For those of you who watched Fashion Star last night, you know that Silvia Argüello, who’s received recognition from Vogue Italia and sold her collection to retailers like Saks and Macy’s, was surprisingly eliminated from the competition.
As disappointing as that may seem, Silvia has managed to learn quite a bit about the fashion business, has had many accomplishments on and off the show, and has a lot in the works for her apparel brand Rosa Clandestino.
Check out our interview with Silvia here:
What was your experience like on Fashion Star?
It was definitely a priceless experience! Great advice, amazing stores, good talent, new friends, huge stress!!! Working alongside America’s biggest retailers Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Express and the opportunity to listen to their personal advice was worth every minute.
Moreover, the diverse experiences and success stories of John Varvatos, Jessica Simpson, and Nicole Richie were the biggest motivation to continue my fashion journey.
What are some important things you learned as a business woman?
Learning is a never-ending process! The first thing that comes to mind is that there is no such thing as a free lunch, you have to stay focused and work hard!
I guess I’ve learned planning ahead is just as important as being open to last minute change; opportunities arise and you must be able to recognize them and seize them; listening to others around you is important but in the end you should follow your gut feeling and stay true to who you are!
What was it like to win the Vogue Italia competition, what has that done for you career, besides helping you land Fashion Star?
Being selected by Vogue Italia as “Who’s on Next” in the fashion industry has been one of the most significant moments in my career.
Vogue Italia is like the “fashion bible” and the fact that they highlighted my name and placed a “stamp of approval” on my work not only opened many doors but also meant a lot of responsibility. They trusted me and I have to deliver!
Three things you’d wish you’d known when you first started your career as a designer?
- That it would require lots of sacrifice, tears and few hours of sleep
- That it’s not always about the bright colors!!
- That if I had to do it all over again, I would do it the same!!!
What’s in store for your brand, Rosa Clandestino, now?
It’s a constant evolution process! I am currently preparing the launch of my online shop: RosaClandestinoShop.com
I am a perfectionist and have worked really hard to make it an exclusive experience: from the moment collectors land on the shop to when they receive the package on the doorstep of their home… in the end, I believe it’s all about the details!