Inspiration: The Artist Collection
J.L. Rocha Collections
The Artist Collection
Story and inspiration:
The term artisan has two definitions: (1) a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand; or (2) made in a traditional or non-mechanized way using high-quality ingredients.
We believe in both definitions, so much that we created an entire collection inspired by artists that have influenced are family and brand. This is the in depth inspiration for The Artist Collection.
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The Artist Jackets
The Rufino Jacket
Rufino Tamayo is undoubtedly an icon of Mexican art. she was born in Oaxaca, and combined modern European painting styles with Mexican folk themes. DeMayo attended the fine arts school in Mexico City, but was dissatisfied with the traditional art program, and began to said he independently. He became the head of the department of ethnographic drawing at the Mexico City Museum of Archeology where he was influenced by global concepts. The storied career of Rufino Tamayo took him across the globe from New York to Venice and Paris. He is noted for innovation across multiple art styles, and global philosophies: this is the inspiration for the Rufino Jacket.
Our Rufino Jacket Features:
A dedication to innovation against traditional concepts: combining old-world styles of leather making and construction juxtaposed by modern design aesthetics.
Rich adaptability: through our unique vegetable tanned nappa style lambskin that bends and adapts to any journey or style.
A global perspective: that combines American sensibilities of the classic moto jacket with Mexican manufacturing and European influences.
The Rivera Jacket
Arguably the more notable of our two jacket inspiring artists: Diego Rivera’s iconic art and global influence prompted us to craft a suede jacket as bold and recognizable as it is universal. Rivera’s turbulent upheaval of cultural norms and patriotic affection informed our design for a unique bomber jacket.
The Rivera Jacket Features:
Distinctly recognizable features: through subtle detailing in our leather cuffs, and unique pocket piping.
Pride in Mexican Craft: showcased by the expertly made lambskin suede that combines durability with softness and a luxe hand-feel.
A belief in utilitarianism: focused on a jacket that can be worn across age groups, styles, and occasions.
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Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The Artist Bags
The Rumorosa & Sierra Negra Travel Bags:
Two duo-tone leather bags inspired by the artistry of nature. This collection features our first reference of the traditional army duffel silhouette while highlighting our commitment to exceptional composition.
Each Bag Features:
Vegetable tanned calf skin leather with pebble graining.
Rustic nickel hardware.
Cream colored 8mm contrast stitching.
The Rumorosa Bag:
Inspired by the famous road on the border of California now since closed. This landscape was known for dangerous driving, and was even featured in a James Bond Film. This bag represents the strength of nature, and the journeys that are worth giving your all for.
The Sierra Negra Travel Bag:
Inspired by the inactive volcano in the town of Puebla and the fifth highest peak in Mexico. This volcano lives in legend and in science. Located within the Pico de Orizaba National Park. The mountain is the site for two of the world's premier astronomical instruments, the Large Millimeter Telescope and the High Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory. The name is derived from a Nahualt myth paired to the neighboring mountain Orizaba.
See the Sierra Negra Travel Bag →
The Artisan Backpack: Obsidian Reference.
This backpack represents the long-standing efforts of our artisans. It was inspired by utilitarian needs and history. The bag has the capacity to fit you needs while developing a beautiful patina along the way. The design is an homage to our grandfather, who traveled by motorcycle with a similar style bag. We chose to match the color of this vegetable tanned calfskin to the tone of Obsidian, which In ancient Mexican culture was called Itzli, translating to to God of Stone. It was highly revered for various properties of strength and significance.
This backpack features:
Vegetable tanned calfskin leather in black.
Platinum finish hardware.
Front magnetic pocket.
A unique special edition orange lining.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The Artist Shoes
All our dress shoes come from vegetable tanned calfskin leather and suede with cowhide Goodyear welted soles. The artist shoes are the first reference of J.L. Rocha shoes to feature out family crest.
The Rústico Double Monk
A rustic double monk with a hand dyed chocolate brown. The rústico represents our love of classic ideals as we crafted this double monk dress shoe to serve in both utilitarian and formal settings.
The Elegante Lace Up: Honey Reference
Our first iteration of the Elegante dress shoe. This unique style is an expression of joy and universality in what we do. The shoes showcase a similar hand dyed ombré to the rústicos with a more subtle intonation that grows with each wear.
All the details on this particular shoe are hand carved with traditional techniques and headmen back to our original history in footwear.
Closing notes:
Artistry is visible in many trades and passions, it is the combination of joy, style, and proficiency in what we do. Our Artist Collection evokes notions of inspiration, dedication, and technical prowess that we hope inspires you as our history inspires us. We love to see how our products bring light in your life, and help your self expression shine.
Thank you/Gracias