3.10.2009

Q&A: Marcela Narvaez

Mexican designer, Marcela Narvaez, has established herself in Belgium for over 7 years now, and understands how to translate these two foreign worlds into a material cohesion. She has an unusual obsession with textiles, so her fabric choices provide strong visual statements.

Fall/Winter 2008

Collection







As you can probably tell, these bold statements are what draw me to up-and-coming designers. I like to see that people still have something to say. Designers like Marcela have this capability to transcend cultural boundaries, and make fashion more universal. Luckily, I was able to snag a conversation with her after her return from Paris Fashion Week.

Darrah: How did a Mexican native, like yourself, wind up in Belgium?

Marcela: Different interests, and the yearning to learn multiple languages was part of it.

Darrah: Where can we see your culture in your designs?

Marcela: To me, it is more an influence of my own personality than my culture. What defines my design is how I see things, and what inspires me is the moment.

Darrah: What got you into design?

Marcela: It's passion. I know it sounds cliche, but it has been there since I can recall.

Darrah: The resume you sent me says that you are a stylist. What about your collections? Do you hope to produce them commercially or sell in a boutique?

Marcela: Eventually, yes. I hope to see my collections hanging in many locations.

Darrah: What is it like styling a singer?

Marcela: Styling a singer, or any person, takes more than what your perception of beauty is. You have to think about other things like body type, skin color, etc. You have to be respectful, and make commitments all the time. I enjoy doing it though!

Darrah: What would you rather do -- be a stylist or be a designer?

Marcela: I like both. One is more about presenting my vision of what I think is beautiful, and the other is more about team-work with the goal of making a successful look.

Darrah: I don't know if this is a personal question, but is styling enough to fund your collections?

Marcela: I make budgets, and then choices.

Darrah: Short and simple. I like it. Your latest collection was fantastic. I like how you put it -- you can either be a victim or a criminal. To the word, "Fashion," many of us fall victim, but you allow the consumer to feel empowered with this notion of vengeance. I've never seen a collection inspired by Sherlock Holmes. How did you come up with the concept?

Marcela: I loved the idea of telling one of those mysteries stories! This is my third collection, so I thought it would be fun.

Darrah: I know that you've also done work with textile manipulation, and seem familiar with an array of fabric choices. What is your favorite fabric to work with?

Marcela: My choice fabrics really depend on what my project is at the moment. Typically, plain white cotton is among my favorites. It can be painted, wrinkled, pigmented, etc. It's one of those fabrics that gives me more satisfaction with the outcome.

Darrah: Who is your favorite designer?

Marcela: It changes every season. What can I say -- a designer doesn't "always" make beautiful things, so it is difficult to stick with one.

Darrah: So, what do you think of American fashion?

Marcela: America has many good designers. I love the extensive variety -- from the sobriety of Calvin Klein, to the craziness of Heatherette.

Darrah: When can we expect to see more from you?

Marcela: You'll see more of my work when my next projects are finished. I have a concert to style, and a new collection coming, so I am very busy! I will keep you posted!

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful designs! Thanks for featuring her!
http://fab.typepad.com

jules said...

oh those clothes are beautiful!

Unknown said...

Thank you for the amazing introduction. She has fantastic pieces and her illustrations are inspiring.
I am also inspired by her move to the wonderful Country of Belgium.
xo

Anonymous said...

Amazing ideas, energetic personality.... simply a great designer!!! Keep up the awesome work Marcela!!

natascha roth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
natascha roth said...

what an interesting interview... this was really inspiring and creative thinking! as a professional singer it is not easy to find someone so open minded to work with.truely beautiful clothes...
thanks for introducing us to Marcela!

The Little Fashion Treasury said...

Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog.

The Dior Vintage Ball gown is truly a dream
and so fairy-tale!!!

I will for sure be back and will add you to my blog list ;)

Have a joyful and sunny day!

lauren said...

I love the play on volume! Turning convention upside down, very cool!

Baybay Mama said...

wow, very cool.

Annabel Wendt (LoveMore) said...

drawings are AMAZING!!

thanks for your comment - yes i need to embrace dresses more!

xx love LM

FASHION CHALET said...

I wish I could draw like that! What a wonderful interview =] to share!!

Thank you very much for your comments as well ♥ .... xx

TRIGG said...

What a great interview. She has some beautiful designs, I haven't heard of her before you!

Anonymous said...

I'm in love with these looks. They appear so windswept and whimsical. Great find!

Anonymous said...

I love the first drawings! :)

Anna Wallace said...

oh. my. god. those drawings are so amazing. i have never seen anything quite like them.

Unknown said...

wow. great interview! I love this collection. ...like, LOVE.

{I have to admit that I LOVE the way my legs look in scrunch socks ...lol...it evens out my big muscular thighs!! :)}

. said...

ooh i love to see designer's illustrations!

Darrah said...

Illustrations are one of my favorite things to look at from a designer. It really shows the conception.

William Street Store said...

Fabulous interview and such stunning pics!!
beautiful x

Marcela Narvaez D. said...

Hey everybody,
Thanks a lot for your fab. comments, I'm glad you like what I do.
Greetz to all,

Marcela.

Anonymous said...

I cannot say those clothes would be practical for me to wear on one of my photowalks here in suburbia, but they are pretty objects, more sculpture than clothing. Really nice interview Dollface.
XO

Unknown said...

Thank you for introducing such a talented designer..!! The interview was outstanding your questions where great!! I would love to read more interviews like this!!!

Anonymous said...

Marce
Padrisimos tus diseños!!!
vas muy bien te deseo todo el exito del mundo, pon el nombre de Mexico muy en alto.
muchas felicidades prima
te keremos mucho desde Cd. Acuña Coah. Mexico!!!
besos
Nancy Aldrete Dávila