Mariana Garcia

All starts with a dream. Since I started my career as a designer, I knew I wanted to be in the fashion industry. My dad used to work in a denim factory, so I was really interested in this material and its potential. Unfortunately, I found out that the denim industry was the enemy of sustainability. I saw how the process are made, all the amount of water you need and all the chemicals that pollute water and landfills to only have 1 pairs of jeans, was a terrible system for me and my ideas of having a denim brand.
So one day my father told me an amazing phrase that change everything: “we just introduced a new laser technology from an Italian brand called Tonello. The machine they are working with, it’s a big laser to maker abrasions, graphics and other finishings on the garment… it’s amazing how its works! You don’t need chemicals or pomex, no repeated processes… just design and creativity!”

The first time I saw the technology in action, it was stunning. I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of that movement towards a more sustainable world, combining my two passions: design and technology.
I reached out to the Tonello team to express my amazement with their technology and my desire to be involved. They welcomed me and invited me to their RD laboratory in Sarcedo, Italy. There, I learned all the processes and technologies alongside the experts, marking the beginning of my career as a Laser Designer.
Although my collaboration with Tonello was brief, it proved incredibly valuable. I gained significant insights into various laser, wash, and ozone treatments. The team was not only friendly but also exceptionally helpful throughout the process. Even after my departure, we stayed in touch, and once the garments were completed following my return to London, I couldn’t have been more pleased with the final results.  

When I discussed my idea with Alice Tonello about creating a collection inspired by Mexico and its rich culture, she immediately supported it, saying it would be amazing. This encouragement led me to start designing the collection. It was a challenging task for me because I wanted to capture and convey the beauty and uniqueness of Mexican culture. I considered all the elements that define our country—its music, customs, art, cinema, and cuisine. My goal wasn’t just to create something traditional; I aimed to elevate and transform our culture into something innovative while preserving its essence. That moment revealed my true desire: to express the uniqueness of Mexican culture through my art and designs.

First of all, I acquired the skills about laundry technologies, and textile design. I really loved the way every garment needs different treatments because of the textiles that you are using. The experimentation I made with Stefano and Carlo was amazing: they knew everything about laundry techniques. Maybe at that time I didn’t have enough time at night didn’t have the enough knowledge of this theme to make a lot of experimentation, but now that I’m working in the laundry industry in Mexico, I can experiment and create my own recipes to have different finishes, also applying my artistic skills with THE Laser.

It affected me profoundly because initially, I wanted to be a fashion designer simply to create ideas and see them on the runway. However, after my experience with Tonello, I realized that my true passion lies in being the person who makes it possible for a garment to appear on the runway. Now, when I see a pair of jeans or a denim garment, my mind tries to figure out how it was made. After witnessing the intricate work that goes into creating such pieces, I come to appreciate and treasure every detail.
On a personal level, this experience touched me deeply. I felt incredibly comfortable and welcomed by every member of the team, and I know I have made lifelong friends. What I appreciated most was the way everyone valued each other’s work and showed respect. When someone needed help, they didn’t hesitate or wait for others to fix the problem. Instead, the team came together and worked collaboratively to solve it. Being with the Tonello RD team has been one of the best experiences of my life. They have a special place in my heart for making me feel at home and welcoming me into the Tonello family.
An unexpected aspect of this experience was that, at the time, I felt lost regarding my career and personal direction. I used to be someone who worried about everything and strived for perfection. One day, I made a mistake while marking a denim jacket with the laser. Alice Tonello approached me and said, “Don’t focus on the problem; focus on the solution.” I’m not sure what happened inside me that day, but since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to relax, take a deep breath, and focus on finding solutions. That moment has become my mantra.

Yes, it was the night we organized a Mexican dinner! We enjoyed music, delicious Mexican food, and played some games. When we finally sat down to savor the meal, I started to cry because I realized I had not fully appreciated all the amazing aspects of my country and culture. Perhaps they didn’t notice, but for me, it was a moment I will never forget and will cherish for the rest of my life.
It’s funny how you come to value things more when they’re not close at hand. That experience made me want to share the beauty of our culture and traditions with others. Despite our political and economic challenges, I believe that design and art have the power to open people’s eyes and make a meaningful difference.

The industry is on a positive trajectory, and I truly believe we can advance even further. Emerging technologies are transforming the sector, eliminating chemicals, reducing water waste, and improving safety for operators. I am confident in a brighter future, and Tonello stands at the forefront of this innovation and research. I personally use their technology and can attest that it represents the pinnacle of modern laundry solutions.
However, for this improved future to materialize, having specialized operators is crucial. Success depends on having well-trained professionals who can effectively utilize these advanced technologies. Listening to and trusting your team is essential; you might have a Ferrari, but without the right driver, its potential remains untapped.

These pictures are from a personal project focused on garments that don’t pass quality control and are therefore not suitable for sale. To address this, I created different patterns using a laser to cover the aesthetic defects and then made artistic interventions on the garments.
By applying laser technology and my artistic skills, I give these garments a second life instead of letting them end up as waste. My goal is to encourage people to reconsider their consumption habits.