Hypebeast Community Center: Tanamachi | Hypebeast

Give us the pitch of the Tanamachi elevator.

Tanamachi It is a queer Mexican brand inspired by the vices and virtues of daily life of CDMX (Ciudad de México). We created wearable and gender-neutral works with Deadstock materials that tell a story-our story. We think fashion is not just clothing, it is a way of communication and empowerment.

Five W

Who is shopping in Tanamachi?

Cool kids of CDMX. The person who gets it, gets it.

What is the main information about Tanamachi?

Love and Possibility: Everything about Tanamachi comes from two lovers, I (Toshiharu) Mauricio in terms of creativity and business. We believe that Mexico can create its own design language without looking abroad and has the potential to become a successful creative business in Mexico.

When did you publish Tanamachi?

The first dress with the Tanamachi tag was created in 2018. At first I only made custom suits, but when the pandemic hit me I met Mauricio. Mau’s business minds transform the direction of the brand into ready-to-wear works.

Where do people wear Tanamachi?

everywhere! That is the beauty of our works, they are actually wearable. So you can go to the gym, have a meeting, go for supper or go out and you will feel comfortable (still look hot).

Why start Tanaka?

Because no one tells stories through clothes! Also, I’ve been addicted to fashion. I can’t see myself doing anything else.

How does your hybrid heritage inform your design aesthetics?

A bit complicated. My great-grandparents and grandparents came to Mexico from Japan and escaped World War II. They were established here for a while, but when the war became ugly, the Mexican government imprisoned Japanese, Italian and German immigrants for five years. When they were finally released, my grandparents were afraid to openly Japanese so they taught my father, my aunt and uncle, who were like tacos Mexicans. They denied all legacy because they feared that if another war broke out, things would be the same as before. My cousin and I were trying to connect these dots and finally rediscover our bloodline. But, I think I’ll always be more Mexican than anything else.

What formative creative inspirations did you have before launching Tanamachi?

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (also known as Lady Gaga). Mexican pop culture: María Félix, Teresa Chávez, Thalia, Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, Mexican miracle.

Your box profile appears in mini shorts, trousers, skirts, etc. How does boxing become a core theme in a brand?

I hate sports, but I love old-fashioned sportswear. In my gay, indifferent heart, when I think of the Chilanga (Mexico City) sports, I think of boxing, Luca Liber and football. Traditional sportswear is comfortable but ugly – so we wanted to make a piece of clothing that includes the best of both worlds: something comfortable and stylish. That’s what we thought of the idea of applying a boxing belt to any type of bottom.

Can you tell us more about the creative community in CDMX?

CDMX has always been a major creative hub. It has such a surreal and long history that anything can happen here. Maybe it is Real The dream factory, people have just begun to notice.

Are there any other brands or designers in the CDMX community you like now?

You can find a Mexican brand that is literally every flavor. Some examples are Campillo, Cueva, Ppaayyss, Odic, Barragán, Ditzy, etc.

You have a close rapport with the queer community – How does this part of your identity inform your brand’s messaging and approach?

In these times, I think it is unquestionably powerful to be strange and loyal to yourself. We will be here forever.

How do you choose to use all Deadstock fabrics in your collection?

Fashion is one of the most polluted industries in the world. Small moves like using only locally sourced Deadstock materials can help with bigger problems.

Are there any challenges in designing with Deadstock?

Yes, it’s a double-edged sword. We can only create a limited number of each outfit, which can be a good or a bad thing. When designing clothing, we never think of specific fabrics because we never know what we can find. We went to CDMX downtown with an open attitude and discovered the treasure. We may find 10 meters of silk, but we won’t find it again.

Can you tell us more about your latest drop/favorites?

My teen SS25 hot guy It is an ode to become a teenager in CDMX in the late 2000s. This is a satire of the archetypes of past times: emo boy, Mirrey, hi5 femme fatale, wannabe independent sleaze boy. It’s a celebration of the anxiety of the teenagers who change the world because sometimes it feels like the world we promised in those years that year will never come true. Everything is worse.

Do you have your favorite works from your previous collection?

Our first series of Pachuco suits, because it put us on the map; the boxing pants were because they paid the rent; our Quinceañera boxing skirt on the first runway, because it summed up our best view, and finally our SS25 series silver balloon dress because it was adorable.

Are there any topics or product categories in the future?

In the future, we hope to create our first signature smell! I like the smell of perfume and cigarettes after party…or shoes? I’d also love to create the next “IT” Mexican shoe.

Do you have any comments on the revival of Chanclas/Flip-Flops as a growing fashion trend?

I answered this question while wearing some cute leather sandals. Finally, the man dips his toes (literally) into funny shoes. Although, if you live in the city, wash your feet when you go home is must.