From "Worth It" Hot Spots to Hidden Gems – Julia Sloan's Fashion Designer Guide to CDMX

      Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we are reaching out to prominent locals in the fashion industry to share a concise list of their top recommendations for sights, dining, and shopping in their city. They will provide hidden gems that you won’t find in typical guidebooks, creating brief guides that showcase where the city's most stylish inhabitants actually hang out.

      I first learned about Julia Sloan's namesake label, Sloan, when interior designer and content creator Elizabeth Bennett showcased one of her minimalist maxi dresses on Instagram. I was immediately intrigued and was fortunate enough to receive an invite to witness the brand's New York Fashion Week debut the following week. There, I met Sloan and experienced her upcoming collection firsthand. While the tranquil tailoring and elegant core pieces speak volumes, the inspiration behind the brand is just as compelling.

      Sloan launched her brand during the pandemic, establishing a network of female artisans in Mexico for at-home production, laying the groundwork for her small-batch collections and brand philosophy. Being deeply involved in the creative scenes of New York, Paris, and Mexico City, her environment has significantly influenced her design aesthetic. The light, relaxed shirts and versatile cotton items offered by Sloan are simply a reflection of her lifestyle both internationally and in Mexico City, where she has resided for the last eight years.

      When not designing for Sloan or connecting with the garment workers in her network, she enjoys the simple pleasures of life in CDMX—visiting boutiques in Roma Norte, strolling through Parque Chapultepec, exploring museums, and enjoying afternoon aperitifs at her favorite local spots. Continue reading to experience Mexico City through her perspective.

      Where are you originally from, and how long have you lived in Mexico City?

      I was born in New Hampshire. My family relocated to an island in the British Virgin Islands when I was five, leading us to travel between those places for some time, and then I moved to NYC on my 18th birthday. I have been living part-time in Mexico since 2015. For eight years, I split my time between Mexico and NYC, and now I live between Mexico City and Paris.

      Why was it important for you to focus on Mexican artisans and female seamstresses in your production process while developing your brand, Sloan?

      What we create and how we spend our money holds significant power. Every dollar we spend, what we choose to produce, and what we buy can change lives. This realization hit me hard during COVID when many women in our extended production community were out of work and home with their children. I began delivering materials and equipment to their homes to conduct small production runs.

      We’ve continued to grow since then, and that remains a fundamental aspect of our business. I realized that if we collaborate, we can all support one another in a harmonious and sustainable way. I also enjoy working with women. The sense of support and community is incredible, and I’ve been fortunate to witness their remarkable skills and talent. It just felt right on many levels.

      As we know, Mexico City has become a popular destination for international travelers in recent years. Have you noticed any effects of this in your local community, and what advice would you give to visitors to be mindful of when they come here?

      The first thing that stands out is the pricing. I would say costs have easily doubled in the past six years. While this brings more economic opportunities and a larger platform for entrepreneurs, it also means that many locals have been pushed out. It’s a complex issue. In tourist-heavy areas like Roma, Condesa, and Juárez, it’s common to hear English in ways that were unheard of before. Local businesses are certainly catering to that crowd.

      If you visit Mexico, try not to comment on how “inexpensive” it is, and remain aware that it can be very costly for those who don’t earn in dollars or euros. Attempt to speak some Spanish, acclimate to the culture, and appreciate the beauty and history surrounding you. Be conscious and observe instead of arriving with the expectation that everything will cater exactly to your preferences from home. Whenever possible, support small businesses and local designers. Engage with them, listen to their stories, and share their experiences. It all makes a difference.

      If you could design the perfect afternoon for someone visiting the city with limited time, where would you direct them, and what would their schedule look like?

      Oh, this is a tough one! When I've been away for a while and come back, I love to revisit all the classic favorite spots. So, my ideal day would start with coffee at Chiquitito in Condesa, then a walk toward Parque México, stopping by Lardo for a guava roll, followed by a loop around the Hipódromo. If it’s the weekend, I’d suggest wandering through Roma, heading to Plaza Río de Janeiro, and visiting the Pushkin flea market. On the way, stop at Olivia Foundation and Casa Bosques bookstore