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Montserrat Messeguer is one of the current Mexican names with grand relevance in runways. Her incomparable style, inspired by northern Mexico, is reflected in iconic pieces such as her Jornada boots, which have positioned themselves as a statement piece among celebrities. Learn more about Montserrat Messeguer and her experience as former director of Fashion Group International during 2021 and 2022.
What does fashion represent in your personal life, and what did it mean to have been part of the vision of Fashion Group International?
Fashion represents a unique way to express how I transform internally and how I want to be perceived by the world.
Being part of FGI’s vision has been a privilege. It was an honor to lead the group during a time as complicated as the pandemic and get it through. I also want to talk about what we do in Mexico. Having two awards in the United States made me feel satisfied knowing that not only my name or that of our group was honored but also that of our country.
When was your biennium, and how would you describe that time for FGIMX and fashion in Mexico and Latin America?
My biennium was from 2021 to 2022, and receiving post-pandemic direction was challenging. Not only did I have to ensure that our businesses remained afloat and that the group remained afloat and continued with its quality and legacy. It was also a fundamental tool for our members and helped the group into a space to learn new things that spark growth in this challenging period.
What would be your most cherished memory of those moments?
A special memory was when we collaborated with Intermoda and got them a free sales space at a super important fair. It’s something I felt hugely satisfied with. Another cherished moment was summarizing our Star Night gala after it was interrupted for two years. Those were two iconic moments in my biennium.
How would you define female leadership, and what do you think would be your main contribution to FGIMX and fashion in Mexico?
Female leadership is essential for society because we have a form of leadership in which we can value everyone’s opinion and our own and still achieve something firm but consensual. I think it keeps us teams hooked and with an excellent disposition when, as leaders, we take all aspects into account. We are great negotiators, and that is important. My main contribution to Fashion Group and fashion in Mexico is because I think the group is aware that we have a mission to bring together the most distinguished actors in fashion and, on the other hand, give them tools so they can grow. Both personally and in their businesses.
I think my best contribution to Fashion Group was to provide concrete tools and opportunities included in their membership and to fashion in Mexico; that is another huge conversation, but I would like to believe that I contributed to fashion in Mexico by making the things in, for, and through Mexico. Every time a foreigner or an international celebrity wears our clothes, it makes me very proud because it is a piece that was designed and made in Mexico.
Who do you consider the most important figures for fashion in Mexico, current and past?
Among important figures for Mexico in the fashion scene, we have personalities like Kena Moreno, Tessie Picazo, Lilly Pietrini, and Odette de Anda, who is like my fashion godmother and has believed in me so much and has given me many opportunities. We have, of course, Lydia Lavin, Carlota de la Vega, and Desirée Navarro. Many of our former directors are also fashion icons like Anna Fusoni. Women have paved the way so that the designers who are also part of the fashion industry in Mexico today can make everything easier. We owe them the path so that today, our country has many more opportunities to showcase its exponents.
And well, current ones, I think we have legendary figures like Julia and Renata, Carla Fernández, great models like Lisa Benítez, Liliana Domínguez; we have great stylists like Francisco Iglesias, we have Ignacio Muñoz; to Beatriz Calles; all kinds of icons that are breaking it at all levels both nationally and internationally.
What would be your fashion recommendation for someone who wants to enter this industry and for the general public?
I recommend that you be patient and willing to start with small steps and don’t get discouraged if you don’t achieve everything on the first try. Be persistent and work hard internally because this is an endurance race in which we must train our minds to act in our favor.
In your words, Who is Montserrat Messeguer?
Defining myself is complicated, but I believe we are all energy. I am energy and the potential of infinite possibilities that can become reality. I think that something that has defined me is imagining infinity and believing that God and energy accompany me to make my dreams come true.
Who is your favorite designer?
My favorite designers range from Pierre Cardin, whom I admire and will always have in a cherished memory because I won second place in his scholarship. Lydia Lavin has achieved the fusion of two fascinating worlds, couture and artisan tradition, and invited us to reflect on the issues conflicting in Mexico and that we can improve, like the whole issue of preferring foreigners and such latent discrimination. It is a brand that invites you to discuss and ask yourself things. I think that is very important. Also, as an international, lately, I like the work of Martin Rose, I like the work of Thierry Mugler, and Elsa Schiaparelli, who broke all the paradigms of her time, and I think that everything she proposed is still very avant-garde and very dreamlike. And I think those.
The most outstanding accessory
Footwear. The shoe is fundamental in any look. It can make you look elegant or ordinary, and the difference between looking put together or unkempt, powerful or without presence. A good shoe makes a difference in your entire outfit. My favorite accessory would be our Jornada boots; they add that magic to any look and are perfect for any occasion.
The garment that cannot be missing in your closet
A leather garment. A leather jacket or any poncho or leather item. Those are investments for life that you can maintain and inherit since they have no expiration date. They are forever.
The garment in which it is most worth investing
I think in good basics and pieces that you treasure. The kind that makes people stop you on the street to ask you what you’re wearing. For me, they must express your identity.
The best of fashion and design in Mexico
It is the alliance we have developed with artisans to build our cultural identity in a contemporary way with exquisite value for those who see it, especially from the outside. In addition to the community we have achieved.
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photos
Statement – Alan González S ©.
Illustration
David Yza.
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