Tea & Tequila Señoritas - Lu Valdez founder of Alma de Sal
To start our new series of Tea & Tequila Señoritas with female entrepreneurs that we admire we sat down with Lu Valdez, designer and creator of one of our favourite brands Alma de Sal, in Mexico City.
Tell us about your brand?
Alma de Sal, is all about making life full of flavour, it’s about feeling and connecting. In Spanish it literally means Salty Soul. We are a Mexican brand making linen clothes for women and mens bathing suits. The brand aesthetic is elegant, yet relaxed; on trend but still timeless. We collaborate with Oaxacan artisans, paying tribute to our Mexican traditions.
What is your favourite place in Mexico?
There is an incredibly special place in the centre of Mexico City, called the Vasconcelos Library. I spent a lot of time here whilst working on my thesis. The architecture won’t fail to surprise you, it is quite futuristic with the bookshelves suspended in the air; however it manages to keep the energy and magic of a traditional library and nothing beats the joy of reading a printed book. The silence there is what I most enjoy.
What are your top 3 restaurants in Mexico City?
San Angel Inn, which is a beautiful monastery converted into a very typical traditional restaurant. Contramar in Condesa for the best seafood, lunches and Tacos el Guero in San Miguel Chapultepec for some traditional street tacos.
Favourite place for drinks / dancing?
I love Casa Franca, they always have live jazz bands and great cocktails. For a rooftop bar with an incredible 360 view of the city I would recommend Supra and for some late night dancing, always M.N.Roy.
What is your favourite Tea & Tequila piece?
It’s so difficult to choose! I love the crossbody bags, especially the embellished bags, because I use them all the time, they are so practical, comfortable and full of colour. The work of the artisans is beautiful. I love the woven straps and that they are interchangeable so you can switch and wear with whatever outfit!
Also, at the moment I am loving my all eyes on you necklace, it is the perfect protection from any bad energies.
What is the best thing about living in Mexico City?
I feel like it's a place that doesn’t give up, the city's energy is all about looking ahead and keeping going, laughing about the bad things and being grateful. The people feel immensely proud of being Mexican and I love this about them. We recently had a women’s march and the energy was electric. The history and culinary delights of the city make this city.
What is your best hidden gem in the city?
Dancing Salsa & Cumbia in Salón San Luis.
Anything else you think we should know:
To find out more about Alma de Sal, follow us on Instagram @almadesal, we’ve just launched our latest collection : Agua Salada and we have international shipping!
Besos - from Boli, Lu's loyal assistant xx
