Prada Group and UNFPA celebrated the completion of their first-of-its-kind fashion training program "Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears" in Mexico with an intimate event to highlight the milestones that the artisans achieved during the six-month period.  

The training program implemented by UNFPA Mexico provides women with valuable knowledge and practical skills in the fashion industry while promoting women’s empowerment and sexual reproductive health. The expansion of the program to Querétaro state (Mexico) was initiated in September 2023. 

The project involved thirty women artisans in Querétaro state, from Indigenous and surrounding communities with experience in weaving and embroidery, to strengthen their technical, artistic, and financial skills. 

The participants – embroiderers and weavers between 18 and 50 years old – were mothers who work as artisans in small family-run home workshops, usually with the help of their children, supporting their families through the sale of artisanal items at Querétaro’s local markets.

The evening included a panel discussion, titled Doing great things together!, on the experiences and learnings from the program as well as its impact in the context of the wider fashion industry. Moderated by Farah Slim, Head of Editorial Content of Glamour México y Latinoamérica, the panel included Mariarosa Cutillo, Chief of Strategic Partnerships of UNFPA, Galo Bertin, fashion designer and Program Advisor, Adriana Barrón, artisan (San Juan del Río, Querétaro), Estela Porfirio, artisan (Amealco, Querétaro), Emilienne Limón, Mexico Artisan Program Advisor of Nest. 

After the initial opening remarks and the panel discussion, guests explored an exhibition that showcased twenty designs from the artisans, which they created during the program.