Behind the Scenes of Gente Fina’s F/W 2024 ‘Indómito’ Collection
Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez/STITCH Magazine
Chicago-based fashion brand Gente Fina was born out of Chicago pride and honoring Mexican roots while providing meaningful products to clients. Yet, as the brand continues to expand and get more attention, they are ready to take over the runway with their latest collection, “Indómito,” which means untamed in Spanish, at the historic Union Station.
But, what does it take to produce a collection that is ready for fashion week? Entrepreneur and founder of Gente Fina Emmanuel “Manny” Cabrera says that the process is “addictive.”
“I always said ‘I’ll never do runway shows.’ I just thought it was out of my reach,” said the designer. “After I did my first one, it's been so much fun and it's surreal to see the final look physically on a person.”
The process starts with a color and transforms into an idea that is eventually drawn on paper. Cabrera finds inspiration from his daily surroundings, Duranguense roots and the Mexican-American community in Chicago.
For this collection, Cabrera was inspired by horses, earth tones and his upbringing in Melrose Park. He let the collection take control of the concept by embracing the unexpected that came along.
“I was a very troubled kid, always doing whatever I wanted, getting into all kinds of trouble,” said Cabrera. “I felt like the collection was rebelling against me and I felt like I can't tame this d**n thing.”
Once the clothes are designed, they are produced and eventually arrive at the Melrose Park studio. The model fitting followed and creatives such as stylists, photographers, hairstylists and producers make their way to the studio and spend hours collaborating with each other.
Guadalajara native and fashion photographer José Luis Ángel has photographed for the brand’s lookbooks and fashion shows on three separate occasions. When arriving in Chicago, the creative was welcomed by Cabrera and received the opportunity to work with Gente Fina.
“I feel very proud to see such creative people in the first person and to be able to collaborate with a brand that proudly shows our roots in its garments and develops them in a very different way from [what] we have seen in the world,” said the photographer.
As each look is modified and perfected by the Gente Fina team, José Luis captures each look in its entirety with models standing in front of a white wall and doing a practice walk.
“Gente Fina is undoubtedly a very special brand because few manage to project Mexico and its culture in a modern way that can be used by rappers, fashion lovers [and] regional singers,” said José Luis.
Ecuadorian-Bolivian stylist and Chicagoan Esteban Espinoza Jr. met Cabrera at the clothing shop “60647 Fullerton Ave Streetwear Market,” where Gente Fina had a pop-up event. After mentioning he wanted to become a “dope” stylist, Cabrera brought in Espinoza for a project and now is the head stylist.
“I have been able to do more than just style their clothing but also make content with them, find models for shoots [and] help curate a collection for a fashion show,” said the stylist. “We put our blood, sweat and tears into this collection.”
After five days filled with late nights and last-minute changes, the show is finally here. Models, family members and the Gente Fina team support Cabrera backstage as the collection is ready to debut.
As Espinoza and his styling assistant, Monserrat Monroy, touch base with each model about their look, Cabrera finalizes and approves the final ensembles. The designer hopes that people see something new that they can imagine for themselves.
“My goal of every collection is to make something unique, but also that people can connect to,” said Cabrera.
Espinoza, along with the team, are ecstatic and proud of the work that they have done for Indómito. As models do one final practice walk, they are joyful and confident in what they will be showcasing on the runway.
Once Indómito made its way down the runway, a slew of incredible tracksuits, rosary knitted polos and camo prints were shown alongside waffle-knit button-ups, printed shorts and a show-stopping finale look that consisted of a denim skirt that transformed into the perfect matching everyday bag.
Espinoza felt relieved that the collection was presented successfully and went smoothly, but wasn’t solely focused on any sort of failure that could’ve occurred.
“I already envisioned the runway to be a success, so I wasn’t necessarily worried about if there was gonna be a hiccup,” said the stylist. “I was itching since the first runway show at the Chicago Cultural Center to put the full collection out at Union Station.”
The 24-look collection is truly untamable and Cabrera let his creativity take full advantage of the show and it paid off in an immense way. For a second collection, the wide range of fabrics and styles pair beautifully with the Mexican roots and culture at the forefront of the brand, which is done magnificently.
I and many others are excited and eager to see what the future has in store for Gente Fina. For now, we will be reminiscing on this incredible collection and waiting patiently for the next one.
The Indómito Collection will be available for purchase on Nov. 1 at gente-fina.com.
*All featured images in the gallery are by Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez/STITCH Magazine*