Toluca, Estado de México

Assistant name: Raul Perez Carmona

Vianey Rebeca Flores Martínez is a master artisan from Toluca, State of Mexico, renowned for her expertise in the traditional Mexican embroidery technique known as piteado. This intricate craft involves hand-stitching natural agave fiber, called pita, onto leather to create elaborate designs featuring floral motifs, animals, and pre-Hispanic symbols. Vianey, alongside her husband, Raúl Pérez Carmona, operates a family workshop that has perfected this art over generations, producing pieces that honor tradition while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

One of their most distinguished creations is the Mestizo Belt, a collaborative masterpiece that garnered international acclaim. Commissioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC), this belt was awarded to Mexican boxing champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez following his victory over Billy Joe Saunders on May 8, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The belt features two-thread pita embroidery with embossed floral designs on genuine leather, requiring 305 hours of meticulous handwork. The ornate plaque was crafted by Miguel Ángel Jurado over 50 hours, and the final assembly was completed at Industrias Reyes in an additional 35 hours.

The Mestizo Belt is inspired by charrería, Mexico’s national sport and a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage. It showcases elements such as the “Cala de Caballo” (horse reining), two Friesian horses, the “escaramuza” (female equestrian), “jineteada” (bronco riding), and “floreo de reata” (rope tricks), all adorned with ornamental guides and embossed flowers. This belt not only symbolizes the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico but also stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Vianey and her family.

Their diverse product range includes belts, wallets, cellphone holders, sandals, knife sheaths, gun holsters, keychains, bow ties, and bags. Each item is meticulously handcrafted, reflecting countless hours of dedication and a deep respect for Mexican artisanal heritage.

Through her dedication to piteado, Vianey Rebeca Flores Martínez preserves and reinvents a cherished Mexican tradition, bringing its beauty to new audiences and solidifying her role as a pivotal figure in contemporary Mexican craftsmanship.