Today we’d like to introduce you to Cesar Alvarez.
Hi Cesar, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started in Mexico City creating a website to share my work and that of my designer friends -when you are young and do not have much experience, it is difficult to find spaces to exhibit your work.- So I started Totem Blog, where we create conversations from independent designers through reports and photoshoots. At the same time, I created a clothing line (street wear) called SAD YOUTH where I made printed shirts and sold them in sales and bazaars that the same community of young creatives created.
Little by little, our work was polished to the level that in some way we were a self-sustaining community. Years later, I decided to try my luck in the City of Los Angeles where I began to work in service to pay for my expenses, bars and restaurant. While looking for work as a fashion stylist and connecting with the creatives of this City. Currently, with Tótem (Magazine) we have created a solid community in Los Angeles on par with our community in Mexico. To continue supporting the talent of Mexican designers, I opened a space in Koreatown under the name of Tótem Tienda. Where we sell and exhibit the work of around 25 Latino designers.
Our main focus is to support the work of POC, LGBTQ + Community women. Mainly related to fashion, art and culture.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been easy at all, many times the same industry makes you doubt your purpose and continue creating these spaces and projects. Fortunately, the very loyalty of my community has allowed me to carry on.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m Latinx a Fashion Stylist, also editor ¡in Chief of Tótem Magazine.
Tótem is an independent digital platform founded in Mexico City in 2014. We address and report on contemporary culture from a plural, inclusive, and fresh perspective that seeks to give a voice to all identities and aesthetic manifestations around the world, with special emphasis and interest in the creative scenes of Mexico City, Los Angeles, and New York.
Any big plans?
I’m planning on keep growing, be able to do more experiences for our community connecting artists and people through creativity.
Next year we are planning more workshops and events at hour physical space in Koreatown.
Contact Info:
- Email: cesar@totemmag.com
- Website: cesaralvarez.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triste_juventud
- Other: http://www.totemmag.com/
