Fashion brand KOUA Mexico has left an indelible mark on Paris Fashion Week with its evocative exhibition, Our Sacred Harvest – an artistic tribute to the profound cultural significance of Mexican textiles, food, and indigenous heritage.
Held in an exquisite studio on the historic Rue de Richelieu, the showcase masterfully wove together fashion, photography, and gastronomy, creating a conversation between tradition and modernity.
At the heart of the exhibition was KOUA’s latest handbag collection, Acapulco, displayed alongside curated contemporary pieces to celebrate the harmony between Mexican artistry and the timeless elegance of French fashion.
This collaboration, a fusion of heritage and innovation, was enriched by the powerful lens of Daniel Robles Cruz, the Oaxaca-born, Paris-based photographer and Louis Vuitton Foundation Award winner.
His striking imagery portrayed the sacred corn and agave harvests, reminding audiences of the deep-rooted connection between land, craftsmanship, and cultural identity.
“Our textiles, like corn and agave, are part of our cultural heritage. We believe in decolonising fashion through understanding and respecting the skills and philosophies of our origins,” said Erika Álvarez, CEO of KOUA Mexico and KOUA Studio.
“This exhibition is about challenging perceptions, celebrating the artistry of our ancestors, and redefining luxury by embracing the value and beauty of indigenous craftsmanship.”
The evening was further elevated by a sensory experience curated by Milpan, the acclaimed Mexican contemporary restaurant helmed by Chef Mauricio López. Guests were treated to the restaurant’s signature Famosa Paloma, a mezcal cocktail that encapsulated the essence of Mexico’s rich culinary traditions.
Beyond aesthetics and flavour, Our Sacred Harvest ignited an essential conversation about ethical representation in fashion and art.
“It is crucial to engage in dialogue with our communities when creating art, rather than merely commercialising their culture,” Álvarez added. “This is not just about fashion; it extends to food, cinema, and beyond. True recognition means ensuring fair representation and inclusion.”
By merging photography, design, and tradition, KOUA Mexico’s Our Sacred Harvest redefined cultural storytelling but and reinforced its commitment to create a more inclusive and conscientious fashion industry – one that respects, uplifts, and honours the legacy of indigenous craftsmanship.
For more information, visit www.kouamexico.com or www.kouastudio.com.
About
KOUA Mexico fashion brand was founded in 2014 by Erika Alvarez, a businesswoman who is leading society towards a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable future. Koua Studio was founded in London in 2021 in response to the climate and biodiversity crises that were highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They offer bespoke handmade textiles that have a positive environmental and social impact.
Their focus is on creativity, tradition, and innovation, with a strong commitment to providing economic opportunities and social benefits to the indigenous people of Mexico and to create a systematic change to heal today’s broken fashion.