MuXu creates ethical, eco-friendly, and upcycled ‘slow fashion’

Ainara Calahorra is the founder of MuXu, a brand that focuses on creating ethical, eco-friendly, upcycled, and zero-waste products. This approach is known as “slow fashion” which is all about reducing the amount of waste and exploitation in the fashion industry. Slow fashion is the opposite of fast fashion, where cheap, trendy products are made quickly, creating an overwhelming amount of waste.

After almost 20 years as a psychologist, Calahorra decided to re-design her career path. She went back to school and learned how to sew at San Diego College Continuing Education (SDCCE).

Originally from the Basque Country in Spain, she decided to start this business. MuXu means “kiss” in Basque and the Creations reflect her passion for making things.

Calahorra is also a talented watercolorist artist and designer. She creates these beautiful watercolor art pieces and then adds them to her clothes, accessories, and gift cards using water-based ink. Her designs are inspired by nature, especially the beauty of California.

MuXu rescues fabrics such as swatches, deadstock, rolls of fabric, scraps, or vintage pieces so they won’t end up in landfills. She transforms these materials into one-of-a-kind creations, each with its own story. With her incredible artwork, these fabrics become wearable art, bringing back quality and style in a sustainable way.

MuXu also offers beautiful gift cards. One collection is called, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The front of the cards is blank so they can be framed. Other collections include California Native Plants, Birds, and California Shores, which you will find on her garments.

Another service that MuXu offers is custom clutches. Customers can send in their fabric or they can choose a fabric from “MuXu Creation Fabric.” This allows the customer to be part of the creative process. There are two shapes to choose from: fan-shaped clutch or rectangular clutch.

Callahorra also shares her ideas through a newsletter and a blog with quick tips on living sustainably. For more information, visit muxucreations.com.

Also stay tuned for my second podcast, where I interview Callahorra on my YouTube channel. She unveils her next collection. This will be airing soon at DianaCavagnaroHatChic.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, Sept. 5 – The Fire Within fashion show featuring 11 Native American designers at the Heritage Ballroom at Sycuan Casino and Resort. This is a 21-plus event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. For tickets: sycuanfashionshow.com

Sunday, Sept. 8 – Fall in Love with Fashion: “Project Runway” designer Gordana Gehlhausen from 4-8 p.m. at 2919 Hill Valley Drive in Escondido. Benefits the Berry Good Food Foundation. Tickets at: https://bit.ly/4ffIO4D.

Thursday, Sept. 12 – The Art of Fashion in partnership with South Coast Plaza at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Ticket at: thecountryfriends.org.

Sunday, Sept. 21 – 20th annual Strut for Sobriety! fashion show and recovery awareness event for new PATH at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Tickets at: 619-670-1184.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.