Stories of a trip - Gabo Mendoza
Península is a collection that allows us to share stories of a road trip through this beautiful region of the country, filled with picturesque tones, incredible natural elements, and wonderful colors, scents, and flavors. Bringing these stories to life has also led us to explore new fields of design and meet incredibly talented individuals.
This is how we met Gabo Mendoza, a multidisciplinary artist who enjoys collaborating on anything that involves working with his hands. He specializes in dyeing fabrics with natural elements using artisanal techniques, creating products for his own brand and hosting natural dye workshops. At the same time, he collaborates with other brands that align with his social, cultural, or environmental values. It was through this shared vision and interests that our paths crossed, combining talent and a beautiful technique for some of the pieces in our collection.
Curiosity led Gabo to develop a deeper interest in learning and mastering the art of dyeing. He shared with us: “I was a teenager, and I clearly remember when my grandmother couldn’t find underwear in the color she wanted, so she dyed it with black tea to turn it from bright white to a beige tone. That, along with a few documentaries, sparked my interest.”
During his travels, Gabo had the opportunity to experiment with different techniques and observe the work of others. However, it wasn’t until a few years ago that he decided to explore natural dyes. He took a natural dyeing course in Montreal, which gave him a basic understanding of the process, but feeling unsatisfied, he began researching and conducting his own experiments. This hands-on exploration remains his method for perfecting his craft and deepening his knowledge for his work.
About the Pieces with Casilda Mut
For this collaboration, Gabo used three natural dyes: marigold (cempasúchil), avocado, and logwood (palo de Campeche). Since these dyes come from organic materials, Gabo explains: “I like to think of them as something that remains alive.”
These natural dyes are sensitive to pH levels and can experience color variations depending on the type of soap used to wash the garments. Additionally, the source and treatment of water can influence the behavior of the color, making each piece unique and dynamic.
The Dyeing Process
The dyeing process begins with preparing the garment. First, it is weighed, washed, and rinsed thoroughly. Next, it is submerged in the mordant (the fixer) for one hour. Simultaneously, the dye is prepared by boiling the material (flowers, bark, leaves) with water for an hour. After this, the mixture is strained, and enough water is added to fully submerge the garments. The garments are then simmered in the dye for another hour. Once the time has elapsed, they are rinsed and left to dry in the shade.
Care Recommendations
These pieces should be hand-washed with neutral soap and dried in the shade. It is also advised to wash them only when necessary. Proper care helps to extend the life and vibrancy of the colors, keeping the pieces looking beautiful for longer.
Gabo’s interest in collaborating with us is deeply connected to our social work and production processes with artisans. For him, “the values the brand upholds reflect support for communities and an appreciation for the creative process.”
He also feels that the relationship has developed in a very organic and natural way: “The simplicity of the team. Being able to communicate with them as if we’ve been lifelong friends. Our quick calls that turned into conversations about all sorts of topics. Being able to laugh and enjoy our creations together. Hearing and seeing their reactions when they saw the dyed garments.”
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We are thrilled with the results of this collaboration and deeply grateful to Gabo for his contributions to our pieces, for allowing us to learn more about his work, and for the opportunity to continue growing artistically through techniques that incorporate craftsmanship and sustainable elements.
Photography of the dyeing process by Leticia Díaz