Mexican designer Patricio Campillo has left an indelible mark on New York Fashion Week by presenting his “Fictions of Reality” collection for the fall-winter 2025 season.
However, beyond his innovative proposals, what really captured attention was his political statement in defense of Mexican identity.
A T-shirt that speaks for Mexico
At the conclusion of her runway show on February 7, 2025, Campillo appeared on the catwalk wearing a white T-shirt with the phrase “The Gulf of Mexico,” surrounded by dolphins and with the national flag at the bottom.
This gesture was a direct response to the executive order of U.S. President Donald Trump, who in January 2025 decreed the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America.”
Fashion as a protest tool
In an interview with CNN, Campillo expressed his motivation behind this act.
I always have this attitude of defending my country and I love my country
Patricio Campillo, mexican designer
The designer highlighted how fashion can serve as a powerful medium to convey political and social messages, especially in times of international tension.
Reactions in the Hispanic community
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The appearance of Patricio Campillo in the “Gulf of Mexico” T-shirt resonated deeply with the U.S. Hispanic community.
Many saw in his gesture a reaffirmation of Mexican pride and identity in the midst of policies that seek to redefine geographic and cultural terms.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, also spoke out on the matter, sending diplomatic letters to Google to keep the historic name on its platforms.
T-shirt availability
For those who wish to support the cause and wear the T-shirt, it is available at online store of brand of Patricio Campillo.
The garment has become a symbol of cultural resistance and has gained popularity on social networks, especially on Facebook, where the Hispanic community has shared images and messages of support.
The importance of identity in times of change
Campillo’s act underlines the relevance of maintaining and defending cultural identity in times of political change.
Fashion, beyond being an aesthetic expression, stands as a platform for dialogue and peaceful protest, reminding us of the importance of our roots and the need to preserve them.
