Today we’d like to introduce you to Ximena Valero
Hi Ximena , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Mexico City and grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. I’m the oldest of five kids—my dad was a plastic surgeon, and my mom was a teacher and a writer. I got into fashion at a really young age. My mom put me in summer classes when I was just 9 years old, and I fell in love with the process of creating garments. I kept at it all through my childhood.
Later on, I went to FIDM and a few other schools to perfect my skills and keep learning. When I was 20, I moved to San Diego, California, and opened a photo studio with some friends. We did glamour shoots and were pretty successful at a young age, so we decided to take the leap and move to New York City. In New York, I had the privilege of working at Victoria’s Secret in their design department during the day, and at night, I managed our photography company, the New York Fashion Group. We shot comp cards for all the model agencies in the city. I was in charge of creating the looks for the shoots and providing the clothing.
But I didn’t always have enough clothing, so I started experimenting with using one garment in many different ways to create various looks. That’s how my Transformable Fashion line was born.
After living in New York, I moved to Los Angeles in 2007, just as the U.S. economy was crashing. In the middle of that chaos, I remembered my multiwear items that could be styled in different ways. I started developing a serious collection and presented it to boutiques. The response was incredible—they couldn’t say no to a dress that could be worn in so many ways. Their customers couldn’t resist it either; they loved getting so many options for the price of one. Even during a bad economy, I was able to turn things around and create more orders than ever.
Now, more than a decade later, I’m focusing on multiwear designs for diverse body types, making it easier for women to have a smart, versatile wardrobe. In 2024, I opened my first store in downtown Los Angeles. Right now, I’m working on creating a franchise model so I can open more stores around the world with the concept of Transformable Fashion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. Some parts of the journey were easier than others, but I definitely faced my share of challenges. Early on, I struggled with confidence and self-assurance. Circumstances in my life made it hard for me to believe in myself or recognize my true value. Along the way, I encountered people and situations that seemed determined to sabotage my progress. However, I later realized that no one could hurt me but myself. I had projected my fears onto others, and those fears manifested in my reality.
I made some poor decisions because I wasn’t fully prepared for the success that came my way. I struggled to manage it all and nearly lost everything. At that moment, it felt like the worst thing that could happen. But looking back, I see that losing everything was actually the best thing that ever happened to me. It forced me to rediscover myself. Now, with all that experience and knowledge, I truly understand my value. What once seemed like obstacles are now my driving force to move forward and conquer my world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a fashion designer specializing in creating multipurpose clothing. My signature line, Transformable Fashion, is known for its innovative approach to versatile garments that can be styled in numerous ways, providing endless possibilities for the wearer.
In addition to my design work, I run a consulting business where I assist individuals and brands with everything from creating prototypes to mass production, both in the U.S. and internationally. I also collaborate with other brands, integrating the concept of multifunctionality into their existing products.
What sets me apart is my commitment to innovation and resourcefulness. I take pride in being a designer who not only creates smart, adaptable fashion but also shares my expertise to help others maximize their potential. My work is driven by a passion for multiplying resources and making a global impact through creativity and collaboration.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about our city is its extraordinary vibrancy and endless possibilities. It offers a multitude of options for pursuing passions and dreams, making it a fantastic place for any artist looking to be seen. The combination of oceans, mountains, and diverse landscapes creates a unique backdrop that’s both inspiring and invigorating. The weather is another highlight, providing a perfect environment for creativity and exploration.
On the flip side, what I like least is the constant hustle and bustle, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. The fast pace and the sheer volume of people can occasionally make it challenging to find a sense of calm and tranquility amidst the excitement. What I like least about the city is the growing issue of homelessness and the increase in visible dirtiness. These problems have become more prominent recently and can detract from the city’s otherwise vibrant and inspiring atmosphere.
Pricing:
- my casual clothing prices run from $100
- my transformable fashion prices run from $250 to $500
- My wedding gown custom made runs from $1500 to $8000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ximenavalero.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ximenavalero/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeroworld/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ximenavalero?lang=en&mx=2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@XIMENAVALERO
Image Credits
Jackie Gallardo, Erick Epperson, Seth Sabal.
