Meet Bonnie Lawrence | Content Specialist & Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonnie Lawrence and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie, what’s your definition for success?
This is a great question. I think success is relative. Most people might think that having a six-figure income, a few cars in the driveway, and a solid investment portfolio would deem them successful—or at least guarantee an enviable Instagram feed or fabulous dinner conversation. This mindset used to be part of my goals and plans. It’s funny to think that at one point in my early twenties, owning a G-Wagon was on my manifestation list. I half shudder, half laugh at that now.

After traveling through Mexico and being lucky enough to live here for the last four years or so, my definition and thoughts around success have shifted.

If the house runs out of water and it finally comes back after a few days, that is a success. Getting the most delicious, large avocados from the market and eating them the same day with salt and chili is a success. If the Wi-Fi stays strong during the entire call, this is definitely a success. Walking all the way across the city and back is one, too. Spending an afternoon with the liberty of being “bored” and “lazy” with the one you love is a success. Aimless wandering is one as well, and it often leaves me inspired.

Monetary worth is clearly a useful tool in this world—we all need it. But I wouldn’t place too much value on it. There will always be someone who has it better, and someone who has it much worse. At the end of the day, your experience in this life—your takeaways, your feelings, your connections—are the things that determine who you are, not what you own.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a printmaker, screen printer, and painter turned graphic designer, then brand manager, couture archiver, wardrobe manager and stylist, fashion designer, and photographer. Later, I became an AI fashion curator, and finally, a copywriter, content creator, and content specialist. Say that five times fast!

I started screen printing in college and am self-taught in graphic design. I moved from North Carolina to LA, where I began working as a graphic designer for a footwear brand in Venice. I soon took on new responsibilities, primarily handling communications with our buyers at major department stores and working trade shows like MAGIC. In my last year in LA, I managed wardrobes and archived couture, which was a really cool experience I look back on fondly.

I traveled across Mexico for half a year and eventually settled in Mexico City, where I’ve been going back and forth for the last three years. During this time, I worked remotely as a fashion specialist for one of the biggest tech/ecommerce brands in the game. My love for writing led me to start doing copywriting for iconic sportswear and sneaker brands. Eventually, I joined an AI startup as a Creative Lead before segueing into the world of paid social, where I currently focus. Social media and trend culture fascinate me, so I enjoy coming up with different ideas for branded ads. One of my favorite parts is briefing content creators on fun concepts for user-generated content and then seeing those ideas come to life and perform well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1:

We’ll start our day with a coffee or cacao para llevar from Garat and stroll through Polanco. We’ll visit either Museo Jumex or Soumaya to take in some art, then shop around Masaryk. For lunch: Thai at Manaw or the expansive Japanese fusion menu at El Japonez. Afterwards, we’ll walk through Chapultepec Park and make our way to Reforma. Sunset cocktails at Citizyn Bar on the rooftop of Sofitel are a must. With sweeping views of the city skyline and Reforma, it’s the ideal way to end the day.

Day 2:

We brunch at Plantasia, an Asian-inspired vegan restaurant serving fresh, innovative dishes in a lush, zen-like setting. (No alcohol here, prepare for a third-eye-opening mocktail. After, we’ll explore Roma Norte, stopping by boutiques and concept stores. In the evening, we’ll stop at Cafe de Nadie, for innovative drinks and a DJ set in an intimate atmosphere. For dinner, we’ll head to Paramo, a spot with inventive tacos and bold interior design.

Day 3:

I convince you to visit Museo Chopo for a cultural deep dive into modern and experimental art. Afterward, we’ll stop by Mog Bistro for lunch. Both the Roma Norte and Juárez locations are stylish. As night falls, we’ll head to Xaman, a speakeasy-style bar. This intimate venue is perfect for artisanal cocktails—we’ll text them first.

Bonus Reccos:

• Patrick Miller: If you’re in the mood to dance, we’ll hit up this two-story warehouse for an eclectic mix of throwback hits. You can borrow something from my closet.
• Balcon del Zocalo: For the best view of the Zócalo in Centro, we’ll head to this refined rooftop for a mezcal.
• Bizarro Cafe: This three-floor bar in Roma Norte is perfect for dancing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My late grandmother Lorraine deserves a shout-out. (This is where I talk about my love of sewing and fashion design.) She taught me how to sew by hand when I was really young, and I find sewing—both by hand and machine—super therapeutic. I even traveled across Mexico with a sewing machine, designing, cutting, and sewing my own pieces. I also do a lot of upcycling, deconstructing, reconstructing, and repurposing clothing. I credit her for planting the seed. My grandmother loved the color lavender, and she adored hats. She was definitely an OG it-girl.

Instagram: @bonn.i.e

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnielawrence900

Image Credits
Fidel Gutierrez @fidelwolfcastle
Carlos Ratti https://www.carlosratti.com/