San Diego Mexican American designer turns old clothes into cultural statements

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — In the heart of Barrio Logan, discarded fabric and old clothes are reborn.

Old fabric is turned into bold, wearable art through the vision of designer Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, the creative force behind Sew Loka.

And Sew Loka is more than fashion, it is heritage on display.  

“I have this obsession with sewing and I’m a little crazy about it,” she said, explaining the name Sew Loka.

With a sewing machine and a vision, Rodríguez-Biezunski transforms everything from denim to upholstery, keeping materials out of landfills while honoring her roots.

With little more than a sewing machine and a deep respect for her heritage, she gives second life to everything from denim to upholstery. For Rodríguez-Biezunski, sustainability is not only about keeping fabric out of landfills, but also about honoring where she comes from.

“I am Mexican American, Chicana. We get painted, especially as immigrants, as criminals. But we’re not. We’re beautiful, welcoming people and I want my designs to reflect that,” Rodríguez-Biezunski said.

Her pieces feature bright colors, hand embroidery and cultural symbols like the Virgencita, a reminder of the Mexican American traditions she grew up with.

“Every grandma has prayed to the Virgencita. When I went to Guadalajara, where my parents are from, I remember seeing her in every house,” she said.

Rodríguez-Biezunski’s work is now reaching wider audiences. She recently partnered with San Diego FC, reworking team merchandise into limited-edition jackets, hats, duffle bags and even a custom soccer ball.

“It started with six pieces that were auctioned off. They did so well that we created more than 200 pieces for their “Merch of the Match” and they sold out before the game even started,” she said.

Whether it’s a jacket made from upholstery fabric or a hat stitched from old jerseys, every Sew Loka creation blends style, sustainability and cultural pride.

“You always have to remember where you come from,” Rodríguez-Biezunski said.

For her, fashion is not just about what you wear: it is a story, a statement and a celebration of heritage, stitched together one piece at a time.