Fashion Designer: Paula Delgado @bypauladelgado
Photographer: MarÃa Novo @maria.novo
Model: Christina D'Alessandro @whoistinadalWhen did your passion for fashion start and what were the main milestones that turned you into the artist you currently are?
I have known since the age of five that I wanted to be a fashion designer, I would collect fashion magazines and cut out outfits of brands I admired for inspiration and would constantly draw big, over the top dresses in numerous sketchbooks, napkins and many tablecloths.
I think one of my major milestones was living abroad to obtain my BA in Fashion Design . Being away by myself made me stronger and taught me to trust myself and my abilities, which has allowed me to take more risks and strive for more today.
Tell us a bit more about your project "Soif de vivre". Is there any particular message you would like to get across to the viewers?
Soif de vivre depicts my idea of a women being fully herself, being confident, happy and playful in her own skin. The version of yourself that comes out when no one is around. The underlying message being to enjoy life like no one is watching.
How would you describe yourself to people that don't know you?
I would describe myself as being quite headstrong. When I have my heart set on something I feel like nothing can stop me or change my mind. I would also describe myself as very professional and a perfectionist still learning her craft.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten and do you follow it?
The best piece of advice I have ever gotten is to persevere when things get hard. It is the true test to prove to yourself you are really serious about your passion, after all, no good success story starts with an easy beginning.
If you could say one thing to someone younger who looks up to you, what would you say?
I would say it is important to be kind to yourself and to stay true to what you want to do and who you want to be regardless of external influences.
Don’t get discouraged when things get hard, use it to fuel your passion to become better.
What's the most important thing you want potential clients to know about you?
I love my job and I take it very seriously, I like to believe that my passion and personal style translates into my work.
Also it is my priority to take my time and create unique pieces that make my clients feel truly special and beautiful.
What is your dream in terms of your career?
My ultimate dream is to become a respected high fashion brand in the industry and be able to gain clients internationally that trust my work in order to keep doing what I love.
If you couldn't be a fashion designer, what would be your other career choice?
Before being set on being a designer I really wanted to be a writer.
I remember attempting to write a book on several occasions at a very young age. Needless to say it didn’t work out!
How hard has it been establishing yourself in the industry and what are some of the largest things you've faced?
As expected, trying to get a foot into the fashion industry is never an easy task. I believe I still have a long way to go. Having said this, I have been quite lucky being able to participate in several fashion events and shows which have been very successful and have allowed me to make really great contacts.
One of the largest challenges I still face from time to time is to trust myself, the process and to be patient. It can be hard to stay motivated when things take longer than one originally expects.
What projects are you working on next, and what are your goals for the future?
I am currently working on incorporating an online shop onto my website bypauladelgado.com as well as working on a new Bridal Collection that I am really excited about and creating stock on a selection of items.
Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?
You can find me on Instagram: @bypauladelgado and on my website bypauladelgado.com to find out more.
Keep a look out for my online shop coming very soon.