Karen Vega, the first Oxaqueña model in the cover of Vogue

Oaxaqueña fashion model Karen Espinosa Vega, the first indigenous Oaxacan model to ever grace the cover of Vogue Mexico, has appeared yet again in Vogue Mexico’s March issue. Vega has over 100 thousand followers on social media and recently shared photographs of her in Vogue Mexico, “I am so happy and grateful to see all these opportunities that are being given to me, and realizing the great talent that exists in Oaxaca and that they help achieve my goals.” Vega was photographed wearing a Oaxacana jewelry brand called OroArte de Oaxaca.

Karen Espinosa Vega was born and raised in a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico. Her modeling journey began at the age of 14 when she helped her grandfather’s wife measure dresses she made for a local fashion competition.

Her professional modeling career began when a Oaxacan fashion designer, Pompi García, asked her to be a part of his “Magical Realism” production in the city of Oaxaca. He asked Karen specifically because he wanted to showcase more native and darker skinned people in his projects. Vega is now represented by Talento Espina Modeling Agency.

Karen Vega in Vogue 

Last year, at the age of eighteen, Vega made history becoming the first Oaxaqueña model to appear on the cover of Vogue Mexico’s July issue. She was also interviewed by Vogue Mexico’s Editor-in-chief Enrique Torres and Vogue Mexico writer Christian Allaire. 

In her Vogue interview with Allaire she stated, “We need more representation of Mexicans around the world and also within Mexico as well as more representation of different types of women and men.” Vega embraces her culture, continues to break barriers and is proud to be representing the Oaxacan people.