Manifesto
Black Sheep Moment: CARLA FERNÁNDEZ
Carla's work lives beyond the pages of her manifesto—she is set to be featured at the Victoria & Albert Museum's next Fashion in Motion event on October 19th, where her Manifesto of Fashion as Resistance will be performed by a live chorus, accompanying pieces from five collections that are aimed at highlighting the respective designer’s commitment to decolonization, intersectionality and social justice.
Eager to showcase the work beyond the collection, we're highlighting Carla's call-to-arms and the stunning photography that accompanies the piece; it's our hope that the entire community may leave inspired and ready to do more.
Her manifesto begins with an epiphany: One day we woke up and realized we couldn’t care less about what happens in Paris. And the ignited prose continues on from there, laying out ten points of action.
1 | To Be Original Is To Go Back To The Origin
As resources fade, the future of fashion may exist in the practices created by our ancestors. It's time we learn from those who came before us—before it's too late.
2 | Fashion Is Not Ephemeral
Nothing lasts forever: fashion, relationship, our planet. Great design leaves a whisper of influence with future generations.
3 | Tradition Is Not Static
Tradition evolves. Move with it so that you may open yourself up to unexpected and innovative ideas.
4 | Square Root
This point references a method of textile creation from indigenous Mexican culture that joins together square panels to form a geometric shape—square root signifies the work with the roots of Mexico and the way of patterning as a tool of design.
5 | The Origin Of The Textile Is The Earth
Fashion begins and ends with the earth. Material comes from the subtle awakening of the natural elements, guided by the heart and mind.
6 | In True Luxury There Is No Oppression
True luxury is a system that is generous and gratifying. Form relationships to craft items made from care—no exploits.
7 | Every Body Is Beautiful And Emanates Vitality
The clothing created under these points is flexible and adaptable. There is no size—it's a rejection of the arbitrary ideal of beauty.
8 | The Wearer Is A Collector
Great design is worn and adored, not thrown into a drawer. Craft pieces that matter.
9 | We Are One And We Are Many
To ignite change we must be united under a common goal. Collaborate and reinvigorate the system by working together.
10 | The Processes Are A Legacy
Each stitch and embroidery is an ode to the specific culture—honor that. The future is handmade!
