A journey through fashion, innovation, and printing techniques that have set trends in Mexico.
With more than 17 years of experience, Anuar Layon has become one of Mexico’s most influential designers and entrepreneurs. As creative director of MEXICO IS THE SH*T, Prima Volta, and other brands that make up Re-born Studio, Layon has successfully developed his own unique style in which fashion, art, music, and technology come together to tell stories.
PRINTspiration Stories is a series of success stories from FESPA Mexico that aims to inspire professionals in the graphic arts industry in Latin America. We celebrate the talent, creativity, and drive of those who turn printing into an art form and a tool for transformation.
In this issue, we spoke with Anuar, who shares how textile experimentation, technological innovation, and inspiration from trade shows like FESPA have shaped his professional career. From his early forays into sublimation printing to the establishment of global brands, his story is a testament to how printing can become a platform for identity and change.
Inspiration, Technology, and Fashion
A graduate of the National Institute of Fine Arts, Anuar trained as a multidisciplinary designer, a perspective that has allowed him to bridge the gap between graphic art and the industrial and textile sectors. Early in his career, he discovered sublimation printing: “It blew our minds to see how you could print vibrant colors onto polyester. That immediately connects with creativity and with the public.”
That experimental spirit was the driving force behind iconic projects like MEXICO IS THE SH*T, whose jacket became a global phenomenon thanks to a blend of techniques learned at events like FESPA Mexico: flock printing, screen printing, garment manufacturing, and textile finishes. “It’s a product proudly made in Mexico, using technologies I learned about at these events,” he says.
Reinventing Yourself in Times of Change
Layon’s track record also reflects his ability to adapt to market challenges. During the pandemic, his company, which specializes in concerts and merchandise, had to reinvent itself by embracing new forms of production and distribution. “Before, the challenge was convincing suppliers to produce in small volumes; today, the challenge is implementing a digital strategy to reach consumers directly,” he says.
During that transition, investment in machinery and access to reliable suppliers were crucial. His first vinyl cutting machine—a Mimaki purchased at FESPA Mexico—marked a turning point. For him, every piece of equipment at the trade show “can become a massive industry if implemented properly.”
NEEDS: Mexican quality for the world
After years of exploration and innovation, Anuar launched NEEDS, a project that aims to raise the quality of apparel blanks in Mexico with heavyweight, 100% cotton garments designed to withstand multiple printing processes, including screen printing, DTG, DTF, embroidery, and plastisol, among others.
“In Mexico, we were faced with the limitation of low-quality blank garments . With NEEDS, we offer sweatshirts and T-shirts that meet international technical standards, ready for designers to print on and develop their brands with real value in the final product,” he explains.
The proposal not only addresses the industry’s needs but also aligns with a clear trend: brands no longer just sell design; they also sell community and aspiration.
Tips for New Entrepreneurs
For those just starting out in the printing and textile industry, Anuar is clear:
- Experience FESPA: learn, explore, ask questions, and meet suppliers.
- Take a closer look at the processes: understand the pros and cons before investing in machinery.
- Test and validate business models: prevent equipment from sitting idle.
- Capitalizing on the Mexican boom: “Mexico is all the rage right now. From taquerías with merchandise to hotel projects, the business opportunities are endless.”
Unlimited Inspiration
For Layon, FESPA Mexico is more than just a trade show—it’s a source of inspiration. “Trade shows like FESPA serve as a source of inspiration, even for developing new formats and combinations of processes. Every booth, every machine, and every supplier can be the start of a successful project,” he says.
Their story shows how creativity, combined with technology and entrepreneurial vision, can transform the fashion and printing industries in Mexico—and how, from there, they can conquer the world.
FESPA Mexico 2025 It will take place September 25–27 at the Banamex Center in Mexico City. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore live demonstrations, participate in interactive sessions, and get an up-close look at the latest trends in digital printing, screen printing, textile printing, 3D printing, and much more. Take advantage of FREE pre-registration now before August 31. here.