Karissa RangelWe love a good fiesta, but sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect outfit. Located at 5124 Broadway inside the Stewart Center, Nativa specializes in bringing the best clothing and accessories from Mexico to San Antonio as a certified fair trade business. Not in San Antonio? Nativa’s expansive online store has you covered!
For almost ten years, this family business specializes in colorful pieces handmade by artisans all over Mexico. As spring quickly fades into summer and the largest party in town upon us, here are some outfit ideas that will set you apart from the Fiesta crowds.
Often imitated but never repeated, Nativa’s designs are a product of owner Tressa Castro’s relationship with partner artisans. This cactus embroidered dress steps away from classic floral designs and incorporates our favorite prickly friend, cute cacti! You won’t find this new design anywhere else. An easy breezy option, this dress is also available as a blouse.
Whether you’re chowing down on a Chicken on a Stick’s jalapeño or looking for friends in the NIOSA crowds, look cool and collected in a breezy caftan blouse. If a shirt could make you book a tropical vacation, it would be this one. Completely handwoven, this cotton blouse is available in all your favorite colors and pairs well with a flower crown or hat. Not only does Nativa have the cutest clothes, they also have accessories. True story, I fell in love with a dramatic green, straw sun hat and will be wearing it all-day, everyday.
You’ve likely noticed the growing popularity of Otomi embroidery patterns, and with good reason! The use of color and whimsical animal designs are oh-so beautiful. This convertible top can be worn off the shoulder, on the shoulder, on one shoulder, or as a tube top. One thing we love about Nativa (aside from the designs and variety of sizes) is that there is something for every price point! While this Otomi Vuelo Blouse features very involved hand embroidery and comes at a little higher price point ($148), you will also find a similar, simplified style at a fraction of the cost ($75). Oh yeah, remember that dream green hat I told you about? It’s available for $15!
Want to take your Fiesta fashion to the next level? Take a step on the bold side and walk into your favorite event looking like Fiesta royalty! Channeling my inner Miss Fiesta, the sleeves on my Pavoreal Mini Dress are perfect for parade waving. Just like all Nativa designs, no two dresses are exactly alike!
Visit Nativa Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All artisans are paid fair wages to support their families as they are usually the main source of income for their households. As other countries try to imitate the embroidery seen here on a machine, it’s increasingly important that consumers support this art form. After all Fiesta San Antonio is a “party with a purpose.” We know what we’ll be wearing; how about you?