Moños De Mi Ninez

The most extravagant and mesmerizing creation of a what one could call just a “hair accessory” , is actually much more than that when it’s from Moños de Mi Ninez. Evanelly Garcia, 23, is the forerunner of bows for our generation infusing cultural passion with one of a kind textiles sourced in the LA fashion district to create an adornment unlike any other. From sold out website drops, consistent virality, to pop-ups across the world in Japan- the entire world is yearning for their own bow. I mean who wouldn’t? Paying homage to Oaxacan innovators, the Mexican designer from La Puente took the time to share her start, why, and where she is headed.

Garcia wearing Moños, shot by @monicazulemaa

HG: Can you provide a backstory about you, Evanelly, your upbringing, and how you got into fashion/designing up until today? 

EG: Ever since I was a kid, I loved hoarding objects, clothes, paint, whatever I thought I could use and upcycle. I loved everything about creating something out of nothing and playing with all these variations of things which I believe my stem for fashion and art came from.  

HG: When was the pivotal moment or experience that prompted you to launch Moño de Mi Niñez and what factors contributed to the timing of its inception?

EG: Hitting rock bottom, feeling unsafe, and losing myself was the commencement for bringing this project about. I gave myself three months to accomplish this and with hard work and consistency, I did it. I pulled myself out of the dark hole. I was alone but it was thanks to my moños. At the time when I felt hopeless, I would imagine 8-year-old me not judging me or giving up on me, but rather holding my hand. That was my glimpse of light to keep going. 

HG: Do you do this full-time? If so, when did you know to go all in? 

EG: I do this full-time because a plan b means doubt. I don't want to do anything else or go back. Although it can be scary sometimes, I trust that everything works out as it should whether it be bad or good. 

EG: Your brand, Moño de Mi Ninez, beautifully encapsulates elements of Mexican American childhood nostalgia. How do you navigate the balance between honoring tradition and infusing your own creative vision into your designs?

HG: Nostalgia and the feeling of any sight that brings upon that feeling of warmth is what I encapsulate through the colors, texture, and layers of every color palette. 

HG: Many artists and designers find inspiration in unexpected places. Can you share a specific childhood memory or experience that directly influenced the creation of one of your favorite bow designs?

EG: There was a time on my birthday when my mom put on this beautiful ruffled dress with ruffled lace socks and my Mary Janes. That was the prettiest outfit and I felt like a princess. It was one of my fondest memories and I take that memory into every lacey and ruffled bow design I make to feel like a princess again. 

HG: What is involved in the process of making your bows from start to finish in terms of sourcing and the overall time it takes to complete (aka what the people don’t see)? 

EG: The process is time-consuming. It takes a lot of time from planning behind the scenes to getting together photoshoots, trimming the quantity of bows, to tying and assembling the bows. All that comes with it is not easy especially when it comes to sourcing material. That's the most overwhelming part because there's so much to look at and work with but I love and I'm grateful I get to do this. 

HG: Texture and color seem to play a significant role in your designs, reflecting a “maximalist coquette” style. How do you approach the combination of different textures and colors to create a cohesive yet dynamic piece?

EG: I enjoy balance mainly in everything. I like to mirror that in the designs which is why I love the use of different textures, patterns, and a cohesive color palette. It is all layered but seen so the colors blend behind one another in a unison and eloquent way. 

HG: Could you share insights into how your cultural roots manifest in the aesthetic and storytelling of Moño de Mi Niñez's creations?

EG: Indigenous women of Oaxaca are the women who created it first, the bows our mother would put on our hair when we were kids, and the fact that we can use these pieces and ribbon in the braids as a protest that we are still here. Our hair is sacred and to me, my bows are, a protest of my cultural roots and an ode to the culture of love from our mothers.

HG: Your brand not only celebrates Mexican American culture but also aims to create a sense of connection and belonging for your customers. How do you hope your bows contribute to shaping personal narratives and cultural identity for those who wear them?

EG: I just want people who wear them to feel like their inner child is holding their hand in this life. We've all been through something in our lives that hurt so bad we felt like there's no way out or a happy ending but I want them to know and feel like there will always be little you rooting for you when nobody is. Not judging you, not ashamed but proud that you're still breathing, still curious and playful as you once were. That those feelings of invincibility are still within and that you're created from within not from the outside. 

HG: What are your goals for Moños De Mi Ninez? What’s in store or what do you see for your brand in the future?

EG: I want to combine other projects with this brand that will expand its storytelling through design. Si Dios quiere.