In my eyes, El Paso has always been known for the borderland culture. From its border cuisine to expansive city views, El Paso is unique from the rest of Texas. Now, it appears to be making space for individual fashion culture.
In recent years the city has embraced the growth of local fashion designers. Here’s a look at three brands that are gaining buzz.
HYONÖSIS
Designer Nathaniel Espinoza is an El Paso Community College media advertising major whose work has been seen on several celebrities. His designs focus on using patterns that target both men and women. Most of Espinoza’s styles are unisex sets made from plaid, denim and silk in colorful asymmetrical patterns. They may also feature a T-shirt printed with his signature spiral design.
Designer Nathaniel Espinoza is mostly recognized for his unisex silhouettes.
In November 2023, his designs were worn by Mexican actress Majo Agular in EstiloDF Magazine. The same month, content creator Benshorts wore one of Espinoza’s patched denim sets to the Eliot Awards.
Mexican actress Majo Agular for EstiloDF Magazine, wearing a hot pink HYPNOSIS two-piece suit. The look was debuted in the November 2023 Issue.
Another creator, Gerardo Nuno wore the HYONÖSIS plaid tailored blazer to the TikTok Awards in February. In an article in Spotlight EP, Espinoza said that he owes his success to his grandmother and EPCC counselors and faculty.
“The EPCC counselors and faculty have been very important in my career; Jessica Del Rio has been like a compass for me during my stay at EPCC, and Professor Yasmin Ramirez, who allowed me to work with her and helped me with my many doubts,” Espinosa told Spotlight EP.”
Espinoza’s most recent work was seen on Mexican musical artist Jessica Diaz’s newest music video, ‘QUE HUEVA.’
GAUCIN Couture
El Paso-based designer Jose Gaucin has been on the rise since he graduated high school in 2022. Focusing on making camp style trendy in El Paso, GAUCIN Couture signature is seen in uncommon designs that feature patched jeans, exaggerated shoulder pads, layerd pieces that include faux leather and faux fur, and edgy see-through silhouettes.
Jose Gaucin is the founder of the brand GAUCIN Couture. His designs focus on making camp style trendy in El Paso community.
Vander Vanity, stylist of El Paso rap celebrity Krystall Poppin, recognized GAUCIN Couture as his number-one local brand.
“Gaucin has been one of my favorite designers to work and collaborate with because he’s so innovative,” Vanity said. “I think he’s just so ahead of his time right now that I know people will start dressing with his pieces.”
Vanity said one of the things that made him so drawn to Gaucin’s work ethic was that they could create pieces that fit Poppin’s image.
El Paso rapper Krystall Poppin wearing an original GAUCIN Couture to a local runway show. The piece is a see-through full body lace bodysuit and a silver body chain.
“We have a whole team now and we’re creating pieces from scratch or even upcycling pieces,” Vanity said. “One thing about him and his pieces is you have to keep staring at them to understand what it is you’re looking at, that’s exactly why I love his work and what I look for when it comes to styling.”
In February, Gaucin was the cover star for the ‘Feast of Fashion’ Issue in The City Magazine.
Pillboxed
Founded by EPCC Fashion Design Program almuni Andy Lozano Pillboxed focuses on a target female demographic. The style dabbles in trendy silhouettes. Most of Lozano’s designs feature dresses, skirts and blouses with accents, such as 3D flowers/bows, sequins and see-through fabric.
EPCC Alumni Andy Lozano has paved her way into the fashion scene through her brand, Pillboxed.
Since opening her business in 2021, Lozano has grown from doing silk COVID-19 masks to vivid feminine designs. In 2022, one of her mini-dresses made a feature in Vogue Mexico. Her clothing has also been showcased by TikTok personalities Pricilla Escoto and Renata Cerda.
El Paso designer Andy Lozano showcases the feature of her halter mini dress in Vogue Mexico. The silk hot pink piece was used as the cover for the story "Oasis de Compras."
Pillboxed released its newest SPRING ’24 collection and continues to collaborate with other El Paso creators/brands.
