Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Abrams
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Maxime Chercover (she/her), and I am the designer at Sagradesa, a slow-fashion brand rooted in sustainability and storytelling. Inspired by shapes and beings in nature, we create unique, handmade designs for diverse customers. We offer customized evening wear, bridal, performance and costume design, and are honored to collaborate with artists and clients on very important moments and events. Garments are sustainably made-to-order, using repurposed / reclaimed materials, in hopes to reduce textile waste.
Sagradesa is a product of a love of nature, environment, and fashion as a form of art and expression. All pieces are ethically made by hand in Toronto ON.
About me : I am a 25-year old Colombian-Canadian designer, TMU fashion graduate, and the designer/ creative director at Sagradesa. Our team includes a diverse (all-female) team who help run operations of the brand, and we prioritize sustainability, diversity, and inclusion at the forefront of our brand.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been challenging to be a solo entepreneur without a business background. One of the main challenges is lack of funding support, which leads to financial stress. I have often felt that people don’t take me as seriously because I am a woman, or because I am young, and try to underpay me. They try to negotiate my rates down, and undervalue my work, which is difficult to navigate.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
There are a few underlying themes I’ve often use in my collections, draping, lace, corsetry. What interests me about these themes, fabrics, styles, and how are they connected to the brand?
Draping is a common motif in my designs, as I love to mimic shapes found in nature. Water formations such as waves crashing, seafoam, and other organic shapes are especially mesmerizing to me, and the fluid & organic practice of draping is my favorite way to experiment with fabric.
Common themes reflected in our work include depictions of nature, and references to historic fashion, such as Victorian and Baroque eras. Influence of Catholic iconography and Gothic art styles from the 1700-1800’s, are seen through voluminous skirts, gowns, and corsets, all made using vintage and unconventional materials.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Perserverence, hard work, and consistency have been much more influential than luck in my career, although it is still in its’ emerging phase. I don’t believe luck has contributed that much… my work is based on my countless hours of dedication, practice and training.
Pricing:
- price range $300-1,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sagradesa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagradesa/
- Twitter: https://x.com/sagradesa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sagradesa
Image Credits
Runway photos by Phil Gartska
Studio photos by Isaias Souvervielle
