Daily Inspiration: Meet Elvira Zamora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elvira Zamora

Elvira, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story is one of persistence and the belief that underserved communities deserve celebration and honors. I have been designing clothes since 2001 and I always noticed something missing at all the fashion week events, that was the representation and voice of the Chicano community. In Los Angeles you cannot scape the influence of Chicanos in the city from the food, music, art and overall culture. Corporations take from everything that we create and turn it into profit without the inclusion of those who are the originators. I created the Chicano Elegance gala to change that and bring the right type of attention to those who stay in the street advocating for a better place, more opportunities and of course the beauty in our stories.

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?
The road has been extremely rough, we are a 100% grass roots and funded movement without any outside help from sponsors or investors, which makes the production goals hard but not impossible to achieve. We also try each day to extend our reach to other Chicano communities not just in Los Angeles but nationwide.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an upcycle fashion designer, that means I create clothes and accessories from preloved and recycled materials in order to keep everything green and not add more pollution to our planet. I stand behind the purpose of my brand and take that passion with me to all the projects that I am part of. I am most proud of the fact that no matter all the roadblocks I have not given up on my dream to motivate people to support small, independent and think green when it comes to their purchase power. At the moment what sets me aside from others is that I have a point of view that no one can replicate because it is my story.

What makes you happy?
I am the happiest when I am left to create art, design and share it with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chicanoelegance.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicanoelegance/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thrifs/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chicanoelegance