Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marina Diaz Gallego. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From a young age, I was surrounded by a rich artistic environment, thanks to my parents. My mother, a literature professor, and my father, an architect, both had a deep appreciation for art and design. Their creative influences and conversations about aesthetics and structure naturally sparked my interest in the arts.

It was during my teenage years that I first felt a profound connection to the world of design. I vividly remember feeling a sense of fulfillment and excitement as I began experimenting with fashion, inspired by the creativity I saw around me. The idea of transforming simple fabrics into something beautiful and expressive fascinated me, and I realized that this was the path I wanted to pursue professionally.

This passion led me to a decade-long career with Inditex, where I had the opportunity to work in various departments, including leadership roles, which enriched my understanding of the fashion industry from multiple perspectives. Now, as the Lead Designer at Cult Gaia, based in Los Angeles, I am excited to bring my extensive experience and creative vision to the world of high fashion. I look forward to continuing to explore and push the boundaries of design with the same enthusiasm that first ignited my love for the field.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a fashion designer with over a decade of experience in the industry, having spent most of my career at Inditex, where I worked across various departments and held leadership roles. My journey into fashion began in my teenage years, inspired by the artistic environment created by my parents—my mother, a literature professor, and my father, an architect. Their passion for art and design ignited my own interest in the field.

Currently, I am the Lead Designer at Cult Gaia, a renowned high-fashion brand based in Los Angeles. At Cult Gaia, we specialize in creating unique, high-quality fashion pieces that blend contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance. Our collections are known for their innovative designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and the ability to make a bold statement while maintaining a sense of sophistication.

What sets me apart is my extensive background in both creative and strategic roles, which has given me a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry. I focus on designing pieces that not only reflect current trends but also address the individual needs and desires of our clients. Whether it’s through custom designs or exclusive collections, I aim to solve the problem of finding fashion that feels both personal and luxurious.

I am particularly proud of my ability to merge artistic vision with practical execution, creating designs that resonate with people on a personal level while maintaining high standards of quality. I believe that fashion should be an expression of individuality, and I strive to ensure that each piece I create allows our clients to showcase their unique style.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is deeply rooted in a commitment to excellence and innovation. At Cult Gaia, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and offering fashion that not only meets but exceeds expectations. I am excited to continue this journey and to bring fresh, inspiring designs to the world of high fashion.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to bring an abstract vision to life and connect with people through my work. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking an idea, whether it’s a concept, emotion, or story, and transforming it into something tangible and meaningful.

When I see someone wearing one of my designs and it resonates with them personally—when it makes them feel confident, unique, or beautiful—that’s the ultimate reward. It’s not just about creating something visually appealing, but about making an emotional impact and contributing to someone’s sense of self-expression.

Additionally, the process of creativity itself is profoundly satisfying. It’s a journey of exploration and discovery, where each project presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. The constant evolution and learning involved in the creative process keep me inspired and motivated, and knowing that my work can inspire others in return is truly gratifying.

Ultimately, the joy comes from the intersection of artistic expression and human connection. Seeing how my work influences and enriches people’s lives is what makes being an artist so rewarding for me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that creativity should be an entirely solitary endeavor. Early in my career, I believed that the most profound and impactful designs came from working alone and relying solely on my own vision and ideas. I thought that to create something truly unique, I needed to keep my process to myself and not seek input from others.

However, as I progressed in my career and took on various roles within Inditex and now at Cult Gaia, I learned that collaboration and openness are crucial to the creative process. Working closely with diverse teams—whether it’s with fellow designers, artisans, or even clients—has shown me that incorporating different perspectives and feedback can significantly enhance the creative outcome.

For instance, I used to resist incorporating suggestions from others into my designs, thinking it would dilute my personal style. But over time, I discovered that collaboration doesn’t mean compromising one’s vision; instead, it often enriches it. Engaging with different viewpoints can lead to unexpected and innovative solutions that might not have emerged from a solo effort.

This shift in mindset has been transformative. It has allowed me to embrace the collaborative nature of the fashion industry, leading to more dynamic and refined designs. Unlearning this solitary approach has helped me grow as a designer and as a leader, ultimately making my work more impactful and resonant.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinhadiaz