“Find your voice, your uniqueness. Make it louder, and louder, and once you find who you are as a designer, make the best of it every season!” – Layana Aguilar
- New York City, NY – When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a fashion designer?
I started designing clothes at a very young age without even realizing what it meant to me. I come from a tiny town in Brazil, a place where the coolest families are farmers. Back then, I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a career in fashion, but somehow I managed to always stand out from the crowd, and tell all my girlfriends what to wear!
For a while, I became very dangerous – that is what my mother says. I was cutting all of my clothes, my mother’s clothes, and my sister’s clothes, too. At 11 years old, I didn’t have any sewing skills. Very rarely, the pieces I attempted to redesign would come out amazing, and 90 percent ended up pretty much ruined! I remember making my mother and sister cry a few times. At least now I can make up for what I destroyed! Even though I made my mother very angry, she knew I was passionate about it and saw I had potential. It was only when I moved from Brazil to the USA that I discovered that my talent for designing clothes, and my love for helping women feel beautiful, could become my career path.
After my first trip to New York City, I finally decided to go to fashion school. At first, it was very intimidating. I had to conquer a new language, a new culture; well, basically a new life! There were times when I felt like a fish out of water, but I stayed focused and ended up accomplishing more than I could have ever dream of. I graduated from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, winning an award for best in class.
- When did you realize that what you always dreamed of was actually becoming a reality?
I always knew I wanted to have my own company, but a very wise professor told me I had to gain lots of industry experience first. My first dream as a designer came true when I got my internship at Oscar de la Renta a few months after graduating from FIT. A friend of mine was interning there, and she helped me set up an interview. I worked there for two years!”
- If you could go back to tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?
Take business classes!
- How is working in fashion today different from when you first started?
Today, we have the power of social media like never before! The wonderful thing about it is that you can be very successful on your own by taking advantage of it and treating it as a business. You can reach millions of potential clients instantly if you do it right.”
- What is your favorite part about being a designer?
Making my clients feel the best versions of themselves! Giving them the tools to conquer their world and tell their stories through my clothes.
- How do you want women to feel when wearing your clothes?
Empowered, beautiful, ready to face anything that comes their way!
- What do you feel are some of the challenges designers face today, and how do you think they can overcome them?
Most designers are not good when it comes to the numbers and business aspects of owning a company. It is so important to understand that the creative process is only a small part of it. I advise everyone who wants to have their own company to learn about the business of fashion beyond the creative aspects of it.
- What advice did you receive as a new fashion designer that you would like to share with up-and-coming designers?
Find your voice, your uniqueness. Make it louder, and louder, and once you find who you are as a designer, make the best of it every season! – GM
About the Model
Strutting around in a pair of 90’s vintage purple jeans, with a tomboy feel, long legs, and glowing porcelain skin, she grabbed the photographer’s attention immediately, and the road from discovery to model began.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, American beauty, Kate Driscoll, set aside her softball glove and pursuit of the game to be in front of the camera. Now, so many years later, she has grabbed the world of modeling with the same ease as catching those softballs. With her fresh face and personality, she has strutted the runways of the world, shot editorials for major magazines, all while also capturing the attention of crucial casting directors and designers.
While her modeling career continues to grow, Kate has also discovered several passions: interest and love for being a role model for children, being behind the camera capturing pictures of her travels around the world, and always finding time for the simple pleasures of life -like spending time with her green-eyed tabby cat, Chip.
Kate approaches her modeling career in the same way she approaches her other life pursuits, with a simple smile, a fresh view, and a warm and inviting personality. – GM
ABOUT CREATIVE TALENT MANAGEMENT
Creative Talent Management is a full-service talent and model management firm founded by Victoria Lyandres. The primary goal of Creative Talent Management is to help talent and models achieve their full potential, with a careful and detailed strategy. The company scouts, develops, and places worldwide while providing full career guidance and management.
Photography: Jose Morales
Fashion Director: Luis De Jesus
Hair: Vinzar
Makeup: Coral Del Mar
Model: Kate Driscoll
Agency: Creative Talent New York City
Location: New York City
© Guild Magazine / BlueAngel Photography New York™
