Vancouver Fashion Week SS25 Interview w/ Designers Mariana and Fernanda of Bani Artesanal (Mexico)

Bani Artesanal will be presenting their SS25 collections on the runway at VFW on Thurs., October 24th at 5:50 p.m. You can purchase your tickets HERE.

About -

Mariana and Fernanda created and designed BANI as a combination of their love for Mexican textile traditions and new design trends - blending together modern personality and artisans’ high quality handcrafted work. The designers have set a goal to become an international brand that make people around the world get to know what Mexican artisans are capable of.

"Our brand consists of renewing Mexican traditions with recycled materials to create original and sustainable products. Every piece involves passionate long-term handmade work by artisans in Oaxaca with a passed-on history tradition/ They use different types of techniques and recycled fabrics to create an innovative type of texture and design, with products made of recycled materials and woven on pedal looms."

Interview - 

Please share a bit about your journey to embrace fashion design as a career.

Our journey into fashion design started with a shared love for Mexican textile traditions! We felt a deep connection to our culture and wanted to create something unique that reflects that passion.

How did you learn your skills?

Mariana: I studied textile design in Mexico City and in Milan, which gave me essential skills for the different types of textiles in both countries. But the real learning came from working with artisans in Oaxaca

Fernanda: I studied Textile and fashion design in Mexico city, And I’ve always been drawn to fashion and materials!. So with the new fabrics and textures we create I love putting them into new creations.

Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?

We see ourselves as storytellers, using fabrics to convey the beauty of our culture. Our aesthetic blends vibrant colors and traditional patterns with modern designs.

 

Our customers appreciate high-quality, unique pieces that carry meaning.

What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?

What comes easiest for us is the creative part—designing pieces that resonate with our values as of working in partnership with the artisans, We think we make a great match and always come up with new incredible designs.

The hard part for us is balancing creativity with the business side. It’s a constant juggling of how much can we invest and where to sell.

Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is the color to your design process?

We draw inspiration from everywhere—nature, local traditions, and the stories of the artisans, also color plays a huge role, too! It guides our design process and sets the mood for each collection. 

Every piece is made with recycled threads so we depend on what color is coming out.

Readers would love to know more about the collection you be showing at Vancouver Fashion Week.

We’re super excited to showcase our latest collection at Vancouver Fashion Week! Each piece highlights the skills of our artisans while embracing a modern aesthetic. 

For this collection, we were inspired by Careyes Beach all - the colors of the place -  and silhouettes from architectural designs. The patterns of the fabric were inspired by Marbles and the different lines they make.

Do you have a favorite look in this collection?

Fernanda: For me The Last dress that is a wedding dress its standout look features a blend of traditional weaving and a contemporary silhouette, and the long tail is something amazing to create.

Mariana: I would choose the man suit It truly embodies the spirit of Baní! Its Elegant, simple, but innovative.

Where can readers purchase your designs?

Readers can explore our designs on our website at www.baniartesanal.com, or on our social media - links below.

What's next for you as a designer and your brand?

Looking ahead, we’re eager to expand our reach and promote Mexican artisans further around the world. Mexico has a lot to offer in textile and fashion designs and we think the world would love it. 

We also want to grow more our line of products and design, and that would also help new artisans around Mexico that can show what they are capable of.

In closing is there anything else you'd like to share with readers?

We’re grateful for the support we’ve received! And we hope our story inspires others to appreciate the beauty of Mexican craftsmanship!

Links -

• Website - www.baniartesanal.com
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/baniartesanal
• Instagram - @baniartesanal
• Pinterest - https://mx.pinterest.com/baniartesanal/