Alfredo Martinez’s latest show was a clear example of how once fears are overcome, the next step is freedom.
The frescoes of the muses at the interior of the Macedonio Alcalá theater in Oaxaca City, were witnesses of how the designer moved away from his standard collection inspiration formula, and by “playing with the things that scared” him, like low-waisted pants, or too-short skirts, was able to explore new ideas. “[I did] one look, and that look led me to another, going from one era to another,” the Guadalajaran designer confessed backstage a few minutes after his show. It was a collection without any formula that oppressed the creative process, and as such, united ideas from different decades and cultural moments.
Black is Martinez’s obsession, and in this collection he elevated its impact with architectural bows and shimmering paillettes, and stripes and giraffe prints mixed with transparencies showed an escape from the sober palette. He later took us to the glamorous ‘70s with full disco effervescent looks like jackets with sharp shoulders and asymmetrical skirts all done in silver. The designer’s favorite look, a light sequinned skirt worn with a button up shirt accessorized with cufflinks, perfectly captured the new mood, and will surely become a treasure in the wardrobes of the women that visit his boutique.
