Guest Spotlight : Mi golondrina
We are obsessed with
Mi Golondrina’s colorful handmade garments and we were so excited to host the photoshoot for their latest collection at our
Fort Worth : College Ave space. Their business practices are unique and their designs are incredibly inspired so it was a treat to have them answer a few questions about who they are and what they do.
Enjoy!
How did Mi Golondrina get started?
Cristina Lynch started Mi Golondrina in 2013. After graduating from NYU and working in fashion in New York City, Cristina realized there was a gap in the market for garments handmade by Mexican artisans. Having intimately experienced the quality of artisanal work she knew their work rivaled that of the most couture designers. With that conviction Cristina moved back to Dallas and launched Mi Golondrina.
What inspired the brand?
Inspired by her mother’s Mexican heritage and love of Mexican art, Cristina wanted to continue telling the story of Mexican art by preserving the traditions of hand-embroidery and empowering artisans throughout Mexico. Every Mi Golondrina garment is born in the small villages of Mexico, hand-stitched by skilled artisans who have been using these methods for over 200 years.
We know that Mi Golondrina collaborates with artisan communities in Mexico. How do you choose who to partner with?
Currently Mi Golondrina partners with over 600 artisans in Mexico. We collaborate with various artisan communities, including San Antonino Castillo Velasco, San Vicente Coatlan, Chenalho, Chiapas, San Juan de Chamula, Hidalgo Yalalag, Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec, San Juan Colorado, among others. Each community utilizes its own specific technique for making its respective garments. Whether weaving on a backstrap loom, hand-pulling thread to create cut-out lace, embroidering flowers by memory or by pattern, the designs are indigenous to each community and are the equivalent of flags, representing the identity and culture of the people who made them. Mi Golondrina strives to work with artisans all over Mexico by building long lasting relationships with these communities.
Your pieces are incredibly striking and beautifully curated! What does your design/production process look like and how does that set you apart from other brands?
Our design and production process look a little different than most brands. It starts with our design team here in Dallas. We source fabrics from all over the world including Mexico, Japan, and France. We then collaborate with our artisan partners to design each piece utilizing embroidery styles, and colors. Once the pieces have been embroidered, they are sent to Dallas, where our team of seamstresses finish the pieces by adding on sleeves and finishing the pieces to the correct length. The pieces are then checked by our quality control team here in Dallas to ensure the pieces are finished to perfection.
What is your vision for the future of Mi Golondrina?
I think we are in such a great place to continue to grow as a lifestyle brand and grow with the communities in Mexico. We are so fortunate to work with artisan partners who are always coming up with such beautiful ideas. Lots of fun stuff is coming this year!
Do yourself a favor and check out Mi Golondrina for gorgeous textiles and inspired designs. Thank you to Paul Arturo Torres for the beautiful video footage.