Siruela is a small brand of clothing created in 2008 and produced in our sewing studio. We are nestled in a small fishing village called San Francisco (San Pancho). Our team is made up by three people who are 100% involved in designing, manufacturing and marketing of our garments.
The clothes are made by me, Victoria and by my great needlework collaborator, Ofelia.
I am in charge of designing, tracing, cutting, organizing, selecting the fabrics, looking for materials, selling, dreaming and setting down. Carlos, instead, is responsible for the tough grind of the workshop: mounting the fabric rolls to the cutting machine, setting the fabric laying, the logistics of selling in the different markets and he is taken on a hand painted blouses line. By being a small sewing studio, our collections are small too. Six months a year, from November to April, we offer our products in outdoors markets for only producer people. I only make a collection per year and I can add new designs during the market season. The clothes are also available in my studio/workshop throughout the year. You are welcome to e- mail us and to arrange an appointment. We will gladly assist you.
I like to work under the Slow Fashion philosophy, but I consider that we are not a sustainable clothing brand yet, even though we work with natural fabrics such as linen, cotton (some of them are recycled, but they are not organic or have a certification for it, because Mexico doesn´t have a sustainable or organic fabric industry so far).
We don’t use polyester fabrics, we only work with natural ones so it can be recycled at the term of its lifespan. We also try to avoid using zippers or trimmings so it can last longer and to make the recycling of garments easier. The fabrics that are used are made in Mexico in order to consume and support local industry and not contribute the carbon footprint.
All of our clothes are pre- washed, so that they are not taken to dry cleaners places and avoid the use of chemical agents. It´s recommended to wash them by hand and dry them outdoors hanging on a hook to avoid the use of the iron and fryer to decrease energy consumption. I classify the fabric surpluses into sizes, the largest ones are used to make patchwork-type fabrics and the rest is taken to Entreamigos, a Civil Association in town which helps the planet since they receive paper, cardboard, plastic and glass to recycle. I use a lot of paper to make my strokes throughout the year and I also take it to be reused.
We advocate fair treatment and fair wages to workers. Ofelia, my awesome sewing assistant has all benefits of law because it is my duty and her right.
It makes me so happy being able to make clothes. Ethics, quality and the deep love for this profession is my main objective to continue on this path. I hope you like what we do in our sewing studio.
Victoria S.