Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 4

Our perceptions are much influenced by our experiences and how we learn to adapt and embody those things we choose to believe in.  Fashion gives us this opportunity to express who we are and what we believe and often times a way to share this with others.  This article series is being written to allow you a sneak peek into the lives of some of designers that are part of the 2012 Phoenix Fashion Week.  The interviews comprise of candid discussions and questions asked of the designers and my interpretation of their answers.   The write-up will be a summary of the conversation.

Ofra Aricha of OfraStyle has made herself known for her ability to make your daily life convertible and flexible if you so choose.  The designs she creates enable one to see past the limitations of traditional apparel that normally has one purpose and one way to wear it.  Ofra was always attracted to colors and fabrics and at the early age of 10 she delved into her mother’s closet to experiment and create using her mother’s sewing machine.  She had the opportunity to study in Europe Photography and Art which helped to develop her eye for the beauty she now creates in her special clothing lines.  In her early years, she was already distributing her creations to stores so this experience has allowed her to build and come back to something she loves now and has launched with OfraStyle.

 

Her restart into fashion design most recently happened when she moved here to Arizona five years ago and built a successful Mobile Alteration business.  She was inspired and prompted by her good friend and partner Lisa Miller to take what she had started with one design to continue and expand her vision.  The first convertible jumpsuit which is one of her signature pieces evolved with fine fabric from Israel.  Not only has her original line evolved however they will be soon branching into to other lines where flexibility and comfort are import as well as the flash of colors you are used to seeing in her every day wear.

Ofra is focused on making fashion practical and flexible to fit each person’s lifestyle the way they choose to adapt it.  She loves the casual by day and contemporary by night philosophy infused into her garments which enable one to have different looks from morning to night with the same piece.  Colors and the different fabrics make her products stand out uniquely and there is a definite flow and unpredictable nature about the blending of these to make the designs have life.  For Ofra, the colors in the fabric have energy of their own and are important in meaning similar to chakra colors of energy.  Age does not matter to Ofra and she believes that being able to start new every day without limitations is what her creations are about.  Her desire to see others inspired and coached to live that unlimited life without impossibility and her designs of OfraStyle are her way to reach your soul.

Website:  http://www.ofrastyle.com/shop/

Twitter:  @OfraStyle

Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 2

Couture, Couture, Couture – I gotta have me some Couture!!!  There is definitely a theme in the world of Fashion and Couture is definitely one of them.  This article series is being written to allow you a sneak peek into the lives of some of designers that are part of the 2012 Phoenix Fashion Week.  The interviews comprise of candid discussions and questions asked of the designers and my interpretation of their answers.   The write-up will be a summary of the conversation.

Italia Rocks Couture founded and created by Natalia Acosta is a vision of her life since she could remember.  Nothing else has fulfilled her life more than living, breathing, and doing fashion since her earliest memories.  It dominates who she is; what she does daily and actually happens everywhere for her.  Natalia is inspired all the time by colors, pictures, views, fabrics and more.  She fancies no particular fabric and will work with anything from lace, silk and more.

Natalia moved from Mexico and went to college here to develop the knowledge she needed to bring her version of fashion to everyone.  Designers such as Valentino and others who have carried the torch for Couture looks, have influenced Natalia along the journey of her fashion evolution.  What Couture means to Natalia is having that creative freedom to design uniquely so that you can feel different wearing one of her fashionable creations.  The hand craftsmanship and the quality of the creation are important.  Her specialty of course, is the long flowing gowns and dresses that can adorn any red carpet with such glamour that those who choose her fashions will “feel like a Queen” or “a million dollar woman” as they walk down that aisle, runway, or any other platform.

Ultimately, Natalia hopes and dreams that Italia Rock Couture fashions will be worn by the hippest celebrities on the Red Carpet at the Golden Globes, Oscars and become common celebrity wear still with the uniqueness she brands her creations with.  For individuals considering similar pursuits, she says the key to being successful is to be first true to yourself, be passionate about what you do, put all your efforts in everything you do, no matter what it is as long as you are doing what makes you happy.  As an artist you should feed your soul and doing what you love is really what it is about.  Natalia is making others feel special in only the way she can through her love…Italia Rocks Couture!!!

Website:  http://www.italiarockscouture.com

Twitter:  @italiacouture11