A Q&A with Jacqueline Lopez, designer and founder of the ethically made resort wear line, Jaline.

By Alyssa Ford

Jaline is an ethically made and sustainable resort wear brand that values quality over quantity and asks consumers to appreciate the full process of how our clothes are made. Hand woven in Oaxaca, Mexico and manufactured in New York, Jaline’s pieces combine traditional textiles and patterns with a modern twist. Working with women artisans and a women run manufacturing facility, Jaline inspires and uplifts women through their unique silhouettes and contemporary feminine pieces. Recently SUSTAIN shared a virtual chat with designer and founder, Jacqueline Lopez, and learned more about the brand’s history and inspiration.

SUSTAIN: When starting your career, what made you decide to incorporate sustainable practices? Can you describe a little more about Jaline's values and ethics behind the brand? 

Jacqueline Lopez: Sustainability and transparency always made sense from the beginning and as a result our work contributes positively to the local economies both in Mexico and the USA.  Jaline’s textiles are handwoven on a pedal loom. All materials are ethically sourced, with zero waste and a reduced carbon footprint. I create patterns and use natural fibers with longevity in mind. We don’t discard any fabrics; we use all scraps by adding to new silhouettes or making accessories. Jaline is manufactured in NYC in a very small factory by women and I try on every sample to make sure the final piece is held to top quality. 

I started my business while living in Mexico and this is where I met Lidia and Sara, the artisans I currently work with.  I value cultures, traditions and women. Growing up with a single mother made me aware of the inequality between men and women. This was a particularly motivating factor for me as I built the business and an important element of my work with Lidia and Sara in Oaxaca, Mexico. They are now independent entrepreneurs, and it is so gratifying to see their success.  

S: How did you meet Lidia and Sara?

JL: I met Lidia and Sara 5 years ago in Oaxaca, in a local Market called Tlacolula. Every Sunday, artisans from the surrounding communities come to exhibit and sell produce, textiles and other handcrafted items. 

They were set up off a side street with very little traffic. I saw their work and felt it looked more elevated. That day I met Lidia, Sara and Sara’s husband and I asked if I ever wanted to work with them, where could I find them. Two days later I went to look for them in a small town of 3,000 people, at a house without a number…we asked people to direct us. That day I asked to see their work, as I wanted to learn their process and limitations. I envisioned a small capsule, placed an order for textiles with measurements and color combinations, then paid and left. That was the beginning of Jaline.

After 6 months, Sara’s husband left for the US and unfortunately has not been heard from since. Lidia and Sara had entirely depended on him, but they reassured me that they were capable of continuing their craft. I say this because the workmanship requires upper body strength which is why you see more men than women working on the pedal loom.  The work that Lidia and Sara create is unique and beautiful. They are true artists.

As we started to grow the business, they opened a bank account and last year bought a car.  This is why I love what I do - empowering women and encouraging them to create what they are passionate about. 

S: Could you tell us more about Lidia and Sara and their lifestyle while working with you and in Oaxaca?

JL: Lidia and Sara also love what they do. They always say how lucky they are to have met me and continue to weave because without this work they would have to make tortillas or clean houses, both they admit they are not good at. I am actually the lucky one as they are so open minded which is hard to come by, especially when you are taught a specific weave, and here I am asking and challenging them to create new patterns! All our patterns are unique, as are our silhouettes. We are so proud to have a collection that you will never see in the markets or elsewhere. How wonderful it is to take traditional weaving to a new level.

S: What inspires you in your life when it comes to creating and designing?

JL: Traveling and vintage sourcing are key components to my design inspirations. With our handwoven textiles I reimagine the silhouette. I don’t sketch but I give it a shape and together with my pattern maker we create it. As for my prints, I design each exclusively in-house, taking elements from vintage textiles or books.  Printed on 100% silk they take the shapes of easy dresses & jumpsuits. I want to offer a full package - a complete suitcase for the Jaline woman of beachwear & ready-to-wear - pieces that can go from day to night, beach to city. 

S: Do you have any favorite places to visit in Oaxaca that you would like to share with the readers?

JL: I have many favorite places that I’m happy to share with you all! Some of my favorite breakfast spots are Boulenc and Pan:am. For other restaurants I love Criollo, Ancestra Cocina Tradicional and Pitiona. For bars and cocktails I recommend Selva Oaxaca and Los Amantes

S: What do you do to rest and take time for yourself when life and work gets busy?

JL: I love listening to podcasts, cooking, going to art galleries, museums and I enjoy exploring new neighborhoods.

Photographs courtesy of Jaline & In Paid Partnership with Jaline