Fusion of Soccer and Mexican Culture in Hugo Rosas’ Jersey Designs

In Mexico City, Hugo Rosas is blending soccer with the essence of Mexican identity in his jersey designs for the World Cup. These designs echo Mexico’s iconic decorations, showcasing the nation’s culture internationally.

Rosas’ latest collection, ‘Calados del Alma’ or ‘Cutouts of the Soul,’ draws from ancient Mexican traditions and ‘papel picado,’ delicate cut-paper ornaments used during festivities. ‘We try to craft concepts that resonate with us and convey traditions that fill Mexicans with pride,’ said Rosas, who has managed a workshop with his brother Andrés near Mexico City since 2022. ‘The best of the country is mirrored in papel picado, colors, and town celebrations.’

Ancient Beliefs in Modern Jerseys

The first jersey they designed featured Quetzalcoatl, a revered feathered serpent deity from pre-Hispanic civilizations. This design remains a favorite of Andrés, who handles the brand’s marketing efforts. ‘Quetzalcoatl represents a worldview that sees balance, not simple human extraction,’ said Andrés. This perspective informs most products, deeply rooted in pre-Hispanic beliefs.

Hugo’s World Cup collection builds on a previous set of designs called ‘Ofrenda Viva’ or ‘Live Offering.’ Its concept reflects Mexico’s Day of the Dead, focusing on celebration and memory rather than sorrow.

Crafting the Jerseys

Cande Martinez prepares soccer jerseys inspired by papel picado and traditional folk art in Cuautitlán Izcalli, showing the influence of Mexclart. Designer Hugo Rosas and his team create jerseys that emulate papel picado, designed to honor past generations. Made of polyester, the fabric withstands delicate cutting akin to papel picado, avoiding tears or rips.

Designing can take three weeks per jersey, while sewing and cutting take 8 to 10 hours. Rosas starts by selecting symbols, followed by determining size and shape for alignment in stitching. Once a design is completed, seamstresses meticulously cut and sew each piece.

A Unique Approach

The Rosas brothers operate on a small scale, valuing the artisanal care behind each jersey. Since the launch of their World Cup collection in April, Mexclart has crafted about 30 jerseys, with demand expected to rise as the event nears.

One collection highlights pre-Hispanic deities, featuring Mictlantecuhtli, the skeletal Aztec god of the underworld. ‘Wearing these garments is like donning a modern armor, showcasing pride and passion for our roots,’ Rosas said.

Rosas draws inspiration from Mexican history books and travels to Indigenous communities where traditional ceremonies continue. If given the choice, he would use materials like gold to represent deities as ancestors did. Each garment aims to connect Mexicans with their historical roots.

The Associated Press covers this story with support from The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP holds sole responsibility for the content.