With the global pandemic continuing to rage on, I remain grateful for any opportunities to travel this year. I started 2021 thinking it would be pretty impossible to venture out of the country and revisit the designers that are currently a part of the Lesetta collection, but also visit new lands where to meet new makers who might be interested in working with Lesetta in the USA.
Upon getting vaccinated against Covid 19 in the spring and when I found out I could get my children vaccinated in May (I almost always travel with my family), I quickly scrambled to arrange a visit to a destination I had been dying to discover - Ciudad di Mexico (CDMX - Mexico City). I knew there was an amazing design scene in that sophisticated city of 24 million residents, and I discovered so much more. We spent two glorious weeks in this magical Mexico - CDMX, Puebla, Oaxaca, and Punta Mita. We loved it all - every destination offered their own unique history, culture, cuisine, and beauty. The artisan scene in Oaxaca exceeded my expectations, and honestly, I could go there many more times and never get enough.
CDMX, which is built on a lakebed, has a fascinating history, gorgeous architecture, an incredible food scene (full of some of the best restaurants I’ve ever experienced), beautiful green spaces, incredible shopping, and of course, what I was most excited about — many awesome fashion designers.
I reconnected with the daughter of a dear Argentine friend of mine, Lucia Sanchez Barrenechea. I met Lucia’s mom, Maita, over 20 years ago on my first trip to Buenos Aires. Lucia was a teenager then. We only met briefly. Since then, Lucia went on to university in London and worked for several luxury fashion brands in Paris for years before marrying her French husband and moving to Brazil and then Mexico City. When I was looking for someone to help me meet designers in CDMX, Lucia was quickly recommended. As expected, she knew all the right people and we spent a wonderful day together meeting several established and emerging Mexican designers. We ventured into gorgeous old colonial buildings throughout the city where designers had workshops or boutiques. We visited makers in their homes, we traveled outside of the city to a posh suburb and, and we lunched on the terrace at a fabulous French influenced restaurant in the Roma district. Look for some new Mexican designers on our site in the coming months and in the Spring. I can’t wait to share the collections of the talented artists I met in Mexico with the Lesetta community.
Our Guide to CDMX:
Restaurants
Rosetta- Located in a beautiful old building in the Roma District. We love this spot. It has a great atmosphere, delicious Mexican cuisine that has the Chef’s updated spin on everything. The tamale appetizer is a must!
Havre - Also in Roma, we love this European inspired spot. We love sitting on the balcony over looking the street. You can also choose to enjoy their Sushi bar in the back of the restaurant, if you prefer that over the pastas and French cuisine.
Limosneros- A Favorite!!! The local Mexican influence is pervasive in the thoughtful design of this gorgeous space. Located in an old downtown building, the creative Mexican cuisine is Fantastic!
Azul Histórico - in “Downtown”, a fabulous open air building that also houses some great local brands. The authentic Mexican cuisine is delicious. We love watching the ladies making tortillas, and tasting some Oaxacan mezcal from the cart they bring to your table.
Sights
Don’t miss…
Palacio de Bella Artes- with the Murals of Diego Rivero, among other famous Mexican muralists. The Beautiful old building is well located near…
Templo Mayor - The ruins on the original temple, that was once the center of the Aztec world, located in the heart of downtown near the…
Cathedral
Anthropologie Museum
If you want to venture out a little: We love…
Frida Khalo’s House/Museumin Cholula
San Angel Market which is only open on Saturdays. South of the city near …
Casa Azul - Diego and Frida’s house
Shopping
We love a good Concept Store, and CDMX has two favorites in Palanco
Lago - We love this upscale and well merchandised two-story boutique that offers great Mexican brands.
Ikal- Is also fab and includes both Mexican and other Central and South American small designer brands
To check out some of Mexico’s most accomplished Women’s Wear Designers, visit:
Sandra Weil - Palanco District
Carla Fernandez - Roma District