2024-08-24 08:22:14
Erick Citalan it’s a Fashion designer from Quetzaltenango which is characterized by creating high-end tailoring suits. Its designs have been used by prominent figures, such as Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Universe 2023, e Ivana Batchelor.
Erick Citalán, the designer from Quetzaltenango who fuses artisanal and modern techniques to create high-end tailoring suits
Born into a family of tailors of Quetzaltenango, Erick Citalan represents the third generation dedicated to this trade. His passion for fashion and tailoring originated at home, where his father and uncle continued the tailoring brand founded by his grandfather, while his mother studied to be a dressmaker.
The garments made by Citalán are distinguished by their meticulous attention to detail and the use of techniques that have been passed down through generations. These include hand-stitched seams and finishes, processes that their great-grandfather, the family’s first tailor, already used in the making of suits for men. These techniques not only give each garment a distinctive touch, but also ensure greater durability.
The start of his own brand of tailored suits
From an early age, Erick Citalán showed an innate interest in tailoring. While he was studying in the morning, he devoted his afternoons and holidays to learning the art of tailoring with his father. At the age of 16, with a solid foundation of knowledge, he launched his first line of suits for men.
In 2016, she enrolled in an international diploma course in fashion design and haute couture taught in Quetzaltenango by renowned Quetzaltecan designer José Víctor López. This diploma course provided Citalán with the necessary tools to perfect her art and, with the support of family tradition and new training, she decided to found her own brand: Erick Citalan Sastre.
Today, the Quetzalteco not only designs suits for men, but has also expanded his line to include garments for women. His designs are characterized by the fusion of artisanal and modern techniques, creating high-quality pieces that reflect both cultural heritage and innovation.
In addition to his work in fashion, Erick has developed a social project that positively impacts his community. This program is aimed at women in vulnerable situations, who are trained free of charge in basic tailoring techniques so that they can have the opportunity to start their own business and improve their living conditions.
Designing for prominent figures
Throughout his career, Erick Citalán has designed outfits for various prominent figures in Guatemala including ambassadors and beauty queens. One of his most notable achievements was designing for Ivana Batchelor, who represented Guatemala at Miss Universe 2022. During the international pageant, Batchelor wore one of Erick’s designed pants as part of a White Nun-inspired outfit, which she wore during her interview with the jury.
Another significant moment in his career was when he designed a tailored suit for Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Universe 2023, during her visit to Guatemala. Without knowing the beauty queen’s exact measurements or knowing if she would accept the gift, the Guatemalan created a piece inspired by the colors of the sky, rivers and lakes of Guatemala. In addition, he added a special detail in the pockets using handmade textiles that represent the colors of the Mayan clothing of Quetzaltenango. The suit and its meaning captured Palacios’ attention, who decided to wear the suit during one of the official events of the Miss Universe Guatemala 2024 pageant.
The talent of the Quetzalteco has crossed borders, and his designs have been exported to various countries, including the United States, Mexico, Japan, and Finland, among others in Latin America. You can learn more about his work on his Instagram or Facebook page and also by visiting his father’s tailor shop, located at 12 Avenida C-17, Zone 1 of Quetzaltenango.
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