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Ni En More is a local project and clothing line combining social activism, fashion and art for the empowerment of women in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
The brand was founded by three artists, Lise Bjorne from Norway, and Jane Terrazas and Veronica Corchado from Juarez.
Ni En More is a blend of Norwegian and Spanish, meaning “not one more.” The words are inspired by Susana Chavez Castillo, a human rights activist and poet from Juarez who was murdered in 2011 and has been credited with the authorship of the phrase, “Ni una Mas” or “Not one More.”
Chavez Castillo was a prominent poet who led protests against the unsolved murders of women in the Juarez/ El Paso border. On Jan. 11, 2011, at 36 years-old, she became a victim when she was murdered at her home.
According to The Guardian, 1, 500 women were murdered in Juarez in 2019. This year alone, 119 homicides were reported in January.
These women are known to have been of vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. Ni En More wants to create economic independence for women by creating a working environment that provides fair wages, a safe environment, education and training.
According to its official website, its main goal is to create a sustainable business model that will support the brand, while empowering women, creating jobs that provide dignity and building a strong and fair income for all employees.
Ni En More’s 2020 edition is a collection ranging from face masks, blouses, to protest badges. All products are ethically produced through At Core, a sewing studio in Juarez. According their website, all clothes get their colors and prints from plants, flowers, and vegetables growing in the Chihuahua district in Mexico. Local flower shops donate their withered flowers to the brand.
Ni En More has been featured in Vogue U.S., Vogue Mexico, Vogue Spain and Vogue Germany, putting Juarez on the map and bringing awareness to the femicides in the city and around the world.
Manny Soto, 29, an El Paso photographer who was intrigued by the brand and its message, contacted Ni En More for a collaboration. Soto’s photographs went on to be featured on all three of the Ni En More articles produced by Vogue.
“I think the activism they’re doing for women,” Soto said was his favorite characteristic about the brand. “Having a safe place for victims of domestic violence, a safe place for them to find work, and have a consistent income.”
Soto and Ni En More’s photoshoot took place in El Paso at the Franklin Mountain State Park in late 2019. Soto wanted to showcase a diverse and inclusive group of women, as he believes the fashion industry lacks diversity. Soto’s photos feature women of different color and sizes so the audience can fully identify with the models, the brand and its message.
“Due to the current political climate, I think it’s very imperative to showcase diversity,” Soto said. “So, I like to show women of different skin tones.”
As a proud El Pasoan, Soto wanted to show the borderland through sets by collaborating with local brands and talent.
“To be able to have my photos featured in Vogue is very humbling,” Soto said. “To be able to show the talent we have in El Paso and Juarez is very important, and I think the world needs to see the talent we have.”
Soto plans to continue to represent the Sun City by producing quality photographs and encouraging others to follow their goals.
“There’s room for everyone to be able to showcase their talent, so keep at it and don’t give up on your dreams and continue to pursue them,” Soto said.
Paulina Astrid Spencer may be reached at [email protected]; @paaspencer on Twitter.
