We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria Figueroa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria , appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Going back 5 years into high school, Coral Reef Senior High School’s Theatre Magnet program has provided me with the tools to build up my design and sewing techniques. Entering Thespian Competitions, presenting in front of judges, and being given the opportunity as costume director, has enhanced my ability, and given me such a unique learning experience. In addition, I also attended The Institute of Fashion in Coral Gables, Florida. This provided me the opportunity to gain more knowledge in the fashion design field. Both the College Prep Portfolio Fashion Design course and The Annual Fashion Design Program has allowed me to work with industry experts, as well as create collections: different types of dresses, tops, and sets for the collection, granting me the opportunity to explore piecing things together one by one and preparing me for top fashion programs at colleges. I am currently attending The Savannah College of Art and Design for Fashion Design. Their program is amazing and I’ve learned so much from industry professors!
Knowing what I know now, I don’t think there is a way to speed up the learning process! Fashion is a delicate art that’s handled with time and affection, and what comes out of it when cared for is beautiful. I think basic sewing skills are most essential! Every person should know how to hem a dress, pants or sew a button etc. I believe it’s an important skill in the long run that can upgrade your wardrobe. It may look daunting, but it’s very easy once you get the hang of it! Some obstacles that stood in my way when learning, was how clothing fits a person! Once I made shorts for myself, when I first started to learn, and they were so low wasted, practically like underwear. However, each time I sew a project, I learn something new to improve my skills.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As some of you may know, my name is Victoria Figueroa. I started my fashion blog, @fashionably_victorious, almost three years ago with a passion for fashion. It all started with an idea. I always had people coming up to me asking where I got something, as well as friends asking me questions on how to put a specific outfit together! That’s when my mom and I came up with the idea… a fashion blog! A positive platform to show others how to combine trendy and classic pieces on a budget, as well as how to style certain pieces. Each photo and post requires effort. That’s why I have my little “team”; consisting of my, “momager”, my mom who loves taking photos, and my dad who loves to drive our “team” around to see what’s new in the area so that we can snap an outfit pic! When we are “out-and-about”, things such as colors, audience, destination, season, and clothing pieces as well as wording are carefully considered. The process of creating an exquisite final outfit that others can relate to and feel good about brings me gratitude and fulfillment. Without the help from my family, such a wonderful accomplishment like this would not come true. In the future after graduating Savannah College of Art and Design, I hope to take my passion further by going deep into the fashion industry and soon seeing a label with my name on it, “Victoria Figueroa”.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Everyone has something they are passionate about! Some individuals however, just might not be as passionate as you are, to them it’s a hobby. One thing I show my friends, family, and followers, is that fashion isn’t just a hobby for little boys and girls, it’s also a career path too! Each illustration and stitch takes a lot of time and effort for a consumer to purchase and cherish. To some, they see it as a clogged industry that is too difficult to get into. The fashion industry is growing more and more everyday with numerous opportunities opening. From top brands’ social media accounts like Vivienne Westwood’s illustrations, to Alexander McQueen’s thoughtful videos on their garments process, there’s even technology getting involved with fashion! Fashion is an umbrella of important jobs, just take your pick; social media, pattern making, illustration, technical flats, designing, color theory, packing, embellishments, weaver, designing, journalism, textile development etc. Point is, no one should be judged by what field they are getting into, as long as they follow their dreams and work hard for it, isn’t that what matters?
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think it’s important to support small businesses! After our nation wide pandemic, creatives have to work even harder through their platforms to share their work. Purchasing even their smallest piece, can make a big impact. Additionally, you don’t have to buy an item, you can share the item! Talk about their business on your platform. Share their work with others who would be interested in supporting their creative work!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Fashionably_Victorious
- Other: LTK/TikTok: @FashionablyVictorious
Image Credits
Annette Figueroa, Victoria Figueroa