As we prepare for celebrations, and gift giving, Carlos Campos is a designer and a brand that delivers stylish and unique pieces sure to make you stand out this holiday season. The Honduran-born artist is bringing innovative ideas to the fashion world, from bold designs to materials highlighting versatility and sustainability. We sat down with the past winner of HOMBRE Magazine’s Designer of the Year Award to discuss his work with Toyota, discover how the pandemic influenced his latest collection, see the changes parenthood has made in his life, and learn his advice on achieving success.

Recently, Toyota teamed up with the Latin designer to combine automotive styling and design with his eclectic men’s fashion. What resulted was the creation of a concept he calls Atelier Nopali, accessories for men with a new eco-friendly leather made from the Nopal cactus with unique examples inspired by the styling and performance of the new sleek Toyota GR Supra.
Supra’s design helped inspire these fashion-forward and sustainable accessories.  These unique items not only stand-out and convey power and elegance but bring sustainability to the forefront.

HOMBRE: How did your relationship with Toyota come about?
Carlos Campos: This is the second time that Toyota approached me to do a project and I was so happy that we were finally able to collaborate.
The main reason is that I love the whole take on organic leather that we were trying to use. This is what we are working on. Even in my new collection we are doing everything eco-friendly, organic. When I heard about the cactus leather I thought it was amazing, and if I can just get my hands into this it’s going to be a win-win situation.

H: How did you select the accessories you would create?
CC: I wanted to design something that would reflect back to nature. The leather is made out of cactus and I love the cactus shape, I thought why not do a crossover bag that will have the shape of a cactus. Keep it as simple as possible. Then I was thinking what else do we need, so I made a green suit, and also a pair of gloves out of the cactus leather.

H: How was Toyota involved in the process?
CC: It took a little bit of time. We were going back and forth, deciding on what I wanted to do, and what they wanted. The leather was an easy thing. Toyota just wanted to be sure that I was on the same page. We wanted to get the message across that this was organic. They knew they wanted to create some accessories and that was easy for me. It was a mutual collaboration.

H: Are you doing more accessories now?
CC: Yes, especially for this new collection. We are launching three bags, a phone holder, we are doing more accessories now. This was perfect timing, the chance to do something more fun.

H: Are you planning to do more womenswear?
CC: People don’t know this but we have a full women’s line that we only sell in the Asian market. I’ve done about five collections there and it’s only concentrated in women. I wanted to keep it separate, men’s here, and women’s over there. Eventually I’ll do womenswear in America too, but for now its separate.H: What can you tell us about your latest collection?
CC: For my new collection I wanted to think about essential pieces. We do shows and it’s been good, but in these past few seasons I’ve been concentrating on special items, something that you really need. A nice overcoat, a nice French Terry sweater. I would say its more casual but with all the elements that go into making a suit. I’m using the best French Terry, the prewashed all organic cotton, it’s more essential than anything else. Something that you really want to have in your wardrobe.H: Did pandemic influence that style?
CC: Absolutely. And also you change with time. People are not getting up to go to work in a suit anymore. Things are more laid back, you go out and meet with your friends, but you still want to have a nice sweatshirt, you want to have a nice overcoat, and cool sunglasses. The attitude is more relaxed.

H; Are you planning to expand your relationship with Toyota?
CC: I would love to continue the conversation. I got to drive the car. What they have done with this new Toyota Supra is amazing. It’s very compact and it’s an awesome car. Of course the idea is to continue, like any relationship I do with anyone. I believe in longevity and I hope we collaborate  in the future.

H: What is the process of turning nopal into leather?
CC:  It was easy because there is a company called Desserto in Mexico and they are number one in doing vegan leather out of cactus. Having their help was the easiest thing. They walked me through the best way to use it, and treat it.

Carlos Campos was recognized as HOMBRE Magazine’s 2017 Designer of the Year Winner

H: You have achieved so much and we even recognized you as Designer of the Year in 2017, to what do you attribute your success?
CC: I am a person that never gives up.  People tell me I’m very creative. I don’t see myself as a creative individual I see myself as a hardworking man that works so hard on an idea that it becomes good.

H: Would you say that the pandemic sparked your creativity?
CC:  Absolutely. A perfect example is that during the pandemic we were lockdown for almost six months and I came to work when there was nobody in the office, when there was nothing happening. Honestly there wasn’t a project because orders were delayed, or orders were canceled, but I came to shake things up and it was the best thing that happened to me. Why? Because I was able to go into my design room and really work on pieces that I always wanted to work on. I never had enough time, because before the pandemic we were producing two big fashion shows and that as taking a lot of time.
I think I find new joy now in making products. Of course it’s fun to see the product on the runway but to me it’s more personal now to see a product, and if I’m unsatisfied I can go back and and make it again as much as I want to. When you have a show there are certain things that you are never satisfied with because you have a deadline. It’s a new approach and I think my aesthetic comes because of who I am as a person.

H: What advice can you offer anyone aspiring to succeed in business?
CC: As a newcomer you want to expose yourself to as much media as possible and get all that you can. Afterwards you have to understand that it’s not just about that. It’s about your craftmanship. It’s about developing your identity within yourself. The product that you’re making. My advice is enjoy the glamour when it comes, but know that tomorrow you have to get up and work again so you can be fabulous.
My best advice is to do something you love, and do it for yourself. It doesn’t really matter if people get to see your work, as long as you are proud of it and you’re getting better every time. That’s what matters.

H: You became a first time father recently, how has parenthood changed you?
CC:  It’s just crazy. I’m glad I waited to be a little bit older before I had my kid and it happened during the pandemic. I got to see my kid walk for the first time. I really connected with him because we spend so much time together as a family. I really changed in everything that I do in my life. I’m more respectful now about his personal time, and my personal time. Back then I would stay at the office until midnight staring at the wall, now I can’t do that, I have to get home. In a weird way it made me more productive because I know I come to work 9 to 5 and I have to get things done. I have to be inspired at 4pm, I have to be inspired at 3pm. Back then I would get inspired at 7pm. It’s very different now.

H: What’s next?
CC: After my collection I like to take a two week break where I don’t see anything related to fashion. I like to clean my mind and do things that are not related to work. It’s not that I don’t come to work, I just don’t have that pressure. I just take my time and then work on the next one. It’s like having a baby, you take time to reevaluate yourself, and then you have another one.

H: What does it mean to have a Latin designer doing this project with Toyota?
CC: There are 61 million latinos in America, and not too many companies are addressing us so we can tell our story. It’s important for me to tell my story and Toyota coming and approaching me to do this speaks a lot about the company vision. You know people talk about diversity, and integrating people into the community and it makes me feel good to think that there are companies looking to us and saying, ‘You know we’re going to tap into Carlos Campos because he is doing elevated work.’ I am honored and humble to take the opportunity.

For more information visit www.carloscampos.com