During these unprecedented times, locked-down in my London studio, I was struck with an opening to think deeply about my present. In order to understand, I spent time escaping into happy moments from my childhood, in particular I was transported back to times spent with my family in my grandparent’s garden in Mexico. The strong aromas that flooded the space and the mix of earthy tones and cascades of bright colour. A blissful, sensorial experience – the sun’s heat beaming down, the crackling of the vinyl waving out from the house.
The pieces in this collection have been produced in-house using only materials I had available from previous projects, which had been up-cycled, selected from end of roll or dead-stock. Resulting in a capsule collection of limited availability that is made-to-order.
Available at rserra.uk
Cempaxóchitl
Inspired by cempaxóchitl, the Day of the Dead flower, that forms an integral part of the ofrenda. The fragrance and colour of these flowers guide the spirits to their altars, and represent a celebration of the continuity of life.
Ankle-length brown jersey dress with gathered detail. Each flower is hand-crocheted in-house and attached securely using a single yellow-orange bead.
The flower of twenty petals, a symbol of hope and light. They grow wild in my home state of Puebla, caressing the landscape with their rich golden hue.
Ankle-length brown jersey dress with gathered detail. Each flower is hand-crocheted in-house and attached securely using a single yellow-orange bead.
Citrea
Up-cycled from our previous collection, the @candianidenim features a hand painted floral and thorn print by R.SERRA that has been laser etched using @tonellosrl technologies. Due to the limitation of fabric, there is only one set available in this colourway.
Two-piece denim ensemble with appliqué flower on the top, and as a pocket detail on the skirt. A soft green lining for the top echos into the stitching details throughout. The extended strap lengths allow for a playful closure.
Bougainvillea
The vivid pink petals of the bougainvillea plant will always remind me of Mexico, engulfing the landscape with their tangle of thorns and flowers. Adorning homes, patios and plazas, its colour a clear reflection of the people’s energy, flowing throughout the bustling streets.
Two-piece denim ensemble created using a mix of two Candiani Denim, up-cycled from our previous collection. It features a hand painted floral and thorn print by R.SERRA that has been laser etched using Tonello responsible technologies and treated with a mix of pink and yellow dyes. There is an appliqué flower on the top, and as a pocket detail on the skirt. Contrasting pink silk lining for the top echos into the stitching throughout. The extended strap lengths allow for a playful closure.
Loquat
A breezy, lightweight jersey two-piece ensemble consisting of wide-leg culottes and an oversized long-sleeve top with elasticated cuffs and waistband. The collar features a neck-tie that rests on the left shoulder. A relaxed loungewear look that can be transformed for outdoor adventures with the Marea sun hat and Cactus bag.
Arum-lily
I have fond memories of the delicate arum-lily. It was a frequent cut flower in my grandparent’s house – my grandmother’s favourite bloom. Their soft aroma would waft throughout the living spaces. A scent that upon smell, immediately connects me to her. Its symbolism of purity, triumph and rebirth inspired the oversized white linen shirt with silk arms and collar. It also features the signature bow detail to the reverse.
Piece together with the Marea Alta Sun Hat, Loquat Culottes and Cactus Bag to maximise on the final month of summer adventures. Each hat is skilfully hand-crafted by London-based Spanish artist, Beatriz Puppo Amo (@bea.puppo), through the art of crochet using 100% undyed paper raffia, finished with a silk internal ribbon trim for added comfort.
Hoja Santa
This aromatic herb made its way into countless dishes my grandmother prepared for our family, freshly chopped from the garden. It’s earthy tones and heart shaped leaves inspired the three-piece look, consisting of a soft-beige cropped open jacket, oversized warm-brown shorts and pale green jersey vest with fluffy hand-crocheted detail, accessorised with the bucket hat and envelope bag — transitional pieces for the autumnal season.
Magnolia
The magnolia is thought to be one of the first-known flowering plants. Appearing before bees did, the flowers are theorised to have evolved to encourage pollination by beetles. With its delicate curved petals and deep connection to the earth, the magnolia formed the inspiration behind the two-piece ensemble.
The 100% cotton look consists of a dress with elasticated back detail and pleated curved waist, which creates the flower-like volume. The wide-leg culottes, with elasticated waist, add a contemporary feel.
The magnolia flower, with its delicate and fragrant bowl-shaped petals, formed the inspiration behind the two-piece ensemble. The 100% cotton look consists of a dress with elasticated back detail and pleated curved waist, which creates the flower-like volume. The wide-leg culottes, with elasticated waist, add a contemporary feel. Finished with The Face of the Sun 925 silver earrings with gold-plated accents, hand-crafted in Taxco, Mexico.
Representing the moon and feminine Yin energy, the magnolia flower forms the inspiration behind the two-piece, 100% cotton ensemble. It consists of a dress with elasticated back detail and pleated curved waist that creates the flower-like volume, imitating the delicate curved petals of the magnolia. The wide-leg culottes, paired with the feather trimmed bucket hat and envelope bag, add a contemporary feel.
Ruda
Trickled throughout my grandparent’s garden, the mystic, ornamental beauty of the ruda plant added a rich, musty scent to the air. A sprinkle of it’s leaves used to make it’s way into my grandmother’s cooking for it’s fragrant and slightly bitter taste. I remember it’s strange, tiny yellow four-parted flowers would appear from midsummer to fall, making it one of the plants I would be deeply captivated by.
A deep-toned three-piece, including 100% cotton open shirt and gently cropped trousers, paired with a cotton-mix jersey vest. The Ruda bucket hat and envelope bag complete the look.
A pouch of it’s leaves is said to be a symbol of protection for the bearer from the evil eye, and a strengthener of aura. This power inspired the deep-toned three-piece, including 100% cotton open shirt and gently cropped trousers, paired with a cotton-mix jersey vest. The Ruda bucket hat and envelope bag completing the look.
The memories forged within my grandparent’s garden will always shine bright at the forefront of my thoughts. The tangle of foliage and flowers softly breathing their sweet fragrances into the air, an oasis of beauty and escape from the outside world.
Photography & Film @bea.puppo
Fashion & Set design @_r.serra_
Model @riyamiam
Hair & Makeup @billiemua
Art Editor @simonwagstaff
Assistant @code_orangekid