Today we’d like to introduce you to Flora Montes.

Flora, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My journey with Bronx Fashion Week began as more than just an idea—it was a personal mission, a fight for representation, and a testament to resilience. It was born from struggle, fueled by transformation, and driven by an unshakable desire to leave a legacy after a lifetime of pain.

I am a proud Puerto Rican, born and raised in the South Bronx—a place of culture, strength, and untold stories. My life has been shaped by trials that could have broken me—surviving abuse, enduring heartbreaking loss, and constantly battling a world that told me I wasn’t enough. But I refused to let my pain define me. Instead, I chose to rewrite my story.

In loss, I found my purpose: to create a space where others like me could rise, be seen, and claim their place in fashion and beyond. I saw a void in the industry—voices like mine, stories like mine, and communities like mine were missing. So, I made a decision: I would change that. Bronx Fashion Week became more than just an event—it became a movement. One that challenges beauty standards, amplifies underrepresented talent, and creates real opportunities for those long excluded.

What started as an idea has become a force in the fashion industry. But more than accolades, what fuels me is impact—the young girl who finally sees herself on the runway, the emerging designer who gets a long-overdue chance, the survivor who finds confidence in a space that celebrates them.

Beyond the runway, I knew the work had to be bigger. That’s why I launched Bronx Fashion NYC, a nonprofit dedicated to education, mentorship, and building a pipeline for BIPOC talent in fashion. Through initiatives like Fashion Redefined, I am making sure the next generation doesn’t have to fight for a seat at the table—because we are building our own.

Today, Bronx Fashion Week stands as a beacon of resilience, empowerment, and change. But this is just the beginning. My mission is clear: to continue breaking barriers, uplifting my community, and proving that fashion is for everyone.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: When you step into your purpose, you don’t just change your life—you change the world.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Absolutely not—but that’s what makes the journey meaningful. I am a woman who, for so long, was unseen, overlooked by the beauty standards and perceptions we were taught to believe. I didn’t fit the mold, so I decided to break it. I built Bronx Fashion Week not just as a platform, but as a movement to challenge those outdated narratives and redefine who gets to take up space in this industry.

Funding has been a battle, especially rebuilding after COVID. There were moments of doubt, times when it felt like the weight of the obstacles was too heavy to carry. But I’ve learned that when something is meant to thrive, nothing can keep it down. Bronx Fashion NYC has grown wings—what once felt like a struggle is now a flight. We are no longer just surviving; we are flourishing.

Every challenge, every setback, every door that was closed on me only fueled my determination. Because when you refuse to give up, when you stand firm in your purpose, the world has no choice but to see you. And now, Bronx Fashion NYC is not just seen—it’s soaring.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I specialize in producing high-impact fashion events that not only showcase talent but also create real opportunities for designers, models, and creatives—especially those from BIPOC communities. Beyond the runway, I focus on mentorship, education, and building a sustainable pipeline for emerging fashion professionals through Bronx Fashion NYC.

What sets me apart is my story, my resilience, and my mission. I didn’t come from privilege or connections in the fashion industry—I came from struggle. I am a Puerto Rican woman from the South Bronx who refused to accept “no” as an answer. I built this platform from the ground up, not just for myself but for my community. Bronx Fashion Week is more than an event; it’s a movement that is redefining fashion, one story at a time.

How do you define success?

I define success not by titles, wealth, or recognition, but by the lives I impact and the legacy I leave behind. Success is when a young girl sees herself represented on the runway for the first time and realizes she is enough. It’s when a designer from an overlooked community gets the opportunity they’ve fought for. It’s when someone finds the confidence to stand in their truth because they finally feel seen.

True success is measured by the barriers we break, the voices we amplify, and the change we create. It’s about turning pain into purpose, struggles into strength, and dreams into reality—not just for ourselves, but for those who come after us. If my journey inspires even one person to rise above their circumstances and believe in their own power, then I have succeeded.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.bronxfashionweek.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floramontes.bxfw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floramontesofficial

Image Credits

Images by @splitsecondmoments_