A Living Altar of Style: Día de los Muertos by iLa Catrina
By: Jules Aldaz
Photography by: Bethany Castro
Under the golden glow of the Texas Hill Country sunset, fashion became a living altar at the Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa. The runway wasn’t simply a stage — it was a bridge between life and legacy, where iLa Catrina, LLC transformed tradition into art, memory into movement, and Mexican heritage into couture.
Proudly Latina-owned and based in San Antonio, iLa Catrina has made it their mission to preserve the richness of Mexico’s identity through immersive fashion experiences that honor the symbolism of Día de los Muertos. This year’s production elevated that mission into something transcendent: an emotional fusion of fashion, storytelling, and cultural reverence that captivated both the heart and the eye.
A Vision Stitched in Heritage
The evening unfolded as more than a runway — it was a cultural narrative. iLa Catrina’s vision is clear: to become a leading voice in cultural innovation by reimagining tradition for modern generations while never compromising authenticity. That vision came alive on the catwalk, where garments became poetry and every embroidered detail whispered of ancestry, resilience, and remembrance.
Iconic, ethereal, and symbolic, models embodied the spirit of La Catrina, dressed in elaborate textiles that celebrated Mexican craftsmanship. Hand-painted corsets, cascading skirts in marigold hues, Otomí embroidery, lace veils, floral crowns, and skeletal motifs transformed each look into a living ofrenda. Every garment told a story: of the women who stitch dreams into fabric, of families who remember, and of ancestors who paved the way.
Araminta Romero: The Woman Behind iLa Catrina
This vision belongs to Araminta Romero, founder of iLa Catrina.
“My father is a historian,” she shared with me. “I grew up immersed in the stories, rituals, and traditions of Mexico. When I moved to the U.S., I saw Día de los Muertos becoming visually popular, but I wanted people to understand its meaning, not just the makeup. Fashion is a universal language, so I used it to tell our story.”
Where Culture Meets Couture
Before the first model graced the runway, I spoke with Jena Márquez Mardell, director of marketing for the resort.
“San Antonio hosts the largest Día de los Muertos celebration in the United States,” she said. “The city celebrates all month long, but we wanted something meaningful on the actual day. Partnering with iLa Catrina allowed us to bring guests, locals, and visitors a celebration rooted in beauty, history, and culture.”
And the resort delivered a breathtaking setting: Candlelit fountains surrounded by marigolds and luxurious floral arrangements; sunset over the Hill Country skyline; elegant stone terraces draped in florals; guests in black lace, embroidered shawls, and sugar skull silhouettes.
On the Red Carpet
On the Scene In SA magazine red carpet, I had the honor of speaking with featured Catrinas Azalia Arredondo (Lead Model & Casting Director) and Elva Mendoza.
“I hope everyone, locals and visitors, can feel our culture tonight,” Elva shared. “This show represents generations of tradition.”
Azalia added, “We want people to see the beauty of Día de los Muertos — not just the makeup and dresses, but the love behind it. It’s family. It’s legacy. It’s who we are.”
Both models shared that they created their own Catrina makeup, placing jewels, painting skull symmetry, and honoring tradition with their own hands.
Runway Highlights — Fashion as a Living Altarpiece
Every ensemble carried symbolism:
A voluminous black and white illustrated skirt depicting skeletal lovers, churches, and marigolds; like a José Guadalupe Posada mural in motion. A gown entirely made of cempasúchil (marigold) petals — the flower of souls returning home. A strapless black dress embroidered with vibrant Otomí florals, paired with a cathedral-like floral crown. Velvet capes inspired by indigenous royalty, lace trains reminiscent of Mexican baroque, rosary beads, and hand-painted bone corsets. Despite a chill in the air and wind tugging at veils and floral crowns, the models walked with grace, reverence, and pride.
After the Final Walk — Community, Culture & Cuisine
When the runway ended, the celebration continued. Guests were invited to shop and support local vendors curated by the resort:
@triedandtrueleather – handcrafted leather pieces
@joaoquiroz – artistic accessories & wearable design
@twohjewelry – elegant artisan jewelry
@patriciaacevedodesigns – Elegant earrings and necklaces for all occasions
VIP guests were then treated to a four-course dining experience by Chef Abraham Proa: a culinary journey that blended regional Mexican ingredients with elevated modern techniques. Every plate was art, just like the runway.
Walking Artistry: Honoring the Models
These incredible women walked with devotion through wind, evening chill, and intricate gowns, carrying heritage with every step.
Miss Universe Latina Contestants: Azalia Arredondo (@azalia_arredondo)
Nitza Valdés (@nitza_valdezz)
Marcela Delgado (@marceladelgadosan)
Elva Mendoza (@elbamendozab)
Nathalya Lanzas (@nathalyalanzas)
Other Titleholders:
Alma González — Miss Grand Texas 2025 (@almaalexagonzalez)
Nayahna Treviño — Miss Texas Latina 2025 (@nayydayanara)
Allegra Rodríguez — Miss Texas Latina 2024 (@allegra_monserrat)
Alexa Valdivia — Miss Cultural Texas (@alexavaldivia)
iLa Catrina Models & Performers:
Breajee Rain (@breajee.rain)
Madison Starr (@iammadisonstarr)
Alondra Martínez (@missalondra_08)
Alana Flores — Alma Gitana Dance Company (@alana.floresita)
Camila Kristell — MD Studio (@camilakristellsan)
Abdiana Marines — MD Studio (@abdianamarines)
Musical Performances
Live music added soul to the runway, performed beautifully by:
Kevin Arratia (@kevinarratia)
Matilda de la Garza (@thematildadelagarza)
Special Thanks
With gratitude to Jena Márquez Mardell and the team at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa for hosting an evening where fashion, history, and hospitality came together in perfect harmony. ■
For event inquiries: SATCN-SALESADM@hilton.com
