AOW Insider: Interview with Gina of Caravana Americana
I know I already filled you in on the details of Caravana Americana, an amazing artisan show happening this October in Mexico City, but I wanted to write one more time to encourage you to consider attending if your travel schedule allows it. For those on the fence who would like to know more, I just sat down with Gina Barrios, the show’s co-founder, for a fun interview on what to expect.
We dive into her expectations for this year’s show, some of her fave exhibitors, as well as her tips for getting the most out of a visit to Mexico City. I hope you enjoy the conversation. I’ve also included below a short interview I recently did with Guillermo of Dos Tierras, one of the companies exhibiting products at this year’s show that I think really stand out.
Read the full interview below:
For buyers new to the show, can you tell them a bit about what they can expect to see and experience at Caravana?
I am really excited to say that in this edition, we will see an amazing array of traditional and designer-intervened crafts! Mexico has a vast heritage of pottery techniques, and we will showcase many examples of those, as well as glassware, basketry, and beautiful textiles such as carpets, hammocks, tableware, and bedding.
The show is always quite a shopping experience, we try hard to make it fun, agreeable, and delicious for all our audiences. I dare say this “boutique” trade show is unique, we care for every detail in terms of aesthetics, quality, and originality.
What are the dominant product categories at the show?
The dominant categories are apparel and jewelry but home decor such as pottery and textiles add up to about 40% of the vendors.
For buyers thinking about attending, do you have any hotels you suggest?
Some of my recommendations would be:
· Casa Polanco in Polanco: https://www.casapolanco.com/
· Nima Local House in La Roma: https://hotelnima.com/
· Orchid House in Polanco: https://www.orchidhousehotels.com/mexico-city/
What are some of your favorite restaurants for those who have a few days to explore the city’s culinary scene?
My personal faves:
· Botánico: https://goo.gl/maps/eprnbBx45jnfcnXd8
· Taverna: https://goo.gl/maps/E1V1VcNmZiatgaUL7
· Meroma: https://goo.gl/maps/KjpVk98qprWptGkb9
And a good friend of mine recommends:
· Salazar: https://www.salazar.rest/
What is a ‘must’ when you visit Mexico City?
I’d suggest a visit to the Anahuacalli Museum, created by Diego Rivera: https://museoanahuacalli.org.mx/en/frontpage/#museum
Do you have any tips for those who want to explore the architecture within the city?
These would be my top picks for unique architecture:
· El espacio escultórico – an amazing landscape architectural piece that I love: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/espacio-escultorico
· Biblioteca José Vasconcelos: https://www.archdaily.com/98584/vasconcelos-library-alberto-kalach
What are some of the top artisan companies attending Caravana this year that you are most excited about?
These are great ones that are 100% confirmed:
· Marva Studio: https://www.marva-studio.com/
· Estudio Pomelo: https://estudiopomelo.com/en/
· Dos Tierras: https://dostierrasgoods.com/
· Casa Textil Arte Zapoteco: https://www.instagram.com/casa_textil_arte_zapoteco/
· Sagradas Tradciones: https://www.instagram.com/sagradastradiciones/
What trends do you see coming in for this year’s show?
I feel like the trend among designers that collaborate with artisans continues to be the exploration of color and new forms with traditional techniques.
What else do you wish to tell potential exhibitors and buyers about the show?
The curation is amazing – some great new, up-and-coming designers will be in attendance. The show will take place in a historic venue in the center of the city. We create the best shopping experiences, merging great brands, food, and music. The city is vibrant with great culinary, cultural, and artistic experiences – it’s definitely worth the trip down to Mexico City!
For more info, visit:
https://caravanaamericana.com/