Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit and tour the studio and showroom of the brand 1/8 Takamura, founded by Mexican designer Guillermo Vargas Ayluardo.
Located on República de El Salvador in Mexico City’s Historic Center, the studio brings together a team of approximately 20 people working across different areas that shape and sustain the brand. While I was already familiar with 1/8 Takamura, I was not aware of the story behind its foundation.
Mariana Barbosa, who leads the CRM area at 1/8 Takamura, guided me through a personalized tour, sharing deeper insights into the brand and the roles of the people working behind it.
To begin with, I learned that the brand’s name originates from a family story. Guillermo Vargas Artistic Director of the brand has Japanese ancestry through his great-grandfather, whose last name was Takamura. As a tribute, Guillermo adopted the name after frequently being told he looked “one-eighth Japanese,” transforming that personal anecdote into the conceptual identity of the brand.
“Guillermo Vargas Ayluardo, Artistic Director of 1/8 Takamura, chose fashion out of a deep love for the craft of garment construction. Born in Mexico City in 1977, he studied at IESModa, Casa de Francia, where he later became a professor. After completing an internship with French designer Isabel Marant in Paris, he received the Moët & Fashion México Award, being recognized as Best Young Designer.”
1/8 Takamura is built upon a compelling vision: highlighting craftsmanship and elevating utilitarian clothing through design and construction.
During the visit, I met Nico, an artisan responsible for embroidering and intervening many of the brand’s garments. With remarkable talent and precision in every stitch, his work reflects the dedication behind the pieces.
Nico learned embroidery at the age of sixteen and has been part of the brand’s creative team for the past fourteen years.
Within the studio, the garment construction process also includes fabric layups (tendidos), where textiles are carefully spread and prepared for cutting, allowing the team to oversee production directly from design to construction
Within the studio, there are also a couple of people in charge of developing the samples before they go into production. You will also find the brand’s archive, as well as the creative area where the collections are developed.
If you are looking for a personalized shopping experience, the studio also houses a showroom where you can find the current collections as well as special sample sales.
