Versatile Dress - Ximena Valero

Written by Nadia Boulejiouch on Thursday, 12 November 2009 15:23

Twice a year many a woman begins the expedition into their closets to search for any survivors from the years past. Like sorting through the plunder of an avalanche, I dive through hangers and shelves calling out for any living garments from seasons before, usually to be met with the same shameful reality, why did I buy that? That ruffled blouse may have been your best friend last year, but this year it could make you look like a harlequin obsessed fashion victim. Let’s face it; we live in an ever evolving industry where something that is trendy one year may be a huge fashion faux pas for decades to come. As Heidi Klum says “One minute you’re in, and the next you’re out.”
Living in New York fashion was clear. In February and September the new trends are unveiled at Fashion Week. Those trends soon trickle down for mass production and lower costs. Then I moved to Los Angeles. Here in Los Angeles, fashion is not as obvious. It is more relaxed, and definitely less in your face. This is a town of showrooms, stylists, specialized boutiques, and stores that buy as well as sell designs by small scale designers. One of these designers, who likes to move at her own pace rather than following the predictions of her local trend-forecasters, is Ximena Valero.

Nadia Boulejiouch: What inspired you to become a designer?
Ximena Valero: When I was 9 years old, my mother enrolled me in a sewing class. At first I didn’t want to go because I felt like it was intended for older girls. After the first day, I was inspired and wanted to make my own clothes. And the rest is history.
Ximena Valero Spring 2010 Collection - Picture by Todd Williamson

Ximena Valero Spring 2010 Collection - Picture by Todd Williamson

NB: What is your background?
XV:   I was born in Mexico City, and I moved to Tijuana when I was 5 years old , my father wanted us to be close to the border to learn both cultures . When I was 21, I moved to San Diego, and I lived there for 5 years. Afterwards, I spent 3 years in New York City, and now I have come back to Los Angeles to be closer to my family. It is also a great city, like New York, for Fashion: it combines a lot of the cultures I love, textiles, design, and a unique lifestyle.

NB:   How do you see the design scene in Los Angeles? What is your place in this scene?
XV:   The design scene in LA, in my opinion, is casual and laid-back, but it also has a very distinctive style. Because we have a great mix of cultures, including celebrity culture, fashion in LA has started to have its own power, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I believe that everything happens for a reason. And wherever my opportunities take me is where I will go. The distinct style of LA is something I’m committed to, and something that influences me. I am excited to be a part of that distinction, and to contribute to the richness of different cultures in LA.
Ximena Valero Spring 2010 Collection - Picture by Todd Williamson

NB: Do you follow the trends of the year or do you create your own?
XV: I create my own. I have learned over time to create my own identity through my designs. I have learned to be comfortable with myself and I think a lot of people want to relate to the feeling of self-assurance and self-confidence that are in my designs. I started using Lycra when I was first designing – it was not a popular choice at the time for eveningwear, but I love the way it moves. It flows very nicely and has a great shine. Secondly, I use poly rayon spandex because I like the comfortable feel of the fabric. I also use chiffon because it has a very strong connection with femininity and feeling empowered as a woman. My design sense comes from being honest with myself as a woman, and determining what I want to wear without being seen as pretentious. I design for women who are their own person, who like to take risks and try different things, and who like to show how beautiful they are.

NB: Is your collection in seasons, or annual, or per customer?
XV: 2 seasons a year; I also do extra custom-made bridal wear.
Ximena Valero Spring 2010 Collection - Picture By Volker Corell

Ximena Valero Spring 2010 Collection - Picture By Volker Corell

NB: When did you begin your own label?
XV: Officially 2 years ago. Fashion is an ever-changing chameleon, but with definite grounding: everything relates to and is a result from the past. Fashion’s history is very revealing about the society in which it functioned: economics, politics, core values etc. Right now there is increasing consciousness for eco-friendly materials, upcoming designers have a lot of opportunities to branch out. We are becoming more real, more tangible. Designers are not only the labels they represent, they are individuals. Today, the real value of clothing is not a brand name, but the design and the beauty of the piece itself. Certainly, the economy is affecting fashion, giving more importance to sensible and versatile dress.

For more information visit: www.ximenavalero.com/

OMG: www.ximenavalero.com/videogallery

SHOW OFF: www.youtube.com/user/XIMENAVALERO

BLOOM: www.youtube.com/watch

DOLCE: www.youtube.com/watch

-- By Nadia Boulejiouch

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