Enter the world of leading Mexican fashion designer Carla Rodriguez and local artisan communities in Mexico City, Patzcuaro and Oaxaca as you trace the story of Mexican textile design. As Carla opens up her supply network, you’ll be immersed in the heritage and practices of this vibrant art tradition, learning about everything from the use of natural dyes like indigo and cochineal to traditional weaving techniques and how ancient indigenous designs are being reinterpreted for today’s most fashion-savvy consumers.
While temperatures in Mexico’s central highlands are pleasant year round, the rainy season from June to October is best avoided.
Price depends on the experiences and accommodation included, and your time of travel. It is based on two adults travelling for 11 nights and does not include international flights.
4 nights in Mexico City, 3 nights in Patzcuaro and 4 nights in Oaxaca
What makes your luxury Mexico journey special?
- Private dinner hosted by a leading Mexico City fashion editor, offering insider insights into Mexico’s contemporary fashion scene .
- Special access throughout, including an exclusive after-hours tour of the National Museum of Anthropology and numerous design ateliers.
- Immersive experience with renowned fashion designer Carla Fernandez, from meeting traditional shawl weavers to creating your own bespoke garment in her atelier.
- Hands-on encounters with Purepecha artisans in Michoacan, learning the stories and techniques behind feather art, story cloths, and ceremonial masks still central to community life.
- Deep dive into Oaxaca’s textile and dye traditions, exploring natural pigments and indigenous design perspectives.
Your luxury Mexico holiday itinerary
Mexico’s Design Capital
Mexico City
Despite its size, Mexico City is filled with warmth, charm and delicious cuisine. Kick off your journey into Mexican fashion with an exclusive private dinner hosted by fashion editor Guadalupe Mercado, who will offer insider perspectives on Mexico’s vibrant fashion scene—all while enjoying exceptional cuisine in one of the city’s stylish dining spots. Then, taking inspiration for your journey ahead, explore the legacy of one of the country’s most revered artists Frida Kahlo as you visit her home, Casa Azul, before enjoying an exclusive after-hours tour of the National Museum of Anthropology and its wonderful mesoamerican artefacts.
A highlight of your journey into Mexican fashion will be the chance to gain an intimate insight into the world of one of Mexico’s most renowned fashion designers, Carla Fernandez. First, head out of town to the rural community of Tenancingo, where you’ll meet some of the indigenous artisans who supply Carla and see how they weave traditional rebozo shawls on pedal looms. Then enjoy a private visit to Carla’s atelier where you’ll be able to design your own piece inspired by the geometric indigenous motifs you have seen that will be assembled on site by a skilled seamstress.
Folk Art Traditions in Michoacan
Patzcuaro
Over the next three days, take a deep dive into centuries-old indigenous textile design as you explore the magical colonial town of Patzcuaro and its surrounding villages in the beautiful Michoacan countryside of western Mexico. This region is the traditional home of the Purepecha, a people the Aztecs were unable to subdue, and whose folk art traditions are still today very much alive.
Meeting master Purepecha artisans in their workshops and hearing the stories behind their craft, you’ll learn how they make their remarkably intricate pieces, from feather art shawls to remarkable story cloths that depict daily life, spiritual beliefs and nature, and passed down through the generations. In the village of Tocuaro, you’ll also visit the makers of the extraordinary masks they use in regional dances and festivities. While not out and about, relax in the surroundings of Casa de la Real Aduana, one of Mexico’s most enchanting boutique hotels.
The Heart of Indigenous Mexican Culture
Oaxaca
The final stage of your journey focuses on Oaxaca. Brimming with indigenous culture, Oaxaca offers Mexico’s most dynamic arts and crafts scene, spectacular fiestas and a wonderfully varied and delicious regional cuisine. Over the next four days, you’ll meet Oaxaca’s most accomplished designers and innovative boutique owners. Explore the exquisite collections of the Oaxaca Textile Museum with celebrated Mazatec textile artist Boris Ildefonso. Discover the roots of Teotitlan’s textile communities through the lens of Luvia Lazo, a Zapotec photographer and artist whose work reveals the soul of her community. Learn about the uses of cacti, agaves and other endemic plants of the region at Oaxaca’s famed Ethnobotanical Gardens.
Then dive into a rich colour palette as you explore the preparation and use of natural dyes such as indigo, cochineal, walnut and Mexican tarragon before dyeing the garment you created in the atelier of Carla Fernandez. As a fitting send-off to your journey through Mexican textile design, enjoy an inspiring lunch with some of Oaxaca’s most creative minds who are shaping the future of art and design in the region.
Where you'll stay in Mexico
Great journeys need great places to lay your head. These are our tried and tested suggestions.
La Valise Mexico City
Housed in a restored 1920s townhouse In Mexico City’s bohemian Roma Norte, La Valise feels like a secret shared among people who value intimacy, artistry and impeccable design. With just three suites, all different, it’s a boutique hotel offering a deep sense of place and quiet luxury. Every detail, from Oaxacan ceramics to vintage photographs, feels considered, curated and personal. There’s no restaurant, spa or grand lobby, just a sense of discretion and warmth that make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a stylish friend’s private residence.
Casa de la Real Aduana
Located in the heart of historic Patzcuaro, Casa de la Real Aduana is a magical sanctuary, offering the rare luxury of true peace. Set within a 16th-century former customs house in the heart of town, its thick stone walls, carved wooden doors and sun-warmed courtyards speak to its past, while the atmosphere remains unhurried and deeply restful. What makes your stay really special are the charming hosting by its husband-and-wife owners, and the sense of intimacy and natural good taste created. With just a handful of rooms, and a decor rich in handcrafted furnishings, local textiles and subtle design choices that reflect Michoacán’s artistic traditions, Casa de la Real Aduana feels more like a private residence than a hotel.
Casa Oaxaca
Set in the heart of Oaxaca’s historic centre, Casa Oaxaca is housed in an eighteenth-century colonial mansion that balances old-world intimacy with contemporary polish. Whitewashed courtyards open onto serene terraces framed by bougainvillea, and interiors celebrate Oaxacan craftsmanship through handwoven textiles, sculptural clay lamps and minimalist wooden furniture. The food here, under the helm of celebrated chef Alejandro Ruiz, is simply wonderful. And be sure to gather on the rooftop terrace at dusk for a margarita and ethereal views across Oaxaca’s terracotta rooftops.
Customise your Mexico journey
All of our journeys are fully bespoke, and can be customised to meet your needs, interests and preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
Mexico’s design and craftmaking traditions are incredibly varied, and our black book here allows you to explore a multitude of traditions from poster design to jewellery-making alongside leaders in their field.
Just a short hop from Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido is one of Mexico’s chicest beach resorts, perfect for decompressing by the Pacific Ocean at the end of your trip.
Add some time to explore the design traditions of the Yucatan while staying at an exquisite private hacienda.
For those looking to deepen their hands-on skills, we can arrange longer and more focused courses.
Looking for more inspiration?
We have a huge range of inspiring private experiences and accommodation options available. Get in touch with our Mexico specialists.
ENQUIRELearn more about our luxury holidays, or call our expert Latin America team on +44 1367 850566 / 1-855-216-5040 (toll free) to discuss how we can turn your dreams into something truly magical.
“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away”