interview by Nicky London
I was born in Guatemala. I was raised in Costa Rica, Peru, and the Philippines. I then suffered through six years living in Wheaton, Illinois. The city boasts to have more churches per square mile than any city in the USA. I escaped to four years studying at Skidmore College. I lived briefly in Bangkok, Thailand and London, England. Finally, I moved to New York City at the end of 1997.
Current occupation ?
I am a fashion designer and the owner DRES.
Inspiration ?
The inspiration for my Spring 2004 collection was African Kings, a book by Daniel Lainé. Flawless Sabrina, Polartec Power Shield body suits, and rubber belts were the inspiration for Fall 2004. Serena Williams, Perforated Rubber, Scuba, and gold mesh were the inspiration for Spring 2005.
Objective & aspirations?
My dream is to to create. I came to New York because I lost a job in Bangkok due to the 1997 Asian financial crisis. My aspiration is to help as many people possible by doing what I love and do best at.
Where do see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
Hopefully, nowhere near retirement. DRES has been a much larger project than I ever imagined. I struggle mentally and financially each day. I see myself posting a profit in the next five years. I would love to have enough money to hire full time the team that helps me each season by then. Love to have an office/sample room... I do believe DRES will grow to become a mainstay in New York Fashion. I hope it happens in 10 years.
If you could give one piece of advise to someone who has aspirations of following in your footsteps what would it be?
Listen. First, learn how to listen to yourself. Most of the times you know based on your wealth of knowledge. Second, know how to listen to others. There is so much information out there. It is so easy to get distracted and to feel overwhelmed. Listen to everyone. Beauty and knowledge comes from diversity. Lastly, learn how to forgive yourself and how to learn from your mistakes.