Recently, Venezuelan designer Mara Montauti visited Miami to promote her new Summer 2012 collection “Déjà vu” at “Cabochon Jewelry & Boutique” in Sunny Isles.
After the success of launching her collection in Venezuela, this emerging designer is gearing towards new horizons including the conquest of the Anglo market. With celebrities such as Dayana Mendoza (Miss Universe 2008 and contestant of “Celebrity Apprentice”) and renowned model and actress Athina Klioumi, Montauti has scored two fashion hits making her designs fashionably “IN” so quickly in our city.
Lissette Rondon, President of Miami Fashion Spotlight, got an exclusive interview with this talented designer where she spoke about her new collection, her muses, new projects, and more…
LR-Tell us about your new Summer collection “Déjà vu” ?
“This collection was designed with inspiration from the kind of a women who live here. I designed a lot of tunics that fit women’s bodies in cool and colorful fabrics,” added Montauti. “I launched this collection in Caracas with Dayana Mendoza, “Miss Universe 2008” and contestant of ‘Celebrity Apprentice.’”
LR- Could you tell us how your experience was with Dayana Mendoza?
“Dayana and I did not do any negotiations, she just liked my designs. Dayana loved my collection, in fact she carried it all to New York, and she just made her first red carpet in a dress by Mara Montauti. This was great support for me because Dayana has become a celebrity in the USA. Working with her was like working with a friend, as was working with the actress and model, Athina Klioumi de Marturet. Athina has given a lot of support to my designs here in this city. She looks amazing wearing them,” said Montauti.
LR-What do you think of fashion in Miami?
“Last night I was at a fashion event and people were dressed very nice. For me it is a challenge to conquer this market that is very diverse and competitive,” added Montauti.
LR-What is your next project in our city?
“We have planned a fashion show to benefit the Miami Symphony Orchestra in the month of October or November where, God willing, I will be accompanying Miami’s top designer Viviana G from “Petit Pois”, and jewelry designer Silvia Fassardi from ‘Septimo.’”
LR-Could you define your work and yourself with just 3 words?
“Freshness, fun, versatility.”
“You have to be the change. Fashion is a business where change is the constant.”
Mara Montauti
Venezuelan Fashion Designer
Mara Montauti’s collection is available at: “Cabochon Jewelry & Boutique” at 18660 Collins Ave. Suite 104 in Sunny Isles, Florida.
Written by Lissette Rondon
Edited byy Alexis Diaz.
All images by: Fran Beaufrand
Stylist & Makeup: Marcos Durán & Luis Quintero
Shoes: Andrea Gómez
Accesories by:Dalila Gebrán
Handbags by: Liliana Ávila.
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