Soulivity Editor-at-Large, D'angelo Thompson, spends time with fashion designer, Alejandro Peraza! Enjoy the amazing beauty of Alejandro's designs, as he answers some questions about his inspirations and the future of his fashion line..DT: Alejandro, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. It was such a pleasure doing a shoot with you and featuring some of your designs, which are stunning by the way. What inspired you to be a designer?.AP: I grew up in the factories learning how to sew on my parent's machines. I use to sketch dresses and fantasize with dressing the famous as well as everyday people. I always had a knack for creating and was inspired by the glamour and all things beauty..DT: How have your designs impacted pop culture?.AP: Having the opportunity to come up with concepts and ideas for celebrity placements requires creating something new and trend setting. Dressing someone like Cardi B, for example, for an iconic look, encourages other designers and influencers to draw inspiration..DT: How do you see your brand growing in the next decade?.AP: I see my brand accessible to all in 10 years. and a couple of brick and mortar stores, as well. There's nothing like touching the fabrics and trying it on to see if it's a perfect fit. My goal is to be worn by women everywhere..DT: What advice would you give your younger self (10-year-old Alejandro)?.AP: I would say to my younger self, "don't take everything so serious. Enjoy yourself. Keep creating. All your dreams will come true one day.".DT: We spoke briefly about intuitive moments you have as an artist, and how it aligns with clients. Can you explain these moments to our readers?.AP: My intuition is based on connecting with the women I dress. Listening to what they like and channeling what I am inspired by, as well as feel would accentuate their best assets. Some of my signature pieces are wrap dresses and knit dresses with ruching which flatter many shapes..DT: Name two or three of your favorite fashion designers and why?.AP: I love Alexander McQueen because he was bold and had a freestyle yet refined way of designing. Rick Owens, because he plays with shapes and drapes never seen before he came along. Giambattista Valli, for their drama and volume..DT: How is life as a fashion designer impacted by the environment?.AP: Everything that surrounds us creates our reality and process of creation. It's a constant balance of what we need Vs glamour and desires..Credits.Photographer/Retoucher: RON CADIZ PHOTOGRAPHYStylist: ALEJANDRO PERAZA / N. ZUNIGAFashion Credits/Items: Clothes by ALEJANDRO PERAZA / Accessories by SONYA MONIQUE / Shoes by ALDO and H&MBeauty Credits/Items: TOM FORD BEAUTY, MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD, NYX COSMETICS, and MAC COSMETICSMakeup Artist: D'ANGELO THOMPSONHair Stylist: RON CADIZ / D'ANGELO THOMPSONModel(s)/Agency: SHAREE MICHELLE,ELITA LA / SARAH PIGG
Soulivity Editor-at-Large, D'angelo Thompson, spends time with fashion designer, Alejandro Peraza! Enjoy the amazing beauty of Alejandro's designs, as he answers some questions about his inspirations and the future of his fashion line..DT: Alejandro, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. It was such a pleasure doing a shoot with you and featuring some of your designs, which are stunning by the way. What inspired you to be a designer?.AP: I grew up in the factories learning how to sew on my parent's machines. I use to sketch dresses and fantasize with dressing the famous as well as everyday people. I always had a knack for creating and was inspired by the glamour and all things beauty..DT: How have your designs impacted pop culture?.AP: Having the opportunity to come up with concepts and ideas for celebrity placements requires creating something new and trend setting. Dressing someone like Cardi B, for example, for an iconic look, encourages other designers and influencers to draw inspiration..DT: How do you see your brand growing in the next decade?.AP: I see my brand accessible to all in 10 years. and a couple of brick and mortar stores, as well. There's nothing like touching the fabrics and trying it on to see if it's a perfect fit. My goal is to be worn by women everywhere..DT: What advice would you give your younger self (10-year-old Alejandro)?.AP: I would say to my younger self, "don't take everything so serious. Enjoy yourself. Keep creating. All your dreams will come true one day.".DT: We spoke briefly about intuitive moments you have as an artist, and how it aligns with clients. Can you explain these moments to our readers?.AP: My intuition is based on connecting with the women I dress. Listening to what they like and channeling what I am inspired by, as well as feel would accentuate their best assets. Some of my signature pieces are wrap dresses and knit dresses with ruching which flatter many shapes..DT: Name two or three of your favorite fashion designers and why?.AP: I love Alexander McQueen because he was bold and had a freestyle yet refined way of designing. Rick Owens, because he plays with shapes and drapes never seen before he came along. Giambattista Valli, for their drama and volume..DT: How is life as a fashion designer impacted by the environment?.AP: Everything that surrounds us creates our reality and process of creation. It's a constant balance of what we need Vs glamour and desires..Credits.Photographer/Retoucher: RON CADIZ PHOTOGRAPHYStylist: ALEJANDRO PERAZA / N. ZUNIGAFashion Credits/Items: Clothes by ALEJANDRO PERAZA / Accessories by SONYA MONIQUE / Shoes by ALDO and H&MBeauty Credits/Items: TOM FORD BEAUTY, MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD, NYX COSMETICS, and MAC COSMETICSMakeup Artist: D'ANGELO THOMPSONHair Stylist: RON CADIZ / D'ANGELO THOMPSONModel(s)/Agency: SHAREE MICHELLE,ELITA LA / SARAH PIGG