Fashion never sleeps and it never gets old! One big part of our world revolves around fashion. We are constantly looking for the latest styles, the latest tips for our hair, make up, or accessories. We keep pictures of our favorite celebrities wearing the most amazing clothes and we follow them via social networks such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, and even Snapchat to see there incredible taste of style (even though we can’t afford them); but the amazing artists behind all the gorgeous fabrics should receive our admiration and applause. For this article, Her Campus UPR interviewed the well-known designer Marcos Carrazana to have a glimpse of the action from behind the scenes!
HC Contributor: At what age did you start designing? Did you always know this was the profession you were passionate about?
Marcos Carrazana: When I was a child I had the opportunity to be involved in my parents business in a fabric shop. But when I graduated from high school I went to the University of Miami and studied Chemistry and Spanish with a minor on Psychology. After completing my bachelor’s degree and before continuing with medicine I gave myself the opportunity to study fashion design professionally. I started my studies in the International Fine Arts College in the city of Miami and then completed a program at the Parson School of Design in Paris, France.
HC Contributor: Did you ever think that you would get to where you are now, presenting your collections at events such as San Juan Moda and being highly recognized?
Marcos Carrazana: I think that thanks to the work, the quality, and the product of the label, Marcos Carrazana is respected in the fashion industry and recognized by the clients, who are a vital part of this business. I still have many things to achieve, this next year I will accomplish 20 years as a fashion designer and I know there are many projects in and out of Puerto Rico on the way.
HC Contributor: What would you say is the key to your success?
Marcos Carrazana: The key to success for any career is dedication to your work. To give more than 100% for what inspires and for what you feel passionate about, the commitment of wanting to do what you want and love.
HC Contributor: We know you recently presented your latest collection for Spring Summer Collection 2016 at San Juan Moda, what inspired you to create it?
Marcos Carrazana: The collection titled “The Silent Art of Fashion” was inspired in the different disciplines that art has to offer: architecture, sculpture, painting, music, and so on. Also the fact that style or fashion are not yet recognized as art itself.
HC Contributor: Approximately, how much time does it take to make a complete collection? How many people do you use as your team to do such a creative and assorted collection?
Marcos Carrazana: It’s a process that starts as soon as the idea pops into my head, from looking to the music that for me expresses what I’m thinking to choosing the fabrics and then making my sketches a reality into patterns, checks, etc. Hours? I won’t even tell you, but the whole assembly of the dresses that we present takes about two months. My team varies of talents: I have tailors, pattern designers, needlewomen plus all the people involved in the organization and production of the collection.
HC Contributor: If you had to select your favorite design from this collection, what would it be and why?
Marcos Carrazana: It’s very difficult to choose one but I can tell you that making the ball gowns was the best part of the presentation because they represent the elegance of the woman in an ultra-feminine level that should not be lost.
He is an amazing artist! Yes, an artist, because fashion takes much more than a pretty dress or a pretty color it has a creator, a thought behind it, a message, a statement, it has creativity, uniqueness, inspiration, passion, dedication, and plenty more that not everybody is capable of doing. Marcos’ latest collection is amazing and truly inspiring, here are some of his works of art: