Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Estela.
Hi Ana Estela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started creating looks when I was maybe ten years old. My grandmother (mama Estela)taught me her way of sewing. She was my rock. I have been making all my own clothes completely wearing everything I make for about nine years now. I make my clothes based on mood or necessity and every piece of mine has a story. I create signature costume pieces most of which I have dressed artist/performers and classic chic looks with high slits low backs, low neck plunges. I love sheer and stretch velvets a lot. In the beginning of this pandemic though I had the opportunity to create masks and became extremely busy from March through May creating masks out of the iconic “market” bags which we all know and love. I started making them out of necessity and urgency with what I had to work with and $60 in the bank. I made them for people like me who did not have washers and dryers and had to keep masks sanitized. I created little pockets to also make your own filter in a time when we couldn’t find any.
Everyone just went panic mode and in times of panic, I become aware of what is accessible to us to not depend on product that is out of stock. Definitely something I never thought to be doing but I don’t think in times of urgency I just do and movement creates momentum. That momentum paid my rent and I had everything I need. A roof over my head, food, and supplies. I sold them for $15 each $5 shipping per entire order. I’m grateful to whom supported me businesses like Sonoratown, Bar Flores, Huichol22, LA EyeWorks, and so many friends and new clients I was happy to meet. I like providing function and style. I love the big designers who were able to provide large orders for first-line workers. Fashion became more than fashion but a reliable resource to protect ourselves. So much love for production sewers SO much love! Without sewers, there would be no masks and that’s a job a machines or robots can not do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road, haha. Creating a collection is very challenging not impossible but you have to know every single moving part of the beautiful chaos at the end. And thankfully having production, sewing, pattern making, hair styling and makeup experience and knowledge, I am usually responsible for everything. From making the look to dressing it and having her photographed. I had the opportunity to fund my own “small capsule” collection Chavela in 2018. I created my own samples which took try after to perfect even if they were simple designs. Simple designs have to be perfect. Design and aesthetic is one thing and fit is everything. I choose three favorite designs that I would be able to create 12 of each three designs with 1500.
Unfortunately, only six of each were made and my production patterns were not what I had agreed to. My best friend shot my collection icon photographer Josef Jasso and I usually model everything because I can show up ready anywhere and I love telling stories with clothing and even though I have friends I could ask to model, I would want to compensate them and was not able to at the time. Truly I needed funding and a team. So I learned a lot from this experience but felt discouraged after but had to keep moving forward with lessons learned to create a consistent collection.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love signature pieces. Simple, comfortable, stylish, and revealing enough to show a lot of legs, back, and chest but classy. I love classy pieces. Even though my Chavela collection was not the success I planned on being, I was happy to really have a small capsule collection that I would like to do again. This time with a team. I really don’t think I’m any different than anyone else but I will say that my pieces feel different because they come from a real place. I am meticulous about my designs because the fit is for all women. I work with knits a lot. Stretch velvets I love. Knits and a great fit accentuate curves in all the right places and watching someone feel confident in something I make is the greatest feeling like I did my job right. I’ve been fortunate to have my pieces to be photographed by iconic photographers and have dressed really beautiful people.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Always stay humble in what you do. There will always be competition but there will only be one you. And do everything you have always wanted to do. There’s dreams and purpose, neither have limits but we create those limits. Anything is possible but we have to do the work. I’ve been surviving far too long and now taking the time to sit and really learn. We can never stop learning. I’m pursuing something I have always wanted to do which is acting. It’s never too late to be what you could have been. – George Elliot
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: anaestela.com
- Instagram: @theanaestela
Image Credits
Main photo and 1-2 Photos by @josefjassophoto Model me 3. Model / Kali Urchis Photographed by @kombucci Make up /creative director @jaime.creates 4. Photographed by @nadialeelee Model / @liliagabbro Hair / @samiknighthair 5. Photographed by @ellenvonunwerth 6. Photographer @brettsarriphotography Model @madamejeuge 8.photographer @gigdias
