All Eyes on Tótem Tienda

Many showrooms present themselves in stark white spaces that cater to a specific demographic— Tótem Tienda goes against the grain. Situated in Alvarez’s home, Tótem Tienda invites guests into a world of color and genderless clothing that speaks to all. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alvarez meditated on connecting with the Los Angeles public while showcasing his culture and the creatives that make up Mexico City— Tótem Tienda was born.

This curated space continues to grow, bringing in fashion enthusiasts such as Petra Collins and Lil Miquela, among others. Alvarez hosted model Salem Mitchell of late, capturing her adorned in Mexican designers, all available in Tótem Tienda. Check out the spread of Salem Mitchell and the interview with César Alvarez below. 

When did you start getting into fashion?

I think it was always part of me to express myself through clothes, even at a very young age.  At some point I realized that I could also create clothes, style shoots and videos, and be creative that way, as a career.  

What influenced the creation of Tótem Tienda?

It was really a response to the need for visibility. There are so many interesting projects in México in art and fashion, and it can be difficult to have exposure outside of the local scene in México. In some ways, it is the same reason that made me move from Mexico City to LA to look for growth opportunities.

Can you speak to the process of building this space?

To be honest, opening the space itself was pretty straightforward. I already had some previous experience in Mexico working in showrooms and independent pop-ups. It was a little scary and risky at first, but I knew that the project had a lot of potential.  So many of our current designers joined us from day one, and feeling that trust and support from the start was really encouraging.

When did you start developing relationships with the designers that you carry in your store?

Tótem Tienda has been a natural process with the designers as I met most of them over the years working in Mexico City. Back in the day we used to do bazaars and sales in public places, sometimes even at friend's houses. New additions to the showroom have been designers who reach out to us directly or through recommendations from other designers, stylists, and friends. I like to think that we are a solid community.

Why did you choose Los Angeles to start Tótem Tienda?

I always had a connection with LA. When I was younger, I spent summers here visiting my family and I always liked the multiculturalism I saw all over the city.  In terms of fashion, I think that Mexico City has a very special touch, and I don't think there is a place in Los Angeles that really captures it. That is why I decided that opening a space for independent designers is what I wanted to do. 

We are finally in an age where fashion is becoming genderless, how do you see Tótem Tienda contributing to this cultural shift?

I think that the images that we use to promote the space speak to that, and show how the garments themselves do not adhere to gender.  I always encourage people to try different garments when they are in the showroom and I can say that 80% of the time they love it.

What connects your work as a stylist and founder of Tótem Magazine and Tótem Tienda?

All of those parts of my work are intertwined. My goal is to help or show people how to find a style that makes them feel comfortable and also expresses the different parts of who they are; that is precisely part of the experience of visiting Tótem Tienda. I like to think that we empower people through clothing and building their own style.

Can you speak to this renaissance of Mexican designers we are experiencing right now?

I believe that it has always existed, but IG and social networks are a key piece for showcasing these projects. There are Mexican brands that have existed for ten years and are only now becoming known internationally. Part of the reason these designers are only now having their moment has to do with the shortcomings and limitations that exist in México, but I think with the internet, these limitations are becoming less of an issue. Now the important part is on us to make sure that these designers are getting into stores, ending up in shoots and music videos, and getting the exposure they deserve.

What are some Mexican designers you are currently into?

So many. There is a lot of talent. Some of the brands we have in the showroom have been around for years, like Baby Angel, Scent, Paloma Lira, and my own line, Sad Youth. There are some new ones that are just starting out like CS, Adonay Sanchez, and Banzo. Overall, I'm really drawn to the designers that make unique and one of a kind pieces. Those are the types of garments that you can find in Tótem.

What is the next step for Tótem Tienda?

We really want to keep working to make this space welcoming to everyone. In the past couple weeks we have hosted Petra Collins,  Moni Haworth, Lil Miquela, Alok Menon among other fashion personalities, and we want this experience for everyone. It is exciting to have people in the fashion industry seek us out, but it is equally important to us that anyone can make an appointment and come into this little world we have created.

Outside of the Tótem Tienda showroom, we are also working on some new concepts for workshops and presentations as a way for designers to connect with the Los Angeles public. Definitely check out our IG and website to see what we have coming up.