The project was done in collaboration with EnRedArte, an association devoted to generating networks between craftsmen, designers, industry and government institutions in order to promote fair trade. The display was designed by architects Row//Studio and consists of an irregular ruled surface constructed with raw wool yarn.

The five sweaters were produced by a third generation master craftsman using manual looms and raw wool, dyed using all natural pigments and processes. Each piece involves the work of a whole family and takes about one week to complete.

The goal behind this collaboration is to reactivate an economy that is about to become extinct as a consequence of industrialization and the popularization of fast fashion over limited production and higher quality. Aesthetically, the pieces are meant to be an updated interpretation of the sweaters produced in the indigenous regions near Mexico City and popularized in the early 60s by George Barris’ photo shoot of Marilyn Monroe, some of the last pictures taken of her before her death.

Born in Mexico City, Carlos Ortega moved to Paris in the year 2000. After completing his studies in ESMOD specializing in Haute Couture and the International Fashion Design post-Graduate Program at the prestigious Institut Français de la Mode. He also presented two collections of his own at the Salon du Prêt-à-Porter. His last work experience in Paris was as a junior designer at Givenchy. Upon returning to Mexico City he presented several personal collections in Mexico’s Fashion week and now works as a freelance Designer and Creative Director.