Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and pride. It’s an opportunity to honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and vibrant traditions of the Latinx community. For me, this celebration is deeply personal—it’s woven into the very fabric of my life, my heritage, and my work with Madame Gabriela.
Color is a powerful expression of Hispanic culture, carrying deep meanings, evoking emotions, and telling stories passed down through generations. From the vibrant hues of Mayan and Aztec pyramids to the brilliant textiles and murals that grace our cities today, color is woven into the very fabric of Latin America. Each hue has its own significance, rooted in tradition and symbolism. For instance, the deep reds and oranges in Mexican art and clothing symbolize the warmth of the sun, the energy of life, and the strength of our people—just like our signature shade, Mexico City at 9PM.
Mexico City at 9PM: A Tribute to the Nightlife and Energy of CDMX
One of the shades that I’m particularly proud of is Mexico City at 9PM. This deep, bold color is inspired by the vibrant nightlife of Mexico City, a place that holds a special place in my heart. The city comes alive at night, with its streets bustling with energy, creativity, and passion. From the neon lights of the Zona Rosa to the historic charm of Coyoacán, Mexico City at night is a kaleidoscope of colors and cultures, where tradition meets modernity.
This lipstick shade captures that essence—bold, daring, and full of life. It’s a color that embodies the spirit of the city, a place where every corner has a story to tell. When you wear Mexico City at 9PM, you’re not just putting on lipstick; you’re embracing the energy and vibrancy of one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
Paris at 7PM: Where Red Meets Blue
Blue is reminiscent of the ocean and the earth, representing fertility. And while I do not have a pure blue shade, I added a touch of blue into our signature red, Paris at 7PM, to create a cool-toned red that flatters all skin tones. Paris and Mexico City share a deep connection—both cities are known for their stunning architecture, rich artistic heritage, and a shared history of cultural exchange. This hue was designed to be the ultimate feminine red—a nod to the elegance of Paris, but with a twist that reflects my Hispanic heritage and the vibrant energy of Mexico City.
New York at 1PM: The Most Pink of Pinks
You’ll see that Hispanic influence in our other colors as well. My pink, New York at 1PM, has been called “the most pink of pinks ever.” That flash of pink was inspired by New York City’s energy, and because the color first captivated me in the works of Frida Kahlo at MoMA in New York. Of course, this pink is everywhere in Mexico City—Artist Ramón Valdiosera coined the term rosa mexicano, or Mexican Pink, a color that can be seen across Mexico on just about anything that can hold color. New York and Mexico City, both hubs of creativity and cultural fusion, continue to influence the modern art scene, with today’s Mexican creatives embracing their cultural roots and pushing boundaries.
Sydney at 8AM: A Nude with Heritage
You might think that my signature nude, Sydney at 8AM, couldn’t possibly be inspired by Hispanic culture. But you’d be wrong. While the name and time of the color were inspired by Sydney’s love for clean living and the classic Australian love for life, my thoughts were actually rooted in something much more historic: the Aztec and Mayan cultures. These civilizations greatly influenced modern Mexican art, design, and fashion. The slight hint of yellow in this nude was inspired by maize—the sacred crop of the Mayans, believed to be a gift from the gods and the staple for good life. This connection to the earth and sustenance echoes the Australian love for food and wine, making this shade a global tribute.
Saint Tropez at 11AM: A Clear Balm with Deep Roots
Even my clear balm, Saint Tropez at 11AM, carries a touch of heritage. While it was inspired by my summers in the south of France of course, its clean, white color has been an important element in Mexican textiles long before Spanish colonization. Today, white retains its symbolic meaning in the national flag and cultural traditions, representing purity, peace, and clarity—values that are essential to both my personal and professional life.
These colors are not just decorative; they are a form of communication, a way to express identity, beliefs, and emotions. They bring life to our festivals, our homes, and our wardrobes, and they have a special place in the beauty rituals that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite you to celebrate with us by embracing the colors and traditions that make our culture so unique. Whether it’s through wearing one of our shades, exploring the rich history behind them, or simply reflecting on your own heritage, let’s take this time to honor the beauty of our roots and the power of tradition.
xoxoxo,
Gabriela