Maria Mendoza

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Collection name: Heritage
Collection in three words: Colorful. Avant-garde. Chic.

Instagram: @mendii.i
Email: mmendoza.1@go.ccad.edu

Inspired by Guatemalan culture and traditional wear, Heritage by Maria Mendoza promotes the idea that textiles are a key expression of culture and spiritual identity. Mendoza’s extensive research on Guatemalan culture and traditional wear, textile production, and runway trends allowed her to incorporate a harmonious range of influences in her designs. Mendoza’s collection combines traditional textiles with modern designs and fabrics, together reflecting the importance of traditional textiles while also expressing Mendoza’s contemporary style. Mendoza was born in Guatemala but raised in the US. “I never felt truly Guatemalan because I left at such a young age and grew up in the US. I felt that this collection is my way of reconnecting with my heritage,” she says. Mendoza’s collection shows appreciation for the beauty of Guatemalan textiles while highlighting a variety of textiles and cultures that aren’t typically seen in current fashion designs. Colorful, avante garde, and chic, the collection comprises colorful hand-woven cotton Guatemalan textiles, cotton, linens, wool, charmeuse, and habotai.