When Cristina Lynch speaks about embroidery, she isn’t talking about a fleeting fashion trend or a technique that embellishes fabrics. For her, the word evokes a feeling of reverence, with fabrics serving as a living archive and a symbolic language woven with flowers, vines, and traditions, all passed down for generations through the hands of Mexican artisans.
Raised in Dallas by a Mexican mother from Coahuila, Mexico, Cristina grew up surrounded by a love for their heritage. “Our home always felt warm and romantic, full of culture,” she said in an interview with HOLA!
“There was always a telenovela playing in the kitchen, we ate Mexican food, and even though we lived in Dallas, it felt like we were living in a little piece of Mexico.”
The house was layered with Tehuana embroideries from Oaxaca, framed textiles, and ceramics—objects her mother had collected since she was a teenager. More than the objects themselves, Cristina remembers the stories that her family shared. Her mother ensured Cristina knew about artists whose work was rooted in meaning, like the Oaxacan painter Damián Lescas, known for blending gastronomy with his art, or Guillermo Olguín, who makes art across mediums. These encounters sparked Cristina's fascination with the narratives behind each piece of craftsmanship.
Summers spent on road trips through Chiapas and Oaxaca only deepened the connection that existed between Cristina and Mexico, seeing the country as a source of endless creative inspiration.
While studying economics and theater at NYU, Cristina carved out her own path, immersing in the world of luxury through internships and her first job at Oscar de la Renta. In those ateliers, she saw embroidery sourced from India and other regions, admired for its intricacy and artistry. Yet one question kept tugging at her: Why wasn’t Mexican embroidery—equally exquisite—presented at that same level of prestige?
A visit to ABC Home, the iconic New York design marketplace, underscored the gap. Surrounded by global textiles, Cristina noticed the absence of Latin American traditions. “Mexico has this richness, these traditions, this incredible luxury in embroidery,” she said. “Why isn’t it being shown at that level?”
That realization planted the seed of what would become Mi Golondrina. In 2023, Cristina launched her first collection when she was 23. Among the pieces were hand-embroidered dresses, works that embodied her heritage and vision for a new kind of luxury brand. What others doubted as “too complicated” because of its handmade nature became the foundation of her movement.
Mi Golondrina is more than fashion; it’s a philosophy. Built on the conviction that beauty takes time, the brand represents the opposite of fast fashion, making pieces that are handcrafted with intention. For the artisans Cristina collaborates with, this work provides stability and visibility, all while stoking a sense of pride in their craft. Each stitch carries generations-worth of skill, and each garment tells a story that stretches far beyond seasonal trends.
“By giving credit and space to their artistry, we are shifting the narrative of what designer fashion can look like."
Ten years in, Mi Golondrina has grown into a beloved brand with a loyal following. But, at its heart, the brand remains rooted in the same vision Cristina had when she started: showcasing the artistry of Mexican women and proving that their embroidery belongs in the same luxury landscape as any Paris or Milan atelier.
As Cristina continues to grow her brand, her mission remains to honor the stories, the artistry, and the women whose work transforms thread into timeless beauty. Because for her, embroidery is language, legacy, and luxury all at once.