Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Quinzi.
Pamela, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Someone once said, “A pair of shoes can change your life”… this is the story of how a pair of shoes changed my life! Most people call me, The Cinderella of New York.
It was July 2009 when I arrived in New York City for vacation. Born and raised in Rome, Italy, young I dreamt of one day becoming a Fashion Designer. I started designing dresses and shoes enveloped in a princess world from a very young age. At age fourteen, I studied at the Armando Diaz High school in Rome specializing in fashion and I interned for the oldest Italian couture brands. After getting the high school diploma I attended the Institute Marangoni in Milan to study fashion design. After graduating in 2005, I designed extensively in the upper echelons of the fashion industry working for Made in Italy brands such as Exte’ and Fiorucci as well as design collaborations with leading luxury lines such as Armani Privé, Dolce e Gabbana and Swarovski.
I was living and working in Milan in 2009 when something unfortunate happened; the big recession arrived. After the economy crashed in America, it was then Europe ‘s turn, including Italy. People lost a lot of money and so there were no more investments to finance the collections that I was working so hard for. Inspired by a visit of my Canadian cousins I decided to head to Montreal to clear my head. I remembered that New York City wasn’t very far away and so, I decided to spend a week of my trip there as well for inspiration and to breath the energy of the Big Apple.
I didn’t know yet that the greatest adventure of my life was about to start.
Canada was indeed inspiring and relaxing but New York City was a show stopper, a game changer. Computer in hand, resume’ ready, I spent the last few days of my vacation looking for a job to get hired and work as a fashion designer. Gustto inc. Handbags hired me for my first job and sponsored my visa and my adventure started. I moved to America. For fun, I was embroidering shoes in my apartment in Chelsea and I was going out wearing my creations and one night, a random girl, a random question: ‘Where did you buy your shoes from?’ turned into a fashion explosion that created: The Cinderella of New York.
I created and developed my own brand, Kilame, of One of a Kind Shoes and dresses. The uniqueness of my creations, especially my shoes embellished one at a time by hand with crystals and embroideries, carried a very particular style of sophistication and a touch of elegant sexiness. This made my work internationally famous by capturing the attention of Media, Photographers and industry people. Promoting my brand and working very hard to introduce my collection to the fashion world, I accomplished many important steps in my career as a Fashion Designer. I went on to being a part of New York Fashion Week to being interviewed by magazines and TV productions worldwide to working with Hollywood celebrities until the day came where a famous actress walked the most prestigious Red Carpet in the world wearing my shoes: The Oscars.
This was a turning point for my life and career. Together with actress/PR Jessica Ross, we took the Red Carpets by storm. By combining our experience in fashion, journalism, acting and public relations, we created a multi-faceted team not only behind the scenes but on camera as well. I started to travel and also live in Los Angeles in West Hollywood, I love California is such an amazing state and I found myself immersed in the dreamy Hollywood world.
I am a businesswoman with a fashion brand, Kilame, a PR Company, Melapa Fashion Inc. and a web magazine, Wavesandrunways. In 2019, I self-published my first book called ‘The Cinderella of New York’ where I tell my story and my mission is to inspire others so that they too will follow their dreams and never stop believing in themselves and in their passions.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it wasn’t easy at all. Moving from another country, different language, and mentality, I learned a lot during these years between New York and Los Angeles.
I, unfortunately, lost my dad a few years ago and I lived a very bad time in my life and I tried very hard to stay positive and focus but it was very difficult especially because I was far away from home. I worked 24-7 to make my dreams come true, we always have to believe in our passions and keep moving forward no matter how difficult life can be.
Please tell us about Kilame Collection.
My fashion brand is called Kilame, I create One of a Kind Shoes, dresses and accessories. Hand made pieces, colorful and unique. I use materials from around the world for the embroideries of the shoes and the base of the shoes are made in Italy. I specific embellish by hand all my creations. I work on a custom piece with my customers to create a beautiful fashion experience for them.
I also developed over the years a PR/media/events company, I am the Ceo of Melapa Fashion Inc. specialized in promotions of brands and products between New York and Los Angeles. I managed events production, fashion shows, editorial photo-shoots, and campaign. I am the Editor of Wavesandrunways.com.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Females are leaders. I believe in our power!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.pamelaquinzi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelaquinzi/
Image Credit:
Manuela Rana, Norman Ding, Jessica La Malfa, Stephen Shadrach, Leo R Photo, D mulsion, Alex Martinez
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
