Carlos M. Mansilla is reclaiming the word ‘Sudaca’. As the creative director behind an LA-based streetwear line that takes its name from the pejorative term, the Peruvian native’s mission is clear: “We are committed to restate [sic] a positive meaning to the term Sudaca and through our visual assets leave behind any negative slur/racial connotation.”
But first, a mini-history lesson from the brand:
Sudaca is historically a popular colloquial term for South Americans living in Spain, a region that experienced massive waves of South American immigration in the late 70s and 80s. The colloquial meaning eventually turned into a derogatory one when xenophobic and intolerant attitudes developed toward the presence of the South Americans who, ironically, had been colonized by Spaniards centuries earlier.
Mansilla’s reappropriation efforts first manifested as political graphic renderings, looking for homes on tagged walls in Los Angeles. Now, the Sudaca Movement is finding it’s way into to our wardrobes. Taglines like ‘Against All Currents’, ‘Think Wisely’ and ‘Escuela de la Vida, The Hard Way’ as well as the use of iconic, albeit controversial political figures like Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and Hugo Chavez, makes Sudaca’s vision loud and clear.
Inspired by street culture with the driving influence being the dynamic Latino lifestyle, Sudaca wants you to raise your freak flag high and embrace individuality. The line has already attracted the attention of award-winning Latin American performers, with artists like Calle 13, Anita Tijoux, Kinky, La Vida Bohéhme and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs rocking their tees onstage and overseas.
You can check out some of their latest looks below, and see more designs and inspiration on their Instagram HERE.