SCAD FASH hosts Carla Fernández pop-up shop

by Dana Vernot

On Feb. 28, as a part of deFINE ART, SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film hosted a Carla Fernández pop-up shop. After a discussion with Fernández, attendees examined and purchased exquisitely crafted garments, shawls and accessories. This event provided for a night of inspiration and a reminder of the value of sustainability.

“We make fashion alongside people whose roots are in the same earth from which they sustain themselves. In Mexico, we use fabrics that were woven to be treasured. We create few of them, and we do so slowly,” said Carla Fernández, who was in attendance for the reception of the pop-up shop. “We say death to planned obsolescence, which renders expendable all it draws in to its abyss of waste. We believe tradition is not static, and fashion is not ephemeral. Neither is our planet, nor our relationships. We understand that artisans require time to think, time to learn, and time to transform and transcend.”

According to Fernández, the creative director of the Carla Fernández brand, “Fashion is an opportunity to do good and spread culture.” During Fernández’s presentation, a video was shown detailing the story of the brand and its mission. Essentially, the team travels around Mexico to host workshops and work with local artisans. In the presentation footage, it is mentioned that the brand sheds light on the most delicate processes. They work with approximately 110 artisan women and men.

Second-year interior design student Val Munoz de Cote stated, “I love how the body of work really represents authentic Mexico.” As creative director, Fernández partners with indigenous artisans and combines traditional techniques of stitching, dying and weaving fabric, and implements it to create contemporary designs. During the discussion, Carla shared that traditional fabric is folded, pleated and stitched but never cut.

Third-year fashion student Charmaine Nzirdzenhuka was inspired by Fernández’s brand and mission. “I want to make an impact in my own country,” said Nzirdzenhuka. “I love that she is working with the local people and helping to keep traditions alive.” The garments displayed featured refined silhouettes with a touch of contemporary energy. That, along with the vibrant details, made each piece unique.

Fernández’s work was on display at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Ma., Museo Jumex in Mexico City, Mexico, SIFA The O.P.E.N. Festival in Singapore, MAD Museum in New York, Palacio de Iturbide and Museo Amparo in Mexico City. The brand has also put together fashion shows and engaged in protests. Their garments are featured on various platforms that the brand uses to advocate including YouTube, magazines and books.

The beauty of it all is that each piece is handmade and as Fernández said, “You know who made your clothes.” Sustainability means saying no to fast fashion and believing in another fashion system. Rachel Bennett, a second-year fashion marketing and management student, said, “I think it’s great that they are promoting culture and sustainability.” A true revolutionary brand, Fernández stands by the declaration: “El futuro es hecho a mano; The future is handmade.”