Few countries in the world have such a diverse culture as Mexico's. Stretching back centuries, Mexico's culture has been enriched by successive waves of migration, which were absorbed into the Mexican way of life. This diversity is one of the special hallmarks of Mexico and is displayed in the fashion of Mexico's indigenous population.

Guadalajara Mexican clothing designer, José Flores, has been creating his unique and original designs for 35 years. Much of his work is based on Indian motifs and form of design. He is self-taught and creates in cotton and manmade fibers. Often his garments are embroidered extensively with silk thread.

Working in traditional Mexican forms, José's inspiration is to create distinctive designs of high quality with exceptional attention to detail. The use of natural fibers is his way of expressing his respect for materials coming from the earth. His trademark is the silk embroidery and the bright, rich colors he emblazons on the clothing he sews himself. Many of his garments are embroidered from top to bottom, front and back. They are eye-catching and distinctive.

Many of his creations are done on Mexican manta, a sturdy cotton cloth used for centuries in Mexico. But the manta is only the beginning. José embroiders incredibly intricate silk designs - sometimes covering the entire piece. When you are wearing one of Jose's garments, be prepared for lots of questions about where you got it and who made it.

Bruno Tupac Amaral

Bruno Tupac Amaral's family has been dedicated for over 100 years to the art of working in leather, especially footwear.

At 15 years of age he was given his chance to begin his career working in leather and has formed his own unique expression and style. He has exhibited at commercial shows as well as local tianguis (outdoor markets) to continue making his living through his handcraft.

Bruno uses found objects and other unusual objects to embelish his purses and other designs making them singularly unique. He carefully plans the design of each piece keeping into consideration the tradition from which is craft was born. He uses his origins and native customs as themes and inspiration for his work which is all handmade..

Contact information:
José Flores
Miguel Escoto 1098, Col. Rancho Nuevo
Guadalajara, Jalisco
333 674 8824

Bruno Tupac
Tabachin#1120, Col. Fracionamiento Villas del Tapatio
Guadalajara, Jalisco
333 666 5898 or 331 244 8295
b23.tupac@hotmail.com

Or contact Marianne Carlson at 01152 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com

    (Our thanks to Karen Henderson and Norm Tihor for the use of his photographs)