Yalitza Aparicio, the acclaimed Mexican actress, took center stage at the prestigious Vogue Day of the Dead Gala 2024, presented by Don Julio. The event, a vibrant celebration of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, provided the perfect backdrop for Aparicio, who co-hosted the evening, to shine in a breathtaking outfit that exuded symbolism and exquisite design. Her dress, a creation by the gifted Chiapas-based designer Francisco Cancino, embodied a powerful connection between contemporary fashion and the vibrant imagery of Mexico. Cancino, known for his avant-garde approach, striking color palettes, and flowing silhouettes, seamlessly merged traditional elements with a modern aesthetic, avoiding any stereotypical clichés. This unique blend made him the ideal choice for Yalitza Aparicio’s ensemble at this celebration of Día de Muertos.
Predominantly crafted in a bold Mexican pink, the dress featured delicate blue fringe details and shimmering accents on the front, creating a beautiful contrast between these two colors, deeply ingrained in the Mexican cultural landscape through iconic architectural landmarks like the Casa Barragán and Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul. “I’m always looking for ways to embroider. Embroidery is one of my passions, and I’m very proud to say that I hand-embroidered many of the garments you saw,” Cancino shared a few weeks ago at Mexico Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2025 after presenting his “Plateros” collection. This look, the fifth piece from the collection, featured a flowing, elegant cut that accentuated Aparicio’s silhouette while the embroidery, resembling a stole draped over her arms, added a special richness that elevated her look. The entire collection drew inspiration from the iconic Maderos Street in Mexico City: “It’s a historic street, with all the cultural convergence of our Mexico. Guerrillas, revolutions, good times, bad times, happy years, not-so-happy years. It’s a street that deeply describes Mexico City,” Cancino explained backstage at the show. His creation was a perfect fit for the Day of the Dead Gala, taking place within a renowned Mexican palace located in the heart of the capital city.
Aparicio, an actress and educator who has been a vocal advocate for the visibility of indigenous communities and human rights, selected Francisco Cancino for their shared vision of fashion with a purpose. The dress wasn’t just a masterpiece in terms of design, but also a homage to Mexico. Aparicio’s ensemble was complemented by a headpiece adorned with flowers in the same shade of blue, understated yet elegant accessories that didn’t detract from the dress’s starring role. Her makeup and hairstyle also reflected the perfect balance between modernity and tradition: a sleek updo that showcased her radiant face and subtle makeup with warm tones evoking the colors of the cempasúchil, the emblematic flower of this festivity.
Yalitza Aparicio’s presence at the Vogue Day of the Dead Gala 2024 was noteworthy not only for her impeccable style but also for her ability to use fashion as a medium for transmitting a powerful message filled with memory and pride for Mexico. Once again, the actress demonstrated that she is an undisputed icon of Mexican elegance and a fashion trendsetter wherever she goes.