My Love of Mexican Handcrafted Textiles

Ever since the 1970s – where the boho peasant look reigned supreme – I’ve been in love with Mexican embroidery and textiles. On trips to Mexico, I stocked up on colorful hand-embroidered dresses that were sold by vendors everywhere. Even on the beach! I’ve found a lot of vintage pieces in thrift stores over the years too. There is just something so positive about these garments, and I always feel happy wearing them. The hippie in me will never die!

Last month, I became aware of a group called La Blouse Roumaine. This movement grew organically around the image and meaning of the hand-embroidered Romanian blouse. The blouse is a symbol that communicates the identity of its wearer, both as an individual and as a member of a tribe. It also represents a global tribe, seeking the essential through art and beauty.

La Blouse Roumaine joined forces with Viernes Tradicional, a community that promotes Mexican textile heritage by using and sharing photos of garments made by artisans. Since I happen to hoard, er, have some beautiful Mexican pieces, I submitted this photo of me in one of my favorites. It is a vintage 1970s piece in white cotton gauze that is lavishly hand-embroidered both front and back. It’s rather voluminous, but it is exquisite.

I really love that there are communities that are promoting their artistic heritage. There is blatant stealing of these designs in the fashion world, ranging from haute couture to cheap Chinese knockoffs. It’s a beautiful thing when authentic cultural fashions can be appreciated and preserved.

~Marilyn