Prada Group and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have announced the third edition of Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears. This initiative, first introduced in Mexico in 2023 after its success in Ghana and Kenya, continues to use fashion as a tool for empowerment. The program supports women artisans in Querétaro by nurturing their skills in craftsmanship while also educating them on gender equality and reproductive health. For 2025, the initiative welcomes 46 artisans, 26 returning participants who will advance their training, and 20 new artisans selected by their peers, who will engage in a unique mentoring model, fostering knowledge exchange and leadership within their communities.
Running from April 2025 to February 2026, the program is divided into two phases, focusing first on technical and creative skills, followed by hands-on training with industry experts. Participants will explore design, fashion production, and sustainable craftsmanship, learning to minimize waste and preserve traditional techniques. Alongside creative sessions, business development and financial literacy modules will equip them with the skills to manage their own enterprises. The initiative also introduces a direct engagement element, allowing Prada Group employees in Mexico to connect with the artisans for mutual learning and inspiration.
Beyond fashion, the program emphasizes social impact by providing education on human rights, gender equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Through shared experiences, artisans find new forms of self-expression and empowerment. Their stories, like that of Laura Hernandez, who discovered a voice through craftsmanship despite never learning to read, or Maribel Prisciliano Julian, who overcame domestic violence, highlight the transformative power of creativity. By merging sustainable fashion with social advocacy, Fashion Expressions is fostering lasting change in communities, proving that fashion can be both a cultural heritage and a force for empowerment.
