A Thread of Tradition
Hugo Rosas, a designer based in the suburbs of Mexico City, is reimagining soccer jerseys by weaving pre-Hispanic symbolism into modern sportswear.
His latest collection, titled “Calados del Alma,” takes its visual language from papel picado, the intricate cut‑paper decorations that flutter during Mexican festivities, and from ancient beliefs that still echo in Indigenous communities.
Each jersey is constructed from polyester that mimics the translucence of cut‑paper ornaments, a material choice that allows the designs to retain a delicate appearance while enduring the rigors of athletic use.
Craftsmanship Takes Time
Creating a single piece can require up to three weeks, with eight to ten hours devoted to precise cutting and sewing. The process is carried out in a modest workshop near Cuautitlán Izcalli, where Hugo and his brother Andrés Rosas oversee every stitch.
Since April, the duo has produced roughly thirty jerseys, a modest number that reflects both the labor‑intensive nature of the work and the niche appeal of the designs.
A Brand With a Story
The brothers market their creations under the name Mexclart, a label that has begun to attract attention as the World Cup draws nearer. Demand is expected to rise, prompting the team to consider scaling production while preserving the handcrafted ethos.
Rosas says his creative wellspring includes extensive reading and field trips to Indigenous communities, where he studies the narratives of pre-Hispanic deities. One of his favorite designs portrays Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec ruler of the underworld, blending mythic gravitas with contemporary style.
By embedding these ancient figures into garments that will be worn on global stages, Rosas hopes to keep the stories alive, allowing modern audiences to encounter the deities in a format that feels both familiar and reverent.