Story and Photography by Annabella Mireles
In many Hispanic households, to be called “malhablada” means to be called foul-mouthed, but to local designer Alexia Maldonado, it’s the start of a revolution.
Maldonado, owner of clothing brand Amaldeux and vintage boutique ifellinlovehere, released her first collection, Dollhouse, in 2022 and debuted her second collection, Malhablada Nov. 14 at a two-day pop up in downtown El Paso.
The pop-up, which featured a DJ and a photo wall, also provided the opportunity to shop and try on the collection.
“I’ve had this on my bucket list for as long as I can remember,” Maldonado said. “I wanted to do something intimate where I could have one-on-one time with friends, family, and customers where I can talk to them and get their opinions. Having the collection on display is more convenient rather than doing a runway because people get to see and feel the collection that is strictly based online.”
The collection, fueled by reclaiming language society uses against vocal women, features several pieces that blend innocence with boldness. Upon walking into the pop-up, a sign displaying the message of the collection stated it’s, “a statement and an act of rebellion against the societal standards imposed on women in the past and present…This collection is dedicated to the sophisticated and sassy women. For the loud mouths and rebels. Together, we aim for reform and start a revolution.”
“Malhablada being translated into foul mouth is so telling for me because I have a mouth on me, and I’m not afraid to speak my mind,” she said. “I want to change the perspective and the narrative of what society thinks that women should be and how we should behave.”
The line incorporates “Amaldeux pink” and black, combining feminine and rebellious tones while using quality fabrics to create statement pieces she hopes can last generations.
“I’m a women’s ready-to-wear brand, but I’ve been branching into the unisex vibe,” she said. “I’m making investment pieces, so if someone buys it for themselves and they want to pass it down to their children and their grandchildren, that’s something that I really value as a consumer and a designer.”
Customers can expect to see pieces like real suede trench coats in black and pink, a detailed black pantsuit and a black baby-T with the name of the collection embroidered on the front to highlight a few.
“A pantsuit is empowering and a piece I think every woman needs to have in her closet,” she said. “The fabric has very intricate details and has a little bit of sparkle in the print, it’s not just a plain black suit, it has those definitive details that adds that sexy, playful touch.”
The collection, which was released during Maldonado’s birthday, was a way of moving to her next phase in life and fashion.
“I wanted to end my 24th year with a bang,” she said. “I feel like I’m in a different era of my life now, and I hope you can see that in my designs.”
https://www.amaldeux.com/
