By Fernanda Noriega
Around 1993, an esoteric, small store emerged that would become what is now known as Cenquizqui. I was unsure how to spell the name and asked about its meaning. Then I understood the magical atmosphere it reflects when you enter the store: “totality or perfection of being.”
When the Mexican started the business, she designed clothes made of leather, as well as some ethnic-style clothes. She has currently expanded that vision, and says, “I am very much inspired by period clothing: Victorian, Medieval, and Renaissance; in addition to that I continue to create ethnic clothing. Many of my fashions look like clothes from yesteryear.” Indeed, the fashions that you find in the store seem to come out of a film about ancient times. As far as the fabrics go, each garment is made of natural fibers. Although the designer pays a lot of attention to aesthetics, she focuses on using organic materials and loves to experiment with them. “One fine day they gave me the tree that has my favorite wood. I took great care of that tree, and that’s how I started using wood in my creations,” she says. Now can you imagine a skirt made of wood?
You may be thinking that this type of garment does not match your style. But I invite you to visit this natural, organic store at Zacateros #47 and be prepared to fall in love with the unique designs there. Until something is real, sometimes you can’t figure out what your style is until you try it. San Miguel is the right place to dare to be yourself. Many celebrities, including Margarita, “the goddess of cumbia,” and Lilia Aragón, have been captivated by the garments that have been here for the last five years. The designer says that she has on more than one occasion lent some of the garments as costumes for plays in the city. This is all because of the passion she feels for the design and manufacture of her ideas. “I like to work intimately with the seamstress. Many times we are in trial and error mode until I am convinced of the result,” she says. You can visit the store any day of the week from 11am to 6pm. And why not dare to change your wardrobe!
