There is more to fashion design than just
glitzy catwalk displays and celebrity wearing. It necessitates a thorough
understanding of design construction, shape, proportion, and method, as well as
awareness of customer behavior and business processes. Let’s talk about this in
more detail with Maria Ximena Varela Torlaschi, a.k.a. Ximena Varela. A
businesswoman, influencer, and fashion designer, Ximena has been creating style
pieces for more than 10 years and is originally from Uruguay. She started when
she was just out of her twenties and is now 35 years old. Influencer Ximena has
collaborated with several domestic and foreign companies as a content creator,
a social media product evangelist, and a model for photoshoots. She has worked
with brands such as L’Oreal, Tiendamia, Peppers, Converse, Vogue, Versace,
Creed Boutique, Milano, Martini, and Fiesta Bresh.
Career and Education
Ximena is a communications graduate of
University of Montevideo. Additionally, she studied communication and design at
the University of Salamanca and participated in an exchange program at the
University of Navarre in Spain (Spain). Ximena really believes that her
education has contributed to her success as an influencer, since understanding
your audience is a key component of being one. It also greatly aided her in the
development of material, which calls for some proficiency in photography,
videography, and editing. As an influencer, she has had the chance to meet
international personalities like Pampita, Lizardo Ponce, Lionel Ferro,
Claptone, Ester Exposito, Alessandra Ambrosio, Nico Furtado, Ricky Sarkany,
Pico Monaco, and Mau y Ricky Montaner at the greatest events, red carpets, and
parties.
Talent Matters
Xamena is certain that anyone working in the
fashion sector must have technical knowledge, a tendency for creative thought,
and a commercial approach. In order to succeed in the fashion sector, you must
possess a stunning résumé, sophisticated interview techniques, a positive
attitude, passion, and unwavering energy. After you complete your schooling and
internship, you must choose from a number of options. They assist with
identifying your design specialization, producing job-search marketing
materials, and teaching you how to apply for your desired position. It’s
crucial to decide which sector of the fashion business you want to target. As
you advance towards a successful career within the fashion industry, you will
need to define job categories, product categories, work environments, markets,
types of designers, etc.
Building Your Portfolio
She believes that having creativity and the
ability to draw is helpful while building a portfolio. Taking art and craft
lessons is a smart decision if you want to learn the same things. It’s crucial
to bear in mind that your potential employer will view your portfolio when you
submit it to them. Your power and aesthetic sense, as well as your
understanding of proportion and balance, and your love of beauty, are all shown
in the portfolio. In order to convince your clients to purchase your designs,
you must be an effective presenter and salesperson in order to succeed as a
fashion designer. Your portfolio should show that you have a solid grasp of
cooperation and communication. As a result, the portfolio is essential in
helping fashion designers land a position in the industry.
Supporting With Followers
Her fans occasionally mail her things, which
she unboxes, while other times they contact her for picture sessions. She also
produces stuff for reels or IGTV. According to Ximena, the work is incredibly
lively and creative, but it requires a lot more time than most people realize.
She stated that creating a 15-second clip might take hours of labor due to the
idea, implementation, and editing.
Having the Proper Knowledge
According to Ximena, having a passion for this
subject is crucial for success, but having a degree speeds up the process. The
majority of well-known fashion designers began by developing their original
concepts before pursuing a formal degree in the field. Employers search for
degrees, nevertheless, in the employment market. With a degree, you may
increase your marketability to hiring managers and study the ins and outs of
the industry, which will help you become ready to work as a fashion designer in
the future. Few fashion designers without degrees are successful in their line
of work. In reality, a number of well-known fashion designers have paired their
fashion design bachelor’s degree with a business or marketing degree. In
particular, the majority of designers hope to start their own retail businesses
or clothing lines. Therefore, a fashion designer’s education is essential to
his or her success. A professional school will educate you about the trade
while also giving your resume credibility.
A Role Model in Uruguay
Ximena is seen as an example of an
entrepreneurial lady. It’s a quality that many people find admirable in her.
She is also proud of herself for being able to motivate other women to pursue
their goals and demonstrate to the rest of the world what they are capable of.
She was raised in Uruguay, a small nation in South America where it is quite
challenging to be successful. It’s still a conventional country, despite the
fact that things are changing, and in many households, males are the ones who
work or supply the majority of the money, while women typically take care of
their children and household chores. She is the first woman in her family to
attend college and get a degree. She has put a lot of time and effort into
building her own reputation in the fashion world. It’s worthwhile, though. She
exhorts everyone to go for it, especially ladies who want to do it.
Battling Hard Times
Ximena’s life was not always simple. She has
experienced challenging times—her ex-boyfriend was battling brain cancer, she
developed despair and anxiety, and she continues to struggle with these issues.
Another challenge she faced at work was COVID. But this is the reality of life.
You stumble, then get back up. You get stronger and acquire experience. She
attempts to display and promote that message via my social media. Good things
need time, effort, and the ability to weather emotional turbulence. It’s common
to be terrified of failing, but if you never attempt, you’ll never know.