"Zapotec artisan Claudia Aquino is the woman behind the dress worn by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum when she was sworn in, becoming the country’s first female president in October 2024. Since then, Aquino’s work has helped secure President Sheinbaum a place on The New York Times list of the 17 best-dressed people in the world. Originally from Santa María Xadani, Aquino learned the art of embroidery from her mother at a young age. She now runs a business called Lari Guie, where she showcases techniques passed down through generations of her family. “Our aim when we started was to rescue this technique – to preserve ancestral designs and very ancient patterns that were being lost,” the artisan said from her workshop in Oaxaca. “I feel extremely proud to be part of the group of artisans who dress the president,” she added. “I’m proud to represent my roots as a Zapotec woman, but also, at a state level, it is a great privilege to represent Oaxaca on the world stage,” Aquino said. Today, the Oaxacan artisan works alongside her brother, Claudio Aquino, who also highlighted the growing international appreciation for traditional embroidery. “The value that Oaxacan embroidery has gained internationally makes me very happy,” he said. “I always say that Oaxaca is a state rich in cultural heritage.” “It still surprises me to see people from other countries – from Spain and the United States – who come specifically to find her,” Claudio added. “They want to meet her, take a photograph, and above all commission a piece embroidered by my sister’s own hands.” The work of Oaxacan artisans has become a recurring feature of President Sheinbaum’s wardrobe. This was also evident at the recent FIFA World Cup draw ceremony, where she wore an outfit adorned with traditional Oaxacan embroidered headdresses. "