BY Sasha Inoa (@SashaInoa)
Nelson Tavarez is a talented young designer that resides in Washington Heights. Nelson hails from a small town in the Dominican Republic and has been obsessed with fashion since a small child. His perseverance and dedication paid off when he was asked to take part in the Mercedes Benz 2012 Fashion Show earlier this year. Nelson will also be displaying his cutting edge fashion sense in the Dominicana Moda 2012 fashion function in his native Dominican Republic later this month. Stay tuned for much more from this gifted designer.
Q. Who is Nelson Tavarez?
A. I grew up in a small town in the Dominican Republic named Corozal. My grandmother raised me and I moved to NYC at the age of nine. Growing up we did not have the best material circumstances and the other kids teased me mercilessly. In high school I discovered that fashion design was a career option and potentially something I could do for the rest of my life. It was a high school teacher, Mrs. Zenna, who pushed me into my present career.
Q. Where does your love of fashion come from?
A. From a very young age I remember arguing with my grandmother about my clothes and how much I loved to dress myself. I was always fascinated with texture and the clothes worn by those around me. I grew up devoutly Catholic, going to church every Sunday. In my mind, church was a runway where I would compare and contrast clothing and totally lose myself in the process.
Q. How did it feel to be a part of New York Fashion Week?
A. New York Fashion Week for me was a beautiful manifestation that proved that anything is possible. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever believed I would take part in such a grand event as the Mercedez Benz Fashion Week show.
Q. How does it feel to have been accepted to participate in the Dominicana Moda this October?
A. I am delighted, excited and a bit nervous to present my line in the Dominican Republic, my home. My fashion show will benefit 2 non-profit Organizations (La Associacion Cristiana de Jovenes and Radio Maria de la Altagracia.) It is the First time that I am making so many clothes for one show.
Honestly I didn’t think I would be able to participate this year. I had to do everything to enter this contest in one week. I sew everyday, almost all day, in order to make this show possible. I have an IndieGogo campaign going to generate 18K in 18 days to fund and cover the launch of my line, the fabrics, the flights, accessories and all the costs associated with the show. I feel extremely fortunate to be in this position.
Check out: http://www.indiegogo.com/workingonadream
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