Soñadoras
According to In the Park founder Carlos Castellanos, “We grew up watching Mexican telenovelas geared towards young adults, like Soñadoras and many others—they exposed a really dramatic idea of youth at that time that feels so nostalgic now. But the thing is these telenovelas were extremely eurocentric in their casting of entirely white actors. So I think for us now doing this story is a way to change the narrative and imagine this with our models; to imagine a different past.”
Stylist Ricardo Arenas crafts extravagant rococo looks that never lose their casually chic center. Campy pop art jewelry and makeup blend a chaotic tapestry of aesthetics that can only be described as y2k punk meets electric warehouse grunge. Arenas' work reflects a creative osmosis of life in the city. “I find inspiration in the common things: people, cars, architecture, markets. I'm out on the streets a lot and I try to keep my eyes very open, people always surprise me with their ideas on how to wear different garments.”
Pulling from early 2000s celebrity culture, Arenas found inspiration in reimagining the looks of icons like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears with the moxie of Mexico City’s youth.
The models of ITP smize at the camera with a, “I will burn holes in you,” ferocity that only comes with authentic lived experience. They’re the type of people that look like they’d either be dominating the runway or chain smoking cigarettes in a dingy park. It’s beauty with sharp edges carved into it.
When it comes to scouting models, photographer Macías says, “I am used to facing all kinds of people, different heights, complexions, skin tones, all that fascinates me, it is a matter of chemistry.”
Ultimately, it is this chemistry that emboldens the editorial with its alchemic balance of corrosive realism and fantastical possibilities, drawn from a wide scope of media influences. The different creative processes of the ITP team create a colorful tapestry celebrating the diversity and queerness of Mexico’s capital.
Arenas attributes the city as the foremost site of his inspiration. “What I love about Mexico City is the contrast between the new with the old, you can see our history in every building or corner. Literally here I have felt discovering colors and combinations that I haven’t seen in any other place. Also I enjoy the fact that the city colors are always changing depending on the seasons, the fruits, the flowers, the foods that are sold on the streets."
The genius of ITP is in their potential to disrupt the status quo of western fashion circles. If you hadn't heard about the team before this, you might want to jot their name down. You'll most definitely be hearing about the agency in the coming months. “With the modeling agency, we are working on new talent," Castellanos says. "Development is always exciting and we can't wait to introduce more and more talented people. We are now looking for talents not only for fashion, but also actors, singers and dancers who can have a wide range for entertainment and creative projects."
Check out the rest of the editorial below.
