Image: zimbio.com
Originally published in the January/February 2016 issue of LatinTRENDS Magazine
By Maria V. Luna
We share the same last name. Very cool. So Martha, tell us about your obsession with fashion. Where did it all begin?
My obsession with fashion started from a very young age, maybe 6-7 years old. It started when I was on a Q train from Brooklyn to Manhattan and saw this pretty lady wearing a fabulous fur coat and very high heels, holding an issue of Vogue magazine. But I guess the obsession [began earlier] when I used to see my mother dress up for a party. I was 4 years old then. I have fond memories of the days I used to go to her room, while living in Venezuela, and watch her apply her make-up with perfection. Simple yet glamorous!
You are already on your way to being a fashion influencer. What is La Bilingual Collection and how did you get started?
La Bilingual Collection is a new project I did with designer Astrid Carolina from Arena Fashion in Venezuela. In this collection, [inspired by my] lifestyle as a Venezuelan fashion blogger living in New York City, I am sharing two cultures and [the concept of the collection is] demonstrated by the use of phrases in English and Spanish, aimed at fashionistas who have a unique taste in accessories and value the hard work, delicate hand embroidery and processing [of each item].
These bags are super fun and flirty. Did you design the beauty bags yourself? What was that process like?
Yes, I designed each one of them and Astrid Carolina organized all the labor back in Venezuela. For this collection, I designed a limited edition set of bags for women and fashionistas: tote bags, make-up bags and clutches designed in fabric and cotton, incorporating the characteristics of American and Latino cultures. They are painted freehand and then embroidered by hand. Each of these designs is unique and exclusive.
Ok, I’m going to ask you about a few subjects and you just tell us your thoughts. Ready?
—Latinas in the fashion world Inspired by the likes of the fabulous Latinas of OITNB, Eva Mendez, Penélope Cruz, Sofía Vergara, Shakira, Zoe Saldaña and Jennifer Lopez, Latinas have made an indelible mark on the world of fashion that has left photographers tripping over themselves to get the best red-carpet shots they can. Latinas do not hide behind fashion; we wear it like we own it. As the Latina population increases, designers will continue to be influenced by the styles of the many different regional cultures Latinas come from. Those who think it’s just a passing fad will find themselves left behind as they learn this painful lesson, “ignore us at your own risk.” Latinas in fashion are making a fabulous mark on the world.
—Male models
I don’t follow many male models or much about them but these are pretty hot!!! Matthew Noszka, Mario Rodriguez Jr., Jon Kortajarena, Nick Bateman and Sean O’Pry.
—2016 style goals
Embrace my own personal style more because what you wear really does need to reflect what your own personal style is. I am the queen of colors. I love color blocking but this year I want to do more mixing with bold prints and step out of my comfort zone a little. Why do we follow so many runway trends anyways when we can create our own with our personal style?
—Trends that need to end
Peplum, Flash tats, wedge sneakers,mullet skirts, red carpet naked dresses, festival fashion, acid wash jeans and colored animal prints.
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