How did you get your start as a designer and what were some motivating factors that led you to that decision?
I started my career as a designer at 16. My dad owned a chain of stores that sold and produced knitted garments for women and fine leather goods. One day, the head designer quit and my dad gave me the opportunity to start designing some pieces. I knew all my life I wanted to be a designer, but fashion design was not a popular career choice at the time. So, I studied graphic design and then, many years later, textile design. I complemented my fashion studies at Parsons and Marangoni.
Which designers do you look up and which ones have influenced your career thus far?
Ramon Valdiosera, who just recently passed away, was a very brilliant Mexican designer. He studied our fashion and textile heritage and put it in the international eye. He also invented the term ‘Rosa Mexicano’ for that vibrant pink color that is a staple all through Mexico.
Being a designer means having the ability to meet obstacles and challenges. What have been some challenges that you’ve had to overcome from the creative side as well as the business side?
I think the most difficult part of being a designer with your own brand is taking responsibility for both the creative direction and the business management. You have to remain curious and creative at times when you are facing the challenges of growing your business.
We loved watching your show at Rio 54. So chic and a beautiful work of art. What was the inspiration behind this latest collection of yours?
Thank you! Yes, it was a very vibrant and optimistic show. The collection’s name is ‘Bamba’ which is the title of a very well-known Mexican song that originated when African people were brought here as slaves and fought a pirate invasion off the shore of Veracruz. This collection seeks to recognize our African roots and how they became mixed with all our other roots. The Afro-Mestizo community has been fighting for recognition and this year, they finally got it from the government. We are celebrating that through our collection that mixes textiles from Mexico and Africa in a fun and interesting way.
What advice would you give to other fashion designers looking to get into the business?
To remain optimistic, to believe in themselves and to have a lot of discipline.
When it comes to you, which designers and styles do you gravitate to personally?
I like taking a peek to international fashion weeks like South Africa, Brazil, Colombia and Malaysia, for example. I love the approaches some of those designers have to their identity with contemporary values. I am always naturally drawn to ethnic looks and bohemian feels.
What do you have coming up in the near future?
We are happy to announce that we just recently opened our store in Santa Fe. We are very happy to have the opportunity to be in a very special area of Mexico City and we are looking to consolidating our brand through it. It’s a very important step towards growing and we would love to, little by little, open new stores.
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