Mariachi Suit

May 15 Mariachi is a style of music that developed from traditional music and ensembles from Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán, Mexico. As the music became a symbol of Mexican national identity in the first half of the 20th century, mariachi ensembles adopted the charro (Mexican cowboy) traje as their standard outfit. Mariachi suits draw from the rich traditional fashion and culture of “charrería” while incorporating details unique to the musical groups. This elegant example of a women’s traje shows the elaborate embroidery and bright metal accessories that characterize charro and mariachi suits.

Mariachi ensemble

Description: Mariachi suit, 2-piece; Beige synthetic twill with gold metallic thread embroidery in horseshoe and rope designs; JACKET; waist length; shawl collar; gold metallic braid frog closure; two front welt pockets; curved hem; long sleeves; gold metallic embroidery on collar, around pockets, and on sleeves; shoulder pads; cream lining with all-over “Pierre Cardin” print; SKIRT; full length; A-line; waistband with center back button; gold metallic embroidery down sides; front and back waist darts; center back zipper; cream lining with all-over “LIBERTY” print.
Location: Currently not on view

Data Source: National Museum of American History

wearer: Gonzales, Rebecca
maker: Salazar, Jose Luis
manufacturer of fabric: Liberty & Co.

date made: ca 1980; 1980-1985

Credit Line: Gift of Rebecca Gonzales

Physical Description: synthetic fibers (overall material); metallic thread (decorative embroidery material); silk (skirt lining material)
Measurements: jacket center back: 40 cm; 15 3/4 in; jacket sleeve, inside: 43.2 cm; 17 in; jacket sleeve, outside: 62.7 cm; 24 11/16 in; skirt center back: 106.1 cm; 41 3/4 in

Object Name: suit, mariachi
Object Type: Woman; Skirt; Jacket; Ensemble; Suit

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