DESIGNERS
Pamela Gonzales
Designer Name: Pamela Gonzales
Label Name: Pamela Gonzales
Website: www.pamela-gonzales.com
Origin: Peru
I am really excited about taking my brand to the next level with the participation in Nolcha’s Fashion Week which allows me to express myself in this magical, iconic city. It means one of the most challenging exposures as an emerging designer and it is up to me to make it happen.
Background: Since she was a child, Pamela Gonzalez has always wanted to become a designer, but it wasn’t until an accident that she decided to start following her dream by making her passion her lifestyle. To help her recovery, her family encouraged her to reignite the flames of her passion for design, and with a lot of effort and dedication, she completed her first collection. It was received with a great reception from buyers and editors alike in Peru’s Fashion Week, which led to invitations to talk shows as well as favorable press reviews in leading Peruvian media. Gonzales then decided to open her first boutique in Lima, Peru and established her own atelier to ensure the highest quality of production and craftsmanship. Gonzales brought her first collection to New York where it received a warm reception and positive reviews by stylist, editors, and celebrities alike in both New York as well as Los Angeles. She plans to open a concept store in Soho this September, which will showcase her work alongside the work of other up-and-coming designers.
Vision: I think that I represent my point of view with the garments I create, and with this, I want to make people feel unique, different, special, and comfortable. I seek to break the ordinary concept of fashion that has already been seen. With my line I would like to convey to the world what I consider to be the ‘right amount’ of luxury, elegance, and colors all in one. I feel that there is still a lot to innovate in the fashion market and I want to expand the appreciation for fashion by contributing an alternative that blends textures, transparences, drapes, angles and hand knitted work to a challenging level.
Signature style: I consider that my signature style is feminine, luxurious, sophisticated, innovative, yet modern and alluring for women who are not scared of enhancing their individuality and projecting the extraordinary charm of their fearless and liberated spirits.
Influence: My main influences are the looks of textures and how they make me feel. My collections are always based on places I have been to and the textures and shapes I’ve see there. I think that being inspired by textures gives the brand a different look and personality. Being able to touch it and wear it is a priceless experience. I also think that garments are your second skin, telling the world how you want to be seen, and by basing them on textures, it gives it a personal touch that is difficult or even impossible to replicate.
Brand philosophy: Long term, I aspire to achieve international recognition and become a worldwide icon of prestige, elegance, and innovative luxury that has broken the previous parameters of fashion with success.
Making it happen: I love challenges and I think that is exactly why I fell in love with fashion. I live a different challenge everyday and, as an independent designer, there is always a lot to discover. The industry is huge and it is quite competitive, but I think that if you follow your own road rather than following what others do, you will find your own way. Ever since I started the brand, I have had challenges: my first and second Peru Fashion Weeks, the opening of my first boutique, the presentation of my brand in WWD Magic Show, the participation of my last collection in a Showroom in NYC and my first international sales. It has been difficult, but the results have always been fulfilling and motivating. I think that something that has helped me a lot is my perseverance, patience, a clear understanding of the results that I want and my long-term perspective, which allows me to give my best. My family’s support has always been fundamental in this process, as well as my faith in God, which moves me to always to try to do what is right and gives me strength when I lose motivation.
Celebrity crush: I definitely have some celebrity crushes that inspire me when designing and become an icon for my garments. I would love to dress Lana Del Rey, Annalynne McCord, Blake Lively, Mary Kate Olsen, and Miley Cyrus. I know that they are all quite different, but they all have this fearless style that enhances their personalities and elegance. For me, the five of them are fashion icons that show a different aspect of the stunning feminine vixen beauty.
What does New York City mean to you? New York is a fashion capital, the city just speaks for itself. It is surrounded by art and different cultures, and this is represented with fashion as well. The city has its own vibe going on and colors that create a wider vision of life. This place is kind of unreal and magical.