Guatemalan-born Designer Showcases Indigenous Weaving Techniques in Texas Runway Show

A Guatemalan-born designer combined indigenous weaving techniques, modern clothing design and the colorful history of her native country in a recent runway show in Texas. The presentation offered a sample not only of Elena de León’s artistic vision, but also the work of Guatemalan mothers, including some who live in the United States and others who stayed in their country to support their families.

The Costumes of the Americas museum in Brownsville hosted the May 12 event with advice from the Guatemalan consulate in nearby McAllen and in the state of Maryland, where De León lives after immigrating to the United States a few years ago. seven years.

“I am a woman thinking about the needs of her community and of the Guatemalan peoples,” De León commented before models wearing clothes woven by Guatemalan women walked down the runway.

Throughout the parade, flashlights flashed and applause and cheers were heard in this border city as women, children, and men paraded to upbeat music, wearing intricately woven garments of deep red, which adorned their blouses. and ladies’ skirts, or men’s vests.

“Each of its textiles tells a story. A color has a meaning, and so does each of the regions,” said Rosario Ovando, Guatemalan consul in McAllen.

Approximately 200 women of Guatemalan descent living in the United States or in their native country work with De León to sell her products.

“Women are also the ones who transmit culture, who transmit the language. They transmit the traditions”, declared Ovando. “There are many traditions in our country and many women who have this magic in their hands.”