These Mexican creators are on their way to ruling the world
Following the earthquake that hit Mexico last week, we’re saluting four of our favorite Mexican models and creators. Get to know them, because they just might shape culture in Mexico — and the world — in a big way.
Luciana Angulo
Occupation: Illustrator, full time doodler, & tattoo apprentice
Age: 27
Hometown: Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Currently located: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
How did you get into illustration?
I guess ever since I was a little girl, I was already drawing weird shit like putting monster arms on Disney princesses, or mutilating all my Barbies and painting the blood with my mother’s red nail polish. (and YES, my parents were worried about having given birth to a baby psychopath). So all my life I knew I wanted to be an artist of some sort, and I even went to school for Graphic Design. But of course, I dropped out because I couldn’t stand playing by the academic rules. However, that didn’t quite work out and I wasted a lot of years partying and getting shit jobs, until I found myself feeling the urge to draw again. So I did, and here I am!
What/who are your influences?
I get a lot of inspiration from old school horror movies, monsters and skate culture. Its all a mix.
What’s your aesthetic?
I’d say a little Morticia Addams meets a peasant girl who just ran away from her closed community after discovering punk rock and is having drinks wearing a slutty try-too-hard dress at the local bar.
Does your culture influence your style? How so?
I think so. At least with my art, death is a recurring subject and I like to depict it in what one would describe as traditionally Mexican: we respect death, yet incorporate a lot of humor to it.
How do you think mainstream perception of Latina style has changed in the last few years?
I think the Latina style has recently evolved to be more about empowering women. But sadly, we still live in a society where “macho” is the norm. But we’re changing that, we’re more than that, and we weren’t born with fire in our hearts only to be depicted as women who are jealous of their men. Fuck that! We were given this passionate heritage to go out and get what we want.
What’s the key to staying in touch and keeping your girl group together when everyone’s so busy out there killing it?
One word: MEMES.
Can you give us your best confidence booster for the queens in training out there?
Start a project – something that excites you — work on it, fuck up a lot, learn from your mistakes and finish it. When you’re standing there contemplating your creation and everything you went through to get there, that is the ULTIMATE confidence booster there is. And also red lipstick. That’s good too.
Nan de Miguel, “Girl Ultra”
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Occupation: Artist/Musician
Age: 21
Hometown: Mexico City
Currently located: Mexico City
What’s your aesthetic? Sporty spice-inspired, sparkled with glitter and fur.
Does your culture influence your style? How so?
I can’t really say my culture influences my style. I would say I’m influenced by what I see everywhere, and on the internet.
How do you think mainstream perception of Latina style has changed in the last few years?
I think Latin girls are now seen as strong independent women that represent their culture around the world. It’s not that it hasn’t been like this before, it’s just that now society gives us recognition
What’s the key to staying in touch and keeping your girl group together when everyone’s so busy out there killing it?
I would say that you just need to be interested in what they do and what they love, no matter how different it is from your interests. It’s all about your support.
Can you give us your best confidence booster for the queens in training out there?
Be perceptive and learn everything you can from what you see, hear, and all the people you meet.
What kind of music do you make?
R&B in Spanish, with some hip hop and soul influences.
What has your experience been being a Mexican woman in the music industry?
It’s been kinda hard because sadly in my country its still male-based. But all girls in this business have been building such a strong standard — not just because we’re girls — it’s the talent and effort speaking for ourselves.
Sophie Latrouche
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Occupation: Tattoo artist & musician
Age: 24
Hometown: Ensenada, Baja California
Currently located: Guadalajara
What’s your aesthetic?
I will describe it as childish and pretty colorful.
Does your culture influence your style? How so?
I don’t think so, my biggest influences were taken by the TV I used to watch as a child, the internet and the 90’s nostalgia. I was raised in a city really near the border, so it was kinda like a little Cali. I don’t even eat chile, I’m totally a mac n’cheese girl.
How do you think mainstream perception of Latina style has changed in the last few years?
I think what defines Latinas nowadays is not our fashion or cultural tastes, but the strong feminist speech of unity and empowerment, fighting and stopping the violence, inequality and machismo which our countries sadly still live with.
What’s the key to staying in touch and keeping your girl group together when everyone’s so busy out there killing it?
Memes, definitely memes. Because you’re out there in another city, and then your bestie texts you some crazy meme that reminds you of that one time you did some stupid shit together. It makes you remember how bad you miss her even though you’re working hard. Send at least four memes a week and the friendship will stay fresh, I promise.
Can you give us your best confidence booster for the queens in training out there?
Do things for yourself, create for yourself, success is not money, nor followers, success is the size of your smile and the people you love. Dress like a clown, be weird, sing loudly, go skate, and always, always question existence. What’s up with existence, seriously?
How would you describe your tattoo artistry style?
Colorful, fun, and cartoony, because everything is inspired by the ‘toons we used to watch as kids. Its also kinda girly and wavy.
Have you tatted yourself?
Yes, lots of times. Most of my leg tattoos are done by me. I don’t wanna brag, but if could tattoo my whole body, I’d do it. I love my style, heheheh.
What do you love about being a skater girl?
I love how during these times girls have more opportunities for skateboarding. When I was smaller, I remember skater guys being complete dickheads and making me feel ashamed and awkward.
Estefania Nhaux
Occupation: Model
Age: 13
Hometown: Argentina
Currently located: Guadalajara
What’s your aesthetic?
Sporty and colorful. I’m a teenager in every possible way.
Does your culture influence your style? How so?
Of course! Argentina is so passionate with soccer and sports in general. I’m a sporty girl.
How do you think mainstream perception of Latina style has changed in the last few years?
Lots! We are killing it, we are powerful girls now and not just pretty girls in trouble.
What’s the key to staying in touch and keeping your girl group together when everyone’s so busy out there killing it?
WhatsApp of course!
Can you give us your best confidence booster for the queens in training out there?
NEVER compare yourself with anyone else. You don´t wanna be someone else, only the best version of yourself.
When did you get into modeling?
I started when I was 12 as a hobby while in school. But now I’m getting bigger and I need to make extra time for it. Its hard but its worth it.
What’s your favorite part about modeling?
I love the teamwork, chatting and having fun with everyone while getting ready to shoot. I love the whole process and watching the final result is always mind blowing.
What are things you’re passionate about?
Soccer is my passion. I love watching and playing it. I know every soccer player by heart and recently I’ve become obsessed with models in the same way too.
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Photography by Daniel Jáuregui
