Pineda Covalin collection at Mexico City Fashion Week

Hola! I arrived in Mexico City yesterday (I’m a Mexico virgin!) to check out DFashion Week and so far I am totally churning my chalupa for Mexico City. The people! The food! The energy! What’s DFashion Week you may ask? Well, there are several fashion weeks here actually.

Mercedes Benz had their shows last week and there are a couple of others in the mix but DFashion, as explained to me by one of the organizers, is the one for young and fun designers. The DF stands for Distrito Federal, which is the capital of Mexico (think Washington D.C.). From what I have seen from the DF crew these kids got it going on. Everything runs smoothly: front and back of house are all on point and shows start nearly on time! (Take note NYC).

Speaking of kids – quel jeunesse! The attendees at the shows are all young, cute and sizzling in style. Taking cues from New York City hipsters I’m seeing lots of scarves, hammer pants, 80’s hair and chunky jewelry. That goes for chicos and chicas. Everyone looks about 20 though. Hmmm, is the water here a fountain of youth and this whole not drinking it thing a conspiracy theory? One wonders.

ManCandy by Andres Jimenez

First show was ManCandy by Andres Jimenez. I got a Top Shop vibe (in a good way!) with cute men’s sleeveless tops and pleated shorts and women’s frilly blouses and skirts. There was definitely a naughty nautical theme going on with high water pants and lots of rope belts and accessories.

Next show was R.MVSI. This was all womenswear with lots of leather and satin combos. A highlight for me were the genie pants in navy satin with cubic cut outs. There was certainly a nod to the edgier looks of Balenciaga and Lanvin here.

(L) R.MVSI womenswear, featuring leather and satin combinations (R) Alejandra Quesada presents her adorably feminine collection

Alejandra Quesada took a toke before designing her collection and I’m glad she did! Alejandra gave us serious Rainbow Brite. Colorful graphic leggings, feminine breezy dresses and even a unicorn print that reminded me of something Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry may sport to an opening.

Trista drew the biggest crowd of the night. Her Goth/nomadic themed collection was heavily draped but not fussy. Lace was found in graphic print form and as actual pieces. There was another rope theme in this collection but less nautical and more morose. My fave was the draped shorts for men that touched just above the knee. Enough with the short shorts!

Trista’s collection at Mexico City Fashion Week

Dinner was at a recreated 18th century townhouse, home of the well-known interior designer and antiques dealer, Daniel Liebson. Besides a small dinner for 20, our host entertained us with an opera singer in a feathered ruff and very high cut ball gown. After she performed I introduced myself and she said, “Hola, my name is David.” Ole! The night twirled on with endless champagne, conversations in French, English and Spanish and an impromptu styling of a guest incorporating the bountiful bouquets from around the house. The evening reminded me of a sentiment Buñuel once said, “The French invented surrealism but the Mexicans live it.”

PHOTO CREDIT: COLOüRS