Charro Cape in Silver

Carla Fernández (Artist-in-Residence, 2013) is a Mexico City-based fashion label inspired by the geometrics and textile richness of Mexico. The brand has gained international acclaim for their approach to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Mexico’s indigenous communities and transforming it into beautiful clothing, textiles and housewares. Their contemporary take on handcrafted methods is proving ethical fashion can be striking, avant-garde and forward-looking.

The iconic Charro Cape is one of the house's most emblematic designs. With a structured, open silhouette, this dramatic wool cape features leather cutwork detail created by Charro artisans on the shoulders, blending artisanal heritage with contemporary design in a distinctive, timeless piece. This cape stuns on both tall and petite frames. Its open design ensures a perfect fit on a range of body types. The front of the garment has two pockets.

In colonial times, charros–Mexican horsemen or cowboys–were mainly mestizos and some indigenous nobility. While on horseback, charros would wear beautiful suits made of wool with hand-cut leather applications, a technique known as 'openwork.' The openwork applications protected riders from the friction of the rope and prevented the fabric of the suit from ripping when charros would lasso cows on horseback. The traditional charrería costumes are worn the community of Chimalhuacán, State of Mexico during competitive equestrian events called charreadas, as well as national celebrations, parades, and formal social gatherings.

For an up-close look at leather fretwork from Chimalhuacán, view the video below:


One size
Measures 15.5" shoulder to shoulder; 18.5" chest; 6.25" shoulder to sleeve slit; 26" neck to hem
Cape exterior of 83% wool and 17% polyamide
Cape lining made of 100% acetate
Handmade in Mexico in collaboration with Charro artisans from Chimalhuacán, State of Mexico

Care Instructions
Dry clean only
Do not wash, bleach, or iron

Returns
If your ordered garment isn't to your liking, we are happy to accept returns. Please contact shipping@isgm.org to initiate a return. We will send you a pre-paid return label. Provided that the garment is returned in its original condition, we will issue a full refund.