| How much of an inspiration has this collection been to you because of your
grandmother? |
 |
Honestly, it is the reason why I decided to do bridal. Etelvina, or Nina,
like we called her, always dreamed of opening up a bridal atelier. Due to
the sad circumstances in her life, I grew up watching her struggle with her
dreams and see them suffer because of the situation she was in. She had the
wants and the passion in her heart and soul, but dead ends and no means of
making them reality. As she got older and sick I realized that I wanted this
as much for her as I wanted it for me. Now that she is no longer with me I
desire to pick up
where she left off. There have been times where I've wanted to give-in or
give-up on my dream, but then I remember how much she loved bridal and
sewing and it moves me to try even harder, pick myself up again and try over
and over, till I get it right! She is my everyday inspiration; which is why
I decided to name my first collection after her -- The Etelvina Collection
2008. In the midst of this I have grown an immense passion for it! I truly
love designing bridal! I want to fulfill that wish for her and now, more
than ever, for me. |
How did you make the jump from designing weddings to designing wedding
gowns?
It wasn't a jump. Honestly, I always loved designing dresses! I grew up
watching my grandmother sew. It was intoxicating to see her passion for it.
She would get lost sewing for hours and hours on end. I guess it inevitably
brushed off on me.
How difficult was it for you to do bridal when the only training you've had
in fashion is that of observing your grandmother sew?
Well it was difficult, but not impossible. I was convinced that I could do
it because I had a tremendous passion for it. That's all I really needed.
Oh! and Im also a fast learner!
How did you learn how to sketch and draw?
I took many classes of design and graphics at school for architecture. On
one hand, the basics transfer when applying it to fashion. On the other
hand, I learned structure and form from my design and graphics classes' a
dress is not a dress without these elements. Sketching wasn't difficult; I
already had a natural disposition for drawing. Either way I spent about 2
days in a book store looking at how-to-sketch books. You can say I pretty
much learned to sketch in a 48 hour period!
When did you design, sketch, and confect your first wedding dress?
I was 17. It was a truly spectacular dress. My client trusted me with the
most important element of her wedding and to this day I will always be
grateful. It was the stepping stone I needed to confirm that my passion for
bridal was only a little hard work away.
What can you tell us about your collection?
The Etelvina collection is a collection four years in the making. I began
sketching and designing because of women I had come across. Each woman kept
hinting design ideas based on their personalities, physical beauty, life
changing situations, adversities or even recently born into this world.
Because it did so I carried around a sketch book and began designing dress
putting their names respectively to each finished sketched gown. Once I
compiled them I decided to make my first collection and launch my label. I
have dedicated the collection to my grandmother Etelvina because of her
inspiration; and titled the collection "Celebrating Women."
What should we expect from your collection? Show?
Simple, feminine and chic! Honestly, there is no specific theme to my
collection other than the women that inspired me to design the gowns. Expect
the unexpected as we really though outside the box with these gowns. There
will be a lot of color, other than white! I don't have any white dress on
this collection. It is truly a beautiful four year in the making collection
of wedding gowns.
How do you see yourself as a designer?
I don't want to become a designer that hides behind a desk sketching, but
rather a designer that plays a significant role in the lives of women as
well. I'm a true believer that giving is receiving. The women in my life –
Grandmother, Mother, Sister and nieces have given me so much that I want to
give back; which is why my first fashion show will revolve around breast
cancer awareness. All proceeds will go to the National Breast Cancer
Foundation (NBCF). My company is also donating a gown, by means of media, to
a woman who has either won adversity with cancer or finds herself still at
war with breast cancer and simply can't afford buying a wedding dress.
What are your future plans for your company?
I want to continue doing what I love. Everything else will fall into place
after that.
Random question, what is your favorite color?
Bridal! I know it's not a color!….but it is my favorite thing in the
world!...by the way, you are right, that was random! |
