De Compras

Two of the most prominent elements that define traditional Mexican fashion are the use of bright colors and textiles, which are themes often reflected in grocery stores. “DE COMPRAS” celebrates this tradition while playing within the spaces of Tienda Hispana La Nueva Guadalupana LLC Mini Mart and La Superior, both local businesses carrying Mexican products. The colorful pastries, candies, piñatas, murals, and fresh produce serve as their own scene, which only became richer when a high-fashion twist was added. Èpoque aimed to highlight different, nontraditional art forms, which created space to celebrate everyday spaces as simple as a grocery store and the attire found within it. In “DE COMPRAS,” we combined textures and traditions. 

Evening wear in rich jewel tones, as well as stark black and white, contrasted the bright hues of the produce and art inside the stores. Models – Elizah Van Lokeren, Jade Tsai, Jaden Esquival, Noah Hughes, and Safa Tanuzi – were dressed to the nines, directly challenging the norm of grocery shopping in loungewear. Our models wore simple makeup to contrast the busy surroundings and attire. They posed throughout the stores as if on a Sunday grocery run and interacted with their surroundings, trying to blend in with the bright colors and candies. As a style-focused shoot, there was an attention to detail in accessories and patterns.

“DE COMPRAS” is a celebration of color, community, and culture – all of which are visible within the grocery stores that serve Mexican communities. Playing, laughing, and hanging out in Tienda Hispana La Nueva Guadalupana and La Superior showcases the creativity and inspiration found in everyday places. This shoot was created, planned, and inspired by Èpoque’s Co-Editor-In-Chief, Alexandra Maldonado-Sánchez, as an homage to her Mexican roots.