Micro-trend: Fish are having a moment
Among Latin American brands.
Not long ago, I passed by a street vendor in my neighborhood and saw something that caught my eye: a woven palm, fish-shaped bag.
It was so well made that I had an immediate impulse to buy it, except – I had no cash on hand.
This particular micro-trend has been fishing for customers since the pandemic, when Coddies fish flip flops gained popularity on social media.
However, the ‘fish’ came back to my attention today after watching Fashion Week Mexico videos of Julia y Renata’s show, a well-known Mexican brand established in Guadalajara.
In the pictures, I noticed something particular about the shoes: they were fish-shaped.
Recently, within Latin American fashion brands, I’ve encountered not just one but several shoes, motifs, and bags that are taking the ‘fish’ in a new, more sophisticated direction.
Here’s a list of what I’ve found:
Julia y Renata
At their 2025 presentation, Arúmuro, the legendary Guadalajara-based brand Julia y Renata, partnered once again with Oaxacan brand Baku Artesanal, who created "El Pescadito" (The Little Fish), a sandal with a fish tail made from fish leather.
On Instagram, Baku Artesanal explained the idea behind using this new material:
No worthwhile idea comes without challenges. The first was where to source fish leather. Not only in sufficient quantity but also with a variety of species. We approached one of the state's most important fish traders, La Red. From the start, the support and willingness of our dear Vale, her knowledge, and her friendship paved the way for us.
Then came hours and hours of trial and error with each process: testing durability, eliminating odors, and achieving the right textures.
Finally, four years later, the product was finalized, made with fish leather (in natural tones and some dyed with natural pigments), calf leather, and recycled tire soles:
“From the beginning, Baku has promoted the use of sustainable materials combined with traditional techniques, and Pescadito is no exception.
The tanning of the leather is done with plants and vegetables native to the region, using traditional techniques.”
NIN STUDIO
For their SS25 Runway Show titled ‘Mesa Mayhem’ at Fashion Forward a few weeks ago, Mexico City-based brand NIN STUDIO showcased their entire collection with models wearing some sort of fish flop. While I couldn’t reach the brand for this post and can't confirm or deny it, upon closer inspection, the sandals resembled the original Fish Flops: Coddies.
Talk about making it look like an elegant piece of fish footwear!
VOLVER WORKSHOP
The Puerto Rican designer, born in New York and based in Brooklyn, shared her creation of the “Go-Fish Bag and Wallet Set” through social media. The set includes a knitted macramé bag and a fish wallet, both crafted from Italian lambskin.
In her post, she wrote,"After binge-watching season 10 of Alone, I realized I could never be a contestant on that show, but I can at least secure my survival by always having a fish in my gill net."
You can purchase the handmade piece here.
FARINA
This is a lookbook I’ve been wanting to share for a while, and I will probably add it in full to my section of Latin Designers' Collections.
Venezuelan accessory designer Vanessa Farina has recently ventured into clothing, and with her latest collection, Fardina (a nod to sardine), she includes several prints inspired by fish in the Caribbean, as well as a bag:
We are inspired by this fish, which represents the abundance of the Caribbean. It has been both sustenance and prosperity for our society. Our coasts are filled with sardines in Sucre and Nueva Esparta, painting a picture of joy in the connection between the sea, fishing, and nourishment.
In times like those Venezuela is currently experiencing, this collection reflects society as a school of fish working together for the well-being of all.
Other fish I’ve found in the pond:
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