Sarita Agudelo Arias, Designer/Owner of 444fourfortyfour

It’s great to meet you and chat about your premiere collection for NFIF- NYFW this season. Let’s jump into the interview.

1-D.T: How long have you been designing?

S.A: I have been designing for many years, since I was a child around 8 years old. I remember sketching in a notebook and accepting “orders” from friends. As I got older and became a teenager, I started designing for friends and having seamstresses make the garments.

2-D.T: How does Colombia influence you fashion aesthetic?

S.A: I think being from  Colombia, its the core of who I am. I studied interior design and fashion design in school…I was discovering what my passion was. There was less opportunities for me in Colombia,  I started a t-shirt line with the assistance of my grandmother. NYC offered many more opportunities, so I decided to move to the United States.

3-D.T: Tell me about your collection this season?

S.A: This is my dream collection and inspired by my childhood. I am recapturing the innocence of my childhood; pureness, freedom, and tell stories about that. Also, using the 90s as my backdrop and inspiration.

4-D.T: Tell me about the models you cast for the show?

S.A: They are all women with dreams like me and I am giving them opportunities to manifest their dreams. They are all so beautiful and pure to me, the models also inspire me and give my designs life.

5-D.T: Let’s talk about your hair and makeup inspiration?

S.A: It’s all about the 90s, color, texture, and the personification of the woman I wanted to be as a child. I want to bring my designs into reality.

6-D.T: What inspires you?

S.A: My mother and grandmother inspire me. I am here because of my mom, she is pure love, hard work, and has sacrificed so much for me. This collection is a tribute to her.

7-D.T: What are you grateful for?

S.A: I am grateful for the all the adversities I have experienced. It has made me who I am today. My dad  and cousin passed away recently which has been difficult for me and my gamily. This new collection has been a beacon of light for me!!

Instagram @444fourfortyfour