Born and raised in Mexico, Alexia Maria Esquer is the designer and creative director of Alexia María. After living and studying in New York, at the age of 25, she launched her eponymous collection in the spring of 2014. Her combination of fabrics, details, and beautiful silhouettes capture the femininity, true elegance, and classic yet modern essence of the brand. Her designs have been worn by Gwen Stefani, Julianne Hough, America Ferrera, Abigail Spencer, Kimberly Schlapman, Tori Kelly, Aimee Song, and Blair Eadie.
FM: What is your background in fashion and/or design?
AME: Design has always been a part of my life. I grew up visiting my grandmother at her studio where she designed and made everything from costumes to wedding gowns. That’s where I was exposed to the design process and learned the inner workings of an atelier. I studied finance, and it wasn’t until after I graduated college that I decided to pursue fashion and enrolled in fashion styling courses at FIT.
FM: Why did you launch Alexia María and what was the idea behind it?
AME: The idea of Alexia María was born after I wore my very own design to a friend’s wedding. It all started because I was on an endless hunt to find the perfect dress. I envisioned the dress I was looking for, but after countless hours in dressing rooms I realized that what I was looking for only existed in my mind. That’s when I decided to design the dress myself. After wearing my design out, family and friends started asking me to design dresses for them, and the more I did it, the more I loved it! That’s when I realized I wanted to pursue fashion design as a career, and Alexia María was born.
FM: Why did you decided to open a store in New York City?
AME: We opened our flagship store in La Jolla, CA in 2014, and one year later we launched the online store. Since then, we’ve been able to reach customers from all over the world. We believed having a presence in the East Coast was the next step for us, and would allow more customers to experience the brand and understand what we are all about. Being one of the fashion capitals of the world, New York seemed like the ideal place, and for me a total dream come true!
FM: What differentiates your brand from others?
AME: I have my studio and production in California not too far from my flagship store. Everything is designed and made in the USA. This has allowed me to offer the luxury of providing our customers made-to-order pieces with quick turnaround times. We’re all about great craftsmanship and affordable luxury.
I have two collections (Signature and Convertible Collections) that are available year round. Both collections offer pieces that can be mixed and matched into countless combinations. Customers can also choose from a wide range of color options. I always offer all my pieces in six signature colors plus the seasonal collection colors—that’s usually a palette of about 10 different colors to choose from!
FM: How would you describe your typical customer?
AME: A professional woman who is looking for a versatile and elevated piece for her wardrobe. She has somewhere to be and wants to look effortlessly elegant. She is looking to make a statement whether it be with a simple little black dress or a gown with an oversized bow.
FM: What are your main fashion/style inspirations?
AME: I find a lot of inspiration from the 1950s, especially from the movies and style icons of that era, like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie Kennedy. Women wore dresses with structured details and feminine silhouettes. Overskirts were very popular back then, and I love incorporating that idea into my designs for my Convertible Collection.
FM: What are your goals for Alexia María in the next year?
AME: We have customers from all over the world and I would love to make Alexia María more accessible to them. Even though they can shop online, I feel it is not the same as experiencing the brand in person. One of my goals for next year would be to do several international trunk shows. I would love to visit the cities where my wonderful clients are from and share a little bit of Alexia María with them!
FM: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own brand?
AME: Do not to let anything or anyone get in the way of your dreams. People are always going to have something to say and how you respond can either make you or break you! Just stay focused and work every single day towards accomplishing your dream.
Also, creating a strong brand identity. I believe the biggest challenge when trying to break into the fashion industry is to stay strong to your essence, and what you want to represent as a brand. Don’t be afraid of going against the trends, and always stay true to yourself, since that is what in the end makes each designer unique.
*Answers have been edited for clarity.
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