Raine Magazine's Exclusive Interview with Designer Sofia Arana
Sofía Arana is a new contemporary womenswear brand mixing up the best of high-end designer clothing and fast fashion, resulting in a cutting edge collection of the best quality that is wearable, affordable and constantly evolving.
At the age of 16, she started to take sewing lessons at Carlota Alfaro College in Puerto Rico, where she acquired the formal education to turn her designs into reality. Carlota Alfaro became her mentor and guided her through the entire process.
Taking classic lines and shapes as inspiration, she creates unique, picturesque designs for the fashion-conscious woman who appreciates casual elegance and a whimsical yet classy style. In 2014 she debuted at the internationally renowned Nolcha Fashion Week, held during New York Fashion Week. . Being 22 years old, Sofía Arana is one to watch on our radar as she makes her way in the high stakes fashion industry. Read along as we learn more about this emerging designer making waves in fashion.
RAINE: How did working with Carlota Alfaro at a young age help you to develop your skill as a designer? How did that partnership come about?
ARANA: Carlota Alfaro is a very important figure in my development as a designer. I studied Fashion Design in her school and then she became my mentor and guided me step by step through all the process of becoming a professional in this field. I am fortunate enough that she saw the potential in me and let me stay extra hours at her workshop watching how everything was made from start to finish, and also let me work on my own designs while helping on the execution. During that time, I was able to polish all my tailoring and construction skills. It was wonderful and I feel very privileged to have the support of such an experienced designer like she is.
RAINE: You have worked in many aspects of the fashion industry, how has that experience helped you to run a successful brand? What aspect of the fashion industry do you enjoy working in most and why?
ARANA: I have built my business from the ground up, so I have been in every position and have done every single job in my company, which I believe is a huge advantage. I know all the steps in the process and that makes me a better leader now that I serve as head designer and production manager. The aspect of my work I enjoy the most is the development of a new collection. It is magical when you get to see it evolve from concept to reality.
RAINE: As an entrepreneur, can you tell me about a time when you were unable to meet your goals and what steps did you take to turn your short comings into future opportunities?
ARANA: I initially intended to create custom made garments for private clients, as it is a common business model in Puerto Rico, but then I realized the fashion industry was changing and decided to create my own ready-to-wear fashion brand instead. In 2011 I started to sell the line at Nativa Boutique, initially with only one design. The pieces sold out so fast that I was forced to look up for other manufacturing options and study different aspects about the fashion industry. I discovered a new exciting world and instantly fell in love with technical design and manufacturing. From that moment, I knew for sure what I wanted: to develop my own fashion company. Since then, and with clear goals in mind, my business has evolved in a very organic way and I have been successful in the achievement of all my goals. Sometimes things turn out in a different way than you expected. You need to be open to different possibilities in order to identify opportunities as they arise.
RAINE: What words of advice would you give to aspiring designers who would like to follow in your success?
ARANA: Work hard, learn from your mistakes, stay humble and never quit.
Images courtesy of Sofía Arana