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Fashion – Style – Trends
Happy Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month!
What makes Buffalo Exchange truly amazing? It’s the clothes but especially the people! This year for Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month, get to know some of the Latinx and Hispanic Buffalos that help make us a sustainable style resource in communities across the US. Keep reading to learn about their stories, their favorite fashion icons and more!
Alicia, Buyer at BE Austin (SoCo)
How do you carry your culture in your style?
Growing up in a Mexican household, resourcefulness in all aspects is how we got by. Not just with money saving either. As a little girl, I would use old socks, blankets and hair accessories to make my Bratz dolls new clothes. I now incorporate those old techniques into my own wardrobe by using skirts as tops, stray strings/ribbons as hair accessories and belts, and shapeless pieces of fabric as accents for my outfits. This maximizes an outfit’s slay and minimizes waste.
What’s something you learned through Buffalo Exchange?
Since starting at Buffalo, I’ve learned a lot about materials/fabric and how big of a role it plays in the fashion industry. A fabric can really make or break the desirability and durability of a piece. I learned that certain kinds of fabrics are more environmentally friendly and I’ve applied that to my personal shopping habits outside of work.
Do you have any cultural fashion icons that you admire?
Karina Berenice, also known as “Benulus” on social media. She incorporates our culture into her everyday outfits, especially that resourcefulness, using as many accessories as possible to compliment each detail of her outfit. She is a self proclaimed “maximalist”, which I find to be more refreshing and true to Mexican heritage than a minimalist aesthetic.
If you could share one food from your heritage with the whole world what would it be?
Tamales because there are so many different kinds of fillings that almost everyone can enjoy and appreciate. There are even sweet fillings for someone with a sweet tooth or preference for vegetarian foods.
Cesar, ASM at BE Costa Mesa
How do you carry your culture in your style?
I try to connect with my roots by wearing accessories created and inspired by Indigenous people. I also carry my current culture by supporting brands by children of immigrants that are trying to make a difference, like Decierto, Tropicaza and Ghetto Rodeo. These brands have their own unique styles while paying homage to our parents that made it all possible for us.
Is there any accessory or piece of clothing that’s been passed down through your family?
My dad had a collection of concert tees from all the metal shows he attended since coming to America in the 90s. We ended up losing a lot of them when he passed, but I’m on a mission to find them all or similar styles. Some of them, like the classic Metallica ‘Ride the Lightning’ tee, are etched into my brain from seeing it all the time as a kid. So whenever I see a tee he had, I recognize it right away.
What’s something you learned through Buffalo Exchange?
Take risks with your outfits! Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you end up not liking it, sell it to Buffalo and find something new.
Do you have any cultural fashion icons that you admire?
Selena’s husband (Chris Perez, played by Jon Seda,) in the 1997 Selena film. Chad Muska in the Tony Hawk Pro Skater Game. Also, Michael B Jordan currently.
If you could share one food from your heritage with the whole world what would it be?
Everyone should have chilaquiles. It’s like nachos for breakfast, but even better.
Raquel, Cashier at BE Tempe
How do you carry your culture in your style?
Through embroidered pieces that remind me of traditional designs and by supporting Mexican artists and makers when I shop.
What’s something you learned through Buffalo Exchange?
I learned that style is so broad and personal, and every piece of clothing can find a home with someone who connects to it. It’s made me appreciate fashion as more than just clothes, but also as stories being passed along.
Do you have any cultural fashion icons that you admire?
Frida Kahlo has always been a huge inspiration to me. Her use of florals, bold colors, and traditional Mexican pieces showed how fashion can be a celebration of identity.
What fashion/style trend are you waiting to make a comeback?
I would love to see more accessorizing with hair clips, hair jewels, or any other fun hair accessories.
If you could share one food from your heritage with the whole world what would it be?
Chile Relleno—it’s a dish that reminds me of my childhood and my family being together for the holidays.
Kat, Buyer at BE Boston
How do you carry your culture in your style?
I have heavy inspiration from the Chicana movement within the 90s in the United States in my style. I am deeply inspired by elements of Honduran street fashion and Latina music artists such as Alejandra Guzman and Isabella Lovestory. My personal fashion is a statement of my culture and my defiance against assimilation. Fashion is a way for me to embrace the aspects of my culture that make me different and ultimately brought me to the United States.
What’s something you learned through Buffalo Exchange?
What I learned at Buffalo Exchange is the value of authenticity. At Buffalo, you’re encouraged to be your true self, and fashion is one of the ways you can express that. Fashion is a bridge between you and your highest self. My true self is a combination of so many things: my music, my gender and my culture — fashion and authenticity follows.
Do you have any cultural fashion icons that you admire?
I admire Paquita La Del Barrio and Celia Cruz for their artistry and confidence in their identities, especially as women in a male centric music genre. I’m inspired by the legacy they created for Latinos with their own blood, sweat, and tears. Without Celia and Paquita, music would not be the same. Celia and Paquita brought resistance against machismo and respect for strong Latin women into Latino media.
What fashion/style trend are you waiting to make a comeback?
I am waiting for the 1960s androgynous mod style to come back, particularly looks inspired by Twiggy. I would also love to see the return of 1920s men’s jazz suiting and more tailored, structured clothing
If you could share one food from your heritage with the whole world what would it be?
People hate on baleadas (a traditional Honduran street food) but they are the most customizable meal — literally any topping can go inside. Baleadas Express is the Subway of Honduras.
Anna, Buyer at BE Tempe
How do you carry your culture in your style?
My personal style is a mix of chic and modern, neutral colors and silhouettes while playing with streetwear and alt fashion. I love being a maximalist with my jewelry: I love wearing silver and I own an Aztec calendar bracelet that I love.
What’s something you learned through Buffalo Exchange?
Training as a Buyer has taught me about fashion and trends in Arizona and what people in the area gravitate to.
Do you have any cultural fashion icons that you admire?
Maria Felix, an iconic Mexican singer and actress. She was a fashion icon known for her elegance, sophistication, and a fondness for dramatic, statement-making jewelry. She was a prominent client of the jewelry house Cartier, which created several unique pieces for her.
What fashion/style trend are you waiting to make a comeback?
I’m interested to see the 2010s revival and see what trends come from that. Skinny jeans and combat boots? Bring it on.
If you could share one food from your heritage with the whole world what would it be?
Since my family comes from the Mexican state of Sonora, I would say the carne asada taco on a soft flour tortilla with all the salsas and lime.
Christina, Buyer at BE Ventura
How do you carry your culture in your style?
I love wearing all my turquoise jewelry everyday! I try to collect turquoise from Mexico as much as I can. I love wearing anything with scorpions! My family’s deep-rooted connection to Durango, Mexico, aka the ‘Land of Scorpions’, inspires my collection and wearing of scorpion jewelry, clothing, and accessories.
What’s something you learned through Buffalo Exchange?
That all walks of life — at any age really — can connect with something tangible like clothing or jewelry. I value the love people have for a piece of clothing, to give it another life at Buffalo for someone else to appreciate. It’s really cool to see the process of that whole cycle and being the person buying it in.
Do you have any cultural fashion icons that you admire?
Honestly, mi Abuela, Magdalena. She was (and still is) so stylish. I love looking at her photos from the past of what she wore and taking similar replica photos, but with my own twist. I also love Rihanna’s street style and anyone who wears all true vintage.
What fashion/style trend are you waiting to make a comeback?
Maximalism! I love the aesthetic philosophy of ‘More is More’, to wear all your big statement pieces and accessories all in one outfit!
If you could share one food from your heritage with the whole world, what would it be?
I wish everyone could try mi Abuela’s homemade chili colorado — a slow-cooked beef or pork stew with rich red peppers — served with her refried beans and rice. It’s the best and it’s been my ultimate comfort food since I was kid!
Feeling inspired? Check out what it’s like to work at Buffalo Exchange, find available positions and apply to join our team today! Happy Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month 🫶🏼🫶🏽🫶🏾
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