Mexican designer Hugo Rosas is fusing soccer with pre-Hispanic culture in his latest jersey collection, 'Calados del Alma' (Cutouts of the Soul), just in time for the World Cup. The designs draw inspiration from papel picado, the delicate cut-paper ornaments used in Mexican celebrations, and ancient beliefs.
Rosas, who runs a workshop with his brother Andrés near Mexico City, said the collection aims to convey traditions that make Mexicans proud. 'The country’s best is reflected in papel picado, colors and town celebrations,' he explained.
The first jersey they sketched featured Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity revered by pre-Hispanic civilizations. Andrés Rosas, who handles marketing, said the design represents a balanced worldview that sees the world as a system, not something to be exploited.
The jerseys are made of polyester to withstand the intricate cut-out patterns without tearing. Each design takes up to three weeks to conceptualise, with eight to ten hours of sewing and cutting. The Rosas brothers operate on a modest scale, valuing artisanal craftsmanship.
Since the World Cup garments went on sale in April, their Mexclart brand has produced about 30 jerseys. Hugo expects demand to rise as the tournament approaches. He also has a collection devoted to pre-Hispanic gods, with his favourite depicting Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec ruler of the underworld.
'Putting on a garment like this is like wearing a modern armour through which we can carry that pride and passion for our roots and show it to the world,' Rosas said.
