Spotlight: Meet Adriana Quiroz of Oaxaca, Mexico - Designer of MANO MADRE

This week's blog feature is dedicated to Adriana Quiroz, my host on my recent trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. A talented artist and designer of the brand MANO MADRE, Adriana's pride in her Oaxacan culture is beautifully depicted in both her artwork and her hospitality. Read on to learn more about the designer, the brand, and the hotel where I stayed, which is also home to MANO MADRE's current pop-up shop.

Adriana quiroz, artist and designer of mano madre, studied textile design at Universidad iberoamericana in mexico city and currently lives and works in oaxaca

The Designer: ADRIANA QUIROZ

A natural born artist with a love for textile design, Adriana Quiroz incorporates Oaxaca’s traditional practice of embroidery into modern designs that can be worn today. Her appreciation for hand-woven techniques combined with her artistic talent as a painter has led Adriana to create the brand MANO MADRE, a sustainable line of clothing and accessories that are painted by her and embroidered by artisans in Oaxaca. Adriana works with approximately thirty women in the Valles Centrales and other regions of Oaxaca, creating pieces that are truly unique and original.

By working with these women, Adriana tells the stories of her culture while simultaneously learning more about its traditions, customs, and legends. In her newest collection, she will be working with ancient techniques and traditional patterns, trying to rescue some of the textile traditions that have been lost over time and apply them to high quality fabrics and contemporary lines.

adriana quiroz (center) works with thirty women in all regions across oaxaca to create mano madre, a line of clothing and accessories that is hand painted by her and embroidered by the local artisans

The Brand: MANO MADRE

The central focus of the line are the embroidered vintage denim jackets and vests, which Adriana paints individually by hand. The range also includes dresses, tops, skirts, bodysuits, and sweaters, as well as some jackets for men. Oaxaca is known for its shopping scene, but once you enter MANO MADRE’s pop-up shop in Hostal de la Noria in Centro Histórico you suddenly feel you are in the presence of something special. Each piece is unique, carefully designed, and more wearable than what you would find outside in the other shops. To shop MANO MADRE and follow Adriana’s story, click here.

Each piece within the denim range is individually sketched, painted, and then embroidered, all by hand

carina otero in the colorful corridors of hostal de la noria, oaxaca

The Hotel: HOSTAL DE LA NORIA, OAXACA CITY

Home to the current MANO MADRE pop-up shop, Hostal de la Noria is Oaxaca City’s most charming hotel. Situated right in Centro Histórico, Hostal de la Noria is within walking distance to the best that Oaxaca City has to offer. The courtyard and corridors are colorfully painted a bright yellow and are accented by blue molding, lush greenery, and pink bouganvillia petals. Upon checking in I knew I would never want to leave- the staff was welcoming, the décor was inviting, and immediately the hotel felt like my home away from home.

In addition to the central courtyard where you can relax or order from the hotel’s restaurant, there is also a back patio and a rooftop terrace. With so many open, outdoor spaces, Hostal de la Noria serves as a tranquil oasis in the center of the city. To learn more about Hostal de le Noria and to view availability: click here.

carina otero wearing an original mano madre design (which can also be worn in reverse) at hostal de la noria, oaxaca

Oaxaca: What do do, Where to eat, & When to go

Activities

Visit the ruins at Monte Albán, climb the natural rock formations at Hierve el Agua, set an afternoon aside for Mezcal Tasting or taking a Cooking Class, tour the Jardín Etnobotánico de Santo Domingo, or Walk and Shop in the Centro Histórico

Food

Boulenc for breakfast: order the Shakshuka or the Hotcakes
Casa Oaxaca for lunch: order the Guacamole con chapulines y quesillo, and the Mole negro con guajolote
Los Danzantes for dinner: order the Chicharrón de ribeye, Pulpo a las brasas, Tlayuda con camarones, a Mr. Pepino to drink, and a Cascada de chocolate for dessert
Rooftop bar at Hotel Los Amantes for drinks: ask the bartender to make you a cocktail with Los Amantes Mezcal Joven from their local distillery

When to Go

There is no bad time to visit Oaxaca because of its temperate climate year around, but the most festive times to visit would be during Día de los Muertos (end of October-beginning of November) or during the Guelaguetza Festical (end of July). Be sure to book your stay well in advance if you plan on visiting during these times.

carina otero at the jardín etnobotánico de santo domingo, oaxaca

the family of the local artisans from istmo de tehuantepec, in front of the mano madre pop-up shop at hostal de la noria, oaxaca

Oaxaca Te Necesita

Though Oaxaca is recovering from the catastrophic earthquake that occurred in September 2017, the city is ready to receive you! Help Oaxaca by supporting its tourism industry, its economy, and its local artists and artisans.

Share this post if you would love to visit Oaxaca!

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