Mexican Designer Fuses Culture and Football in Unique Jerseys

Hugo Rosas, a prominent jersey designer in Mexico City, has created a collection of designs that captures the essence of Mexican culture. His latest collection, “Calados del Alma” or “Cutouts of the Soul,” melds soccer passion with traditional Mexican decoration.

The designs are inspired by ancient Mexican beliefs and the traditional papel picado, a decorative cut-paper often seen during Mexican celebrations. Rosas and his brother Andrés have been running their workshop since 2022. They aim to create concepts that resonate with Mexican traditions, making people feel proud of their heritage.

One of their first jersey designs featured Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity revered in pre-Hispanic civilizations. Andrés, responsible for marketing, emphasizes that Quetzalcoatl symbolizes the world’s balance, a view reflected in their designs.

The World Cup collection, “Ofrenda Viva” or “Live Offering,” builds on the aesthetics of the Day of the Dead. This holiday celebrates the deceased with joy instead of sorrow. Rosas’ jerseys, resembling papel picado, allow wearers to honor the departed through their actions and passions.

“It’s a garment resembling papel picado so that a person can offer their actions, thoughts, and passions as an homage to those who are already gone,” Rosas said.

The jerseys are made of polyester to ensure durability and resemble traditional cut-paper art, a process that requires precise cutting and sewing. Designing each jersey involves selecting symbols and shaping them for the final design. The production process can take up to three weeks, with each piece requiring 8 to 10 hours of work to complete.

The Rosas brothers prefer to maintain a small-scale operation, appreciating the artistry involved in each jersey. Since the jerseys were released in April, the demand for the Mexclart brand has grown, with around 30 jerseys crafted so far. Rosas anticipates increased interest as the World Cup nears.

Among Rosas’ other collections is one featuring pre-Hispanic gods, where the jersey depicting Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec underworld ruler, stands out. Rosas sees these garments as a modern armor through which Mexicans can express their cultural heritage.

“Putting on a garment like this is like wearing a modern armor through which we can carry that pride and passion for our roots and show it to the world,” Rosas said.

Rosas is inspired by Mexico’s history and often visits Indigenous communities to observe ancient customs firsthand. He aspires to use precious materials to represent the deities truly but recognizes the importance of bringing these cultural symbols into modern times.