wp-caption-text"><span style="color: #808080"><a style="color: #808080" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tedxtijuana/15622745448/in/photolist-pNwDW9">Ximena Valero | © TEDx Tijuana/Flickr</a></span></p> </div> <p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UorWNPTGVy8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> 

<h2>Ximena Valero</h2>
One of the true Mexico City natives to make our list of local designers, <a href="http://www.ximenavalero.com/">Ximena Valero</a> began her fashion career taking sewing classes in the city as a teenager before rising to international recognition at an impressively young age. First studying in San Francisco, she ran a fashion photography studio for a period before working with Victoria’s Secret in New York. Now based in <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/where-not-to-go-in-los-angeles/">LA</a>, she’s the co-founder of New York Fashion Group and boasts a huge inventory of attire that is all designed and made with the same excellent care and attention.

<em><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Ximena+Valero+Fashion+Lab/@34.0442266,-118.2545154,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80c2c6354bda722d:0x319796361b888e0e!8m2!3d34.0442222!4d-118.2523267">704 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA, United States</a>, +1 323-314-5787</em>

[caption id="attachment_803192" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<a href="http://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/15622745448_908b012897_o.jpg"><img class="wp-image-803192 size-large" src="http://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/15622745448_908b012897_o-1024x682.jpg" alt="Ximena Valero | © TEDx Tijuana/Flickr" width="1024" height="682" /></a> <span style="color: #808080;"><a style="color: #808080;" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tedxtijuana/15622745448/in/photolist-pNwDW9">Ximena Valero | © TEDx Tijuana/Flickr</a></span>[/caption]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UorWNPTGVy8


Ximena Valero | © TEDx Tijuana/Flickr

Ximena Valero

Driven by the latest trends, the <a href="http://alejandraquesada.com/">Alejandra Quesada</a> brand has received international recognition. It is available in the US, <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/top-10-japanese-fashion-designers-you-should-know/">Japan</a> and China – known for its love of the whimsy that Quesada does so well – as well as online from her website’s e-store. Easily recognisable are her vibrant, colourful designs, which only reinforce the notion that her imagination is off the scale. Previously having worked for <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/articles/alexander-mcqueen-s-extraordinary-fashion-legacy/">Alexander McQueen</a>, Tata-Naka and Isabel Marant (of wedge sneaker fame), Quesada’s signature designs are both cute and fantastical.

<h2>Macario Jiménez</h2> <p>A prolific Mexican <a href="http://www.vogue.mx/vip/perfiles/articulos/macario-jimenez/5061">fashion designer</a> who has stood the test of time in a fickle industry, Guadalajara native <a href="http://www.macariojimenez.com/">Macario Jiménez</a> is based out of Mexico City. Now a regular at Mercedez Benz Fashion Week México, Jiménez was trained at Institute Marangoni in <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/will-italy-fall-behind-in-the-unesco-world-heritage-ranking/">Italy</a> before returning to his native Mexico and presenting his first collection in the capital at the age of 27. Ultra-feminine designs are his trademark; think sophisticated and incredibly detailed. He claims that in one of his most recent collections, more than 150 hours of work had gone into each item.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Macario+Jimenez/@19.431665,-99.2048157,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x85d2021d1488ee5b:0xe32a1fa1e8878fd!8m2!3d19.43166!4d-99.202627">Calle Séneca 57, Miguel Hidalgo, Polanco, Ciudad de México, México</a>, +52 55 5281 7783</em></p> <p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SoStasIlajo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> 

<h2>Macario Jiménez</h2>
A prolific Mexican <a href="http://www.vogue.mx/vip/perfiles/articulos/macario-jimenez/5061">fashion designer</a> who has stood the test of time in a fickle industry, Guadalajara native <a href="http://www.macariojimenez.com/">Macario Jiménez</a> is based out of Mexico City. Now a regular at Mercedez Benz Fashion Week México, Jiménez was trained at Institute Marangoni in <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/will-italy-fall-behind-in-the-unesco-world-heritage-ranking/">Italy</a> before returning to his native Mexico and presenting his first collection in the capital at the age of 27. Ultra-feminine designs are his trademark; think sophisticated and incredibly detailed. He claims that in one of his most recent collections, more than 150 hours of work had gone into each item.

<em><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Macario+Jimenez/@19.431665,-99.2048157,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x85d2021d1488ee5b:0xe32a1fa1e8878fd!8m2!3d19.43166!4d-99.202627">Calle Séneca 57, Miguel Hidalgo, Polanco, Ciudad de México, México</a>, +52 55 5281 7783</em>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoStasIlajo


Macario Jiménez

Another incredibly well-known Mexican designer is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/armando.mafud/">Armando Mafud</a>. His designs are vibrant, silky, eye-catching and thoroughly convey the pride he has for his Mexican heritage. (This is unsurprising when you consider that he’s originally from <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/the-10-best-cultural-hotels-in-oaxaca/">Oaxaca</a>, one of the most artistically diverse regions of the country.) Almost comically, Mafud’s original career of choice was dentistry and he only began to design jewellery to pay for his training. However, he finally realised design was his true calling though and has now worked 30 years in the industry.

<h2>Carla Fernández</h2> <p>The final local designer on our list is <a href="http://carlafernandez.com/">Carla Fernández</a>, who like Mafud draws huge inspiration from the Mexican culture when creating her designs. She is in particular influenced by the bright colours and beautiful patterns of indigenous <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/10-iconic-fashion-photographers/">clothing</a>; however, she doesn’t merely take without giving back. Her Taller Flora workshop promotes eco-friendly production and the development of indigenous communities’ economies, which helps to promote their survival. She’s partnered with Conaculta and Fonart to promote the development of craft in indigenous communities also. Despite originally hailing from Coahuila, she now has a boutique in La Roma, Mexico City.</p> <p><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Carla+Fern%C3%A1ndez/@19.4250533,-99.1866078,14z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sCARLA+FERN%C3%81NDEZ+roma+!3m4!1s0x0:0xe66243358f10ccbe!8m2!3d19.4172057!4d-99.1641748"><em>Álvaro Obregón 200, Colonia Roma, Ciudad de México, México</em></a><em>, +52 55 5264 2226</em></p> <p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LNFAtopvYNs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>

<h3>Carla Fernández</h3>
Although you can pick up her designs in various places across Mexico City, you can’t go wrong with a visit to her also eponymously named Roma boutique either. <a href="http://carlafernandez.com/">Carla Fernández</a> is admirable for her dedication to providing fashion forward pieces that become wardrobe staples, whilst ensuring she ties in a Mexican sensibility to her work. Vibrant colours dominate the palette and she <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/a-spotlight-on-mexican-fashion-designer-carla-fernandez/">works in partnership</a> with many communities to promote the use of traditional design practices.

<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Carla+Fern%C3%A1ndez/@19.4250533,-99.1866078,14z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sCARLA+FERN%C3%81NDEZ+roma+!3m4!1s0x0:0xe66243358f10ccbe!8m2!3d19.4172057!4d-99.1641748"><em>Carla Fernández, Álvaro Obregón 200, Colonia Roma, Ciudad de México, México</em></a><em> +52 55 5264 2226</em>

[caption id="attachment_1074184" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/dresses-816033_19201.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1074184" src="https://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/dresses-816033_19201.jpg" alt="You’ll want to trawl the rails for hours at Carla Fernández’ boutique | Pixabay " width="1920" height="1280" /></a> You’ll want to trawl the rails for hours at Carla Fernández’ boutique | Pixabay[/caption]


You’ll want to trawl the rails for hours at Carla Fernández’ boutique | Pixabay

Carla Fernández

Perhaps not yet the fashion capital of the world, Mexico City's fashion stock is rising. Here are the best designers from or based in Mexico City.