Give us the Tótem Tienda elevator pitch.
Tótem Tienda began as an extension of Tótem Journal, which I launched in Mexico Metropolis to point out a distinct aspect of style—one inclusive of all our bodies, genders, and self-expression. The manufacturers we work with are distinctive, inventive, and aware of sustainability—principally, we love working with those that are enthusiastic about the world in a extra significant means.
Saint Varsity
Saint Varsity
Saint Varsity
The 5 Ws
Who’s sporting Tótem Tienda?
Artistic individuals who need to stand out and admire the artwork behind the garments.
What’s Tótem Tienda’s predominant message?
It’s all about neighborhood and uniqueness. Why mix in if you will be your self?
When did you launch Tótem Tienda?
After transferring to the U.S., I opened a showroom in LA the place we showcased Latinx and Mexican designers, creating a bit ecosystem for them to succeed in a world viewers. Regardless that we opened proper earlier than the pandemic (2020), we made it work by way of appointment-only, which saved issues intimate and secure.
The place are individuals sporting Tótem Tienda?
In every single place—on the streets, at events, within the nightlife.
Why was Tótem Tienda created?
To offer new designers a platform and a chance to showcase their work.
Saint Varsity
Saint Varsity
Saint Varsity
Saint Varsity
Are you able to focus on the connection between the Tótem Tienda pop-up and your journal?
Tótem Journal has all the time been about uplifting the individuals, tales, and initiatives that encourage us. Since we’re a style journal, I wished to help rising designers by promoting their items by means of the journal.
The Tótem platform has roots in LA, NYC, and CDMX – are you able to share extra in regards to the choice to symbolize all three cities within the Tótem model?
These are cities I’ve lived in and the place I related with inventive expertise. NYC has all the time been the dream although. I like the concept of making bridges the place we are able to all feed one another’s inspiration.
In what methods do your roots in Mexico Metropolis affect Tótem Tienda’s assortment and cultural method? Do LA or NY have their specific influences on you?
Rising up in Mexico Metropolis, we had been all the time influenced by what was taking place within the U.S.—TV, music, style. However what makes our tradition distinctive is the best way we put our spin on issues, particularly when assets are restricted. That forces us to get inventive and produce one thing new to the desk. Mexico’s popular culture, mixed with our roots, offers Tótem Tienda its personal particular aptitude.
Are you able to expound on the inventive dynamic between the Mexican style scene and the nation’s international diaspora?
Mexico’s distinctive location and historical past expose us to so many alternative cultures. The Asian affect is big in Mexico, and the U.S. and Europe have all the time been current too. However what’s wonderful is how we’ve begun valuing our personal heritage, which is mirrored in Mexican style right this moment. We’re mixing all of it up and making one thing new and thrilling.
What guides your curation of manufacturers at Tótem Tienda? Is there a selected Tótem Tienda aesthetic? If there’s, might you describe it?
I’m positively influenced by international developments, and you may see that within the curation of the manufacturers. Some have been with Tótem from the start. I’d say the aesthetic is eclectic however with a watch for creativity, high quality, and that particular edge.
In case you styled a glance to symbolize Tótem Tienda’s present path, which manufacturers would we see? Are there standout items you consider?
Paloma Lira is a key one—she’s continually reinventing herself, and that’s what makes her a real style icon. Ese Chico, a mission by photographer Dorian Ulises Macias, additionally involves thoughts—his work highlights Mexican magnificence in such a uncooked, beautiful means.
Are there any Mexican manufacturers or designers with Mexican heritage that you’re enthusiastic about in the intervening time? What about within the wider world?
Willy Chavarría is totally killing it, and we’re all so pleased with him. Campillo is one other model—although they’ve a European affect there’s nonetheless a robust Mexican illustration of their work. And regulate my brother Rio from The Rio World—he’s insanely proficient, and I can’t watch for his subsequent chapter.
As a former designer, would you ever contemplate introducing a Tótem assortment?
I’ve been enthusiastic about that lately. I labored on a capsule assortment with Mexican artist José Cespedes, and we’re planning to launch it this summer season.
Within the final decade, how has the platform modified? Are there sure rules that you simply hope to uphold as you progress ahead?
My rules have all the time been robust. I’m a Taurus, so as soon as I’m set on one thing, it’s onerous to shake me! I’d like to work extra with high-fashion manufacturers and create some elevated, enjoyable editorials that carry the Tótem aptitude to a wider viewers. However I’ll all the time make house for rising initiatives and new voices.
Are there plans for Tótem Tienda or Tótem Journal within the close to future that you simply’d wish to share?
Proper now, we’re persevering with to do pop-ups at 168 Ludlow—shoutout to Meeting New York for his or her help. We’re additionally planning to launch our third journal subject this fall, and we’re dropping new interviews and funky tales each month on the web site.
Observe Tótem Tienda on Instagram for info on forthcoming pop-ups.
168 Ludlow St
New York, NY 10002
