As a site that features entertainment and news geared toward the lesbian and trans communities, we are committed to highlighting artists, musicians and craftspeople in those communities. This week we'd like to introduce you to Crystal González and Ivette Alé of Marimacho.
Marimacho, the first fashion house to offer a full seasonal line of masculine clothes tailored female and transgender bodies, is the vision and creation of Brooklyn-based duo Crystal González and Ivette Alé. All clothes are designed in-house, locally manufactured and the entire line is distributed online via their website.
González and Alé, who founded the company in 2010, believe “clothing is an extension of performance and delight in creating fashion that is both classic and bold.” Marimacho aims to empower queer people through gender and body responsive clothing, as they understand part of feeling comfortable in your own skin comes from being comfortable in your clothes.
As a masculine-identified woman, González knows the challenges of finding well-fitting, gender-appropriate clothing. During her college years, these frustrations inspired the idea of having a masculine clothing line for women.
Since Alé was young, fashion has been her artistic outlet. She grew up in Los Angeles’ rockabilly scene, and continues to use music subculture and throwback fashion for inspiration as the brand’s creative director.
As described on their website, “the Marimacho aesthetic is a combination of dandy fashion and urban motifs. The last five years have seen an evolution of style consciousness among queer women and transmen, which has ushered in a new fashion subculture. Marimacho is born out of this emerging style ethos. The prevailing aesthetic draws from early to mid-20th century menswear, characterized by bow ties, vests, tailored suits and button-downs. Long gone are the fashion stereotypes of the tragically unstylish masculine women; the modern queer aesthetic is tailored, sophisticated and timeless. This is Marimacho’s inspiration.”
Marimacho is dedicated to creating classic masculine fashion that empowers people of all genders. With their primary focus being fit, they keep female measurements in mind. Garments are made with narrower armholes and necklines, shorter sleeves and more bust room, giving women and transmen access to the same style and fit standards available to men.
The personal styles and tastes of González and Alé can be seen in the entire line of Marimacho garments. González likes classic looks with an urban aesthetic – fitted button-downs, bow ties and blazers as well as bold graphics and bright sneakers. Alé, who has years of experience managing finance and operations in the apparel industry but truly enjoys designing, loves vintage clothing.
Check out some of the Spring 2011 line from Marimacho below:
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Photos courtesy of Marimacho, by Bex Wade
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