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STYLE AND CULTURE
STYLISH CITY: MEXICO CITY
By Laura Cochrane-Davies, 15 June 2019
Mexico is enjoying its moment in the sun right now – fashionably and literally (it’s boiling hot there, after all). The Mexicana influence could be seen all over the SS19 catwalks, from Molly Goddard’s one-shouldered ruffle tops to Gucci’s floral embroidery and square-cut vests. Kaleidoscopic colours and bold prints were made for its sprawling capital, aptly named Mexico City, where you'll find secret salsa clubs and some of the world's best restaurants behind the faded facades. It's also home to 22 million people, so rather than get lost among its labyrinthine calles, check out our guide on what to see and be seen in.
Picture: ASOS
What to wear
We can’t talk about Mexican threads without a shout-out to the country’s ultimate style icon, Frida Kahlo. The trailblazing artist’s traditional Tehuana full skirts and flower headdresses did more than just cover the medical corsets she was forced to wear – they also showcased her unapologetic attitude. Handy, as that's also rule number one in Mexico City style: dress like you don't give an eff. The wildest of prints? Sure. Beaded bags? Of course. Architectural heels? Definitely. It's all about going big or going home. Team with neon nails and bright sunnies and you're now schooled in Mexican fashun. Throw on some v high SPF and you're ready to go sightseeing...
Where to stay
As one of the world’s biggest cities, Ciudad de Mexico has a list of mega attractions to match its megatropolis status. And they’re all worth it, so set aside more than just a weekend. Stay in the Instagrammable Chaya – a blissed-out B&B adorned with the cutest cacti collection, shady hammocks for much-needed siestas and the best breakfasts in town. It’s smack bang in the heart of Centro Historico where every other building is a palace – even the post office is made of gold – so start by checking out the elegant and ornate Palacio de Bellas Artes, before taking the rickety lift to the top of the nearby Torre Latinoamericana to see the opera house's fiery glass roof from 45 floors above.
Pictures: Getty
What to see
Venture on to the beautiful, giant Bosque de Chapultepec park for the breathtaking water feature in Museo Nacional de Antropologia, and visit the castle, where much of Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet was filmed. Once you've got the selfie on the staircase, it's time to get lost in the nearby neighbourhoods of La Condesa, Hipodromo and Roma (yes, that Oscar-winning Roma). This is bohemian Mexico at its hipster best. Think vibrant bars painted in rich hues and enough boutiques to find that ‘What, this? I just found it in a little shop in Mexico City’ embellished straw bag.
Taxi it to Museo Soumaya in the fancy Polanco district to see the Gehry-esque shimmering masterpiece. You don't even need to enter the art gallery to be impressed. But do… it houses pieces by Rodin, Dali and giant murals by Kahlo's husband, Diego Rivera. And while you’re in this luxe part of town, try the experimental cocktails at Limantour and eat at world-renowned Pujol for The Best Tacos You’ll Ever Eat™. Don’t worry if you can’t get a table (reservations are full months in advance) – visit Contramar in Roma instead, for its outstanding Mexican moules and ceviche.
You can’t travel across the world without a day trip to the world heritage site Teotihuacan, an hour northwest of the city. Dig out your GCSE history notes and geek out on the Aztec antiquities, but don't forget your kicks, as you can climb two of the crumbling pyramids for the best Indiana Jones-style boomerangs. And, as if aaaallll that wasn’t enough, make sure you visit Xochimilco, a neon Venice where locals take picnics, get the mojitos flowing and float down the canals to the sound of mariachi bands on nearby gondolas. Minimalists, this is not a city for you.
Taxi it to Museo Soumaya in the fancy Polanco district to see the Gehry-esque shimmering masterpiece. You don't even need to enter the art gallery to be impressed. But do… it houses pieces by Rodin, Dali and giant murals by Kahlo's husband, Diego Rivera. And while you’re in this luxe part of town, try the experimental cocktails at Limantour and eat at world-renowned Pujol for The Best Tacos You’ll Ever Eat™. Don’t worry if you can’t get a table (reservations are full months in advance) – visit Contramar in Roma instead, for its outstanding Mexican moules and ceviche.
You can’t travel across the world without a day trip to the world heritage site Teotihuacan, an hour northwest of the city. Dig out your GCSE history notes and geek out on the Aztec antiquities, but don't forget your kicks, as you can climb two of the crumbling pyramids for the best Indiana Jones-style boomerangs. And, as if aaaallll that wasn’t enough, make sure you visit Xochimilco, a neon Venice where locals take picnics, get the mojitos flowing and float down the canals to the sound of mariachi bands on nearby gondolas. Minimalists, this is not a city for you.
