CubaPLUS Magazine

Denim is the fabric of choice when it comes to modernity and innovation. Although its history dates back to the 1800s—when miners wore overalls made of it to protect their skin—it became fashionable in the 1970s, when young people began wearing jeans almost daily, for practically any occasion.

Today, it’s safe to say that there isn’t a single person who doesn’t own at least one pair of jeans, a jacket, or another denim garment in their closet.

That’s why so many designers prefer it when creating their collections: they know that, one way or another, denim will always be well-received.

The pieces we bring you today are precisely denim designs by Miguel Alejandro García.

His brand, Malex—soon to be officially registered—is already known among young people in Pinar del Río.

“I started out in design five years ago, customizing already-made clothes, changing their aesthetics, adding elements of visual arts and technology like acrylic paint, spray, artistic patchwork, and even incorporating LEDs. But it was about a year ago that I decided to step onto the runway, supported by fashion design courses taught by Manolo González,” the young designer told this publication.

Self-taught from the beginning, Miguel Alejandro believes that far from being a setback, this has brought him many advantages. It gave him creativity and the ability to connect with clients.

“Every piece I’ve made has been custom and unique, because every person thinks in their own way, and that has helped my creativity,” he said. He added that, although he doesn’t yet know as much as other designers due to his short time in the industry, “I think my mark, small as it may be, is already being noticed.

I believe I was the one who invented pieces with incorporated LEDs.”

Although this young artist has experimented with different fabrics like faux fur and others, denim remains his favorite. “I strongly identify with denim because it’s a world of its own—you can create so much art with this fabric,” he revealed.

“For me, designing is about materializing and bringing to life a dream that exists in your mind—it’s about revolutionizing, creating, innovating,” said the young artist, who plans to officially register his brand and launch new collections next year. No doubt his innovations will be well-received not only in his hometown of Pinar del Río but across Cuba.