Welcome to another feature of Tacones Exitosos! 👠
Continuing to share with you about the woman that inspire me brings me so much joy. Growing into my career I don't remember knowing any #Latinaprenuers or even anyone in my industry. Now, I'm surrounded by amazing #chingonas that inspire me and remind me that everything is possible when you have determination and passion for what you do.
When talking about determination and passion, the woman that comes to my mind is the amazing Couture Designer, Elda de La Rosa. Elda is not only an amazing designer, she is a true Artist at heart. Remember when I said everything is possible when you are passionate about what you do? Well, she is the epitome of that.
Let's dive in! Meet Elda De La Rosa:
Elda De La Rosa is a highly prominent and recognized, couture designer from Chicago with a national and international following. The prestige of her atelier is grounded in her sensibility for designs that are inspired by vintage detail, created with an unmistakable feminine flare and impeccable attention to fit.
De La Rosa has received significant recognition for her work and was chosen as one of the top 10 finalists for the Oscars Designer Challenge in 2010. Her gowns, Elda De La Rosa Couture, are featured across fashion circles, and are regarded among the best hand crafted garments seen in today’s high fashion world. Each piece highlights each woman’s femininity, beauty and romantic affinities that bring the creative edge to life through her designs and innovative mind.
De la Rosa’s clients range from celebrities to socialites and fashionistas, including Chicago’s very own Candace Jordan, NBC5 anchor Zoraida Sambolin, on-air FOX32 personality Sylvia Perez, heir to the Tootsie Roll Corporation and many more.
Her designs have been featured in fashion, high-profile local and national magazines such as Hispanic Executive, Chicago Sun-Times SPLASH, Chicago Social, Michigan Avenue, Sheridan Road Magazine, Naperville Magazine, Chicago Social Bride, Chicago Tribune, Negocios Now, and trendy, chic blogs, including Candace Jordan’s celebrity blog “Candid Candace.”
Ready for another fun and insighful Q&A's? This is Elda De La Rosa in Tacones Exitosos:
How does a regular day at your atelier look like?
A regular day at my atelier starts out with our scheduled fittings as our priority. In between client fittings, we take care of our phone calls, emails, texts and preparing for the following day of fittings.
Where does your passion for design come from?
My passion for design is deeply rooted in my family’s bloodline. I remember seeing the women in my family would always sew when I was a little girl. I always knew it was what I wanted to do.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career in fashion- what would it be?
If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be to not feel insecure or inadequate. I was a very timid little girl.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your designs?
I want women to feel confident and beautiful when they wear my gowns.
How was it like venturing on your own for the first time?
Venturing out on my own is how I’ve always worked and so it’s natural. Whether I was in high school or college, I always had clients that I was sewing or designing for.
What book is on your nightstand right now?
At his moment, I only read fashion magazines; Vogue Magazine is currently on my nightstand.
Who have been your biggest mentors in fashion and what is the best advice they have ever given you?
My biggest mentors in fashion have been my clients. I’ve had some incredible women who have impeccable taste. Working with women that have a fine eye for fashion has been very influential in my fashion career.
Where do you go for inspiration when working on a new design?
Until this day, I’m most inspired by my fabrics and the time of season.
What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?
I would advise young designers to be open to learning new techniques and to not burn any bridges in an industry where you are as good as your last job.
You recently opened your Atelier on Chicago’s Oak Street surrounded by high-end brand names such as Escada, Chanel, and Prada among others. Which is amazing! Has this added pressure to grow to the size of some of those fashion houses? Or do you envision Elda De La Rosa Couture as a more private couture boutique?
Opening on Oak Street has given me different pressures. I haven't changed my desire to grow the label. It put in perspective how to be a businesswoman who has a financial overhead.
Name 3 things you are most proud of.
Being a mother to my sons
Being an honoree in the National Museum of Mexican Art
Being selected to participate in an Oscar Contest in Beverly Hills
As a #Latinapreneur what has been the biggest obstacle you had to overcome?
As a Latinapreneur my biggest obstacle has been when potential clients do not put the same worth and value to my craft as I do.
What inspires you the most?
My biggest inspiration has been my parents. To see how they persevered as young parents with five kids. A work ethic that was hard on them as it was hard on us as children. To hear my father say to me, “you are entitled to a piece of the pie in this land of opportunities ." As long as I stay focused and work hard, any door is open is for me to see the opportunities.
What are the biggest generational differences you see within your industry? Is it hard to work with Millennials?
The biggest generational clashes in my industry I would say is: how the younger generations have a hard time being open to learning under pressure. Jobs need to be completed in real-time not semester time. I find some millennials have a hard time starting at the bottom of the totem pole.
Success for me is a state of mind. When my sons are thriving, when my clients are proud of the garments they’ve purchased, and the fact that I can earn a living as an artist in one of the largest cities. That is success!
With 20 plus years as a designer, what do you think is the key to your success?
I believe the key to my success as a designer is to give my clients my best authentic self as a designer, to genuinely love what you do will make everything fall into place.
What’s your favorite pair of TACONES to wear when you really mean business?
As a girly girl, I LOVE my Tacones. Love wearing my heels high and proud.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to add how important it is to support local business. To support artists AND merchandise made in this country. It's a trickling effect when you support local businesses, you support jobs, you support a community, you support made in America!
Wasn't that inspiring?
#CoutureDesigner #Eldadelarosa #fashiondesigner #blogger #sofimcdowell #chicagofashion #empowerwomen #taconesexitosos