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A Life Dedicated to Mexican Fashion
As part of our Fashion Statement: Legacy & Style series, we speak with Anna Fusoni about her career, her years leading Fashion Group International México, and her perspective on talent, leadership and the future of Mexican fashion.
To talk about the evolution of Mexican fashion is, inevitably, to talk about Anna Fusoni. A journalist, fashion analyst and longtime advocate for Mexican talent, she has spent much of her career observing, questioning and championing an industry that has undergone profound changes over the decades.
During her two consecutive terms leading Fashion Group International México, from 1978 to 1981, Fusoni was part of an organization that brought together influential women from the corporate and professional worlds, at a time when creating opportunities and building international connections carried particular significance.
This interview is part of Fashion Statement: Legacy & Style — Former Directors of Fashion Group International México, a Statement Media series bringing together the voices, portraits and experiences of women who have helped shape the history of fashion in Mexico.
From memories of fashion shows and creative initiatives to reflections on leadership, Fusoni offers a pragmatic view of the present: Mexican fashion has reached a compelling level of creative maturity, but that progress needs to be supported by a stronger business perspective.
A conversation about the value of experience, independent creativity and the generations continuing to shape the industry.
What does fashion mean to you personally, and what did being part of Fashion Group International’s vision represent in your career?
Fashion is a way of life for me, not so much because of what I wear, but because I have worked in the fashion world for almost my entire professional life.
FGI helped me connect with and understand the Mexican fashion system of the 1970s, which was very different from what it is today.
When did you serve as director, and how would you describe that period for FGI México and the fashion industry in Mexico and Latin America?
I served two terms: 1978–1979 and 1980–1981.
The system was completely different from today’s. FGI was a small but powerful group because many of its members were executives at major international corporations, while others had close ties to political circles.
What is your most memorable experience from those years?
The Indian fashion show presented here in Mexico City, and the collection of handcrafted garments showcased in Paris and Washington. I also remember the trend forecasting sessions organized by the group.
One season, we created a spring color palette using candies in different shades, presented in a little jar. I remember that very clearly.
How would you define female leadership, and what do you consider your greatest contribution to FGI México and Mexican fashion?
Those are actually two different questions.
How would I define female leadership? To me, leadership has no gender. A leader is someone with clear goals, creativity and, above all, generosity and a sense of social responsibility, among many other qualities.
As for the second part, it would be presumptuous of me to answer.
What do you consider the fundamental value, or values, of Fashion Group International México?
Giving visibility to women working in Mexico’s fashion industry and helping them gain international exposure.
Who do you consider the most important figures in Mexican fashion, past and present?
That would be far too long a list.
It’s a very difficult question to answer. There are so many, and they are all equally important.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to enter the fashion industry, as well as to the general public?
It depends on which area of the industry they want to pursue. Do they want to be a creative professional, an entrepreneur or a business owner?
Beyond studying fashion design, developing a strong visual and intellectual culture is essential.
In your own words, who is Anna Fusoni?
Someone grounded and pragmatic, who does not expect Mexican fashion to one day become like French or Italian fashion, but who has always believed in Mexican talent.
Today, that talent has reached an interesting level of maturity.
I hope that maturity will be supported by a strong business vision.
Who is your favorite designer?
Impossible to answer.
The most important accessory?
Rings.
One piece you can’t live without in your wardrobe?
Something black.
What piece of clothing is most worth investing in?
Something black.
What quality defines female leadership for you?
Tenacity.
The best thing about fashion and design in Mexico?
Independent creativity.
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photos
Statement – Alan González S ©.
Illustration
David Yza.
Makeup and Hair
Gabriel Samra México.
Location
Pug Seal.
