Talented, bright and successful, Lourdes Chavez is a fashion designer who crafts beautiful, timeless clothes for her eponymous fashion line based in Los Angeles. Every year, Chavez produces a fall and a spring collection, highlighting her creativity and craftsmanship. Her originality and artistry trace back to her childhood.
“I knew what I wanted to do since I was very little,” Chavez says, explaining that as a child, she would design clothes for her dolls. After her family moved from Mexico to Los Angeles, Chavez’s love for fashion and design continued to grow. Enrolling at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising was a no-brainer.
After graduation, Chavez entered the fashion world. Utilizing her specialty in couture design, she worked at two reputable fashion houses in Los Angeles before she decided to open her own house in 1997. Having her own line gave her greater freedom to express her creativity.
Chavez wants her designs to make women feel confident, positive, secure, independent and loving. She says clothes should not define a woman. Rather, they should enhance her independence by allowing her to express her personality through fashion.
“I love beautiful clothes that become part of you,” she says.
Helping women achieve this sense of independence and confidence is what Chavez finds to be the most rewarding aspect of working in the fashion industry. When asked what the most challenging part is, Chavez mentions the constant deadlines to produce new collections. People are always hungry for fresh trends, so designers have to feed that excitement. With each new collection, there is also a small fear that people won’t like her clothing.
“Follow your dreams. Don’t give up,” Chavez advises any aspiring designer. “Start somewhere. You’ll never find out if you don’t try.”
Chavez believes that real-world experience is one of the best teachers. She expresses gratitude for all of the opportunities she has had in her life. When she immigrated to Los Angeles from Mexico at 9 years old, Chavez never dreamed she would one day become a high-fashion designer in the States. Her humble personality and kind spirit translate to the work she produces.
Her collections are available in select boutiques across the country. She will be showing her collection at The Lake Forest Shop and at the Woman’s Athletic Club in Chicago in October. Ten percent of Chavez’s sales at the Lake Forest Shop will benefit Mano a Mano, an organization focused on empowering immigrant families and helping them to become active citizens of the United States. Likewise, 10 percent of Chavez’s sales at the Woman’s Athletic Club in Chicago will benefit El Hogar Del Nino, an organization that supports families in Chicago’s Latino neighborhoods.
Save the date! Upcoming events with Lourdes Chavez:
- Sunday, Oct. 18: Evening party at The Lake Forest Shop, 5:30-7 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 19: Mano a Mano Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Lake Forest Shop
- Tuesday, Oct. 20: Trendy Tuesday at The Lake Forest Shop, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21: Chavez’s collection will be shown at The Lake Forest Shop, 9:30 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, Oct. 21: Evening event at the Woman’s Athletic Club in Chicago, 626 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 5-7 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 22: Chavez’s collection will be shown at the Woman’s Athletic Club in Chicago, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 23: Chavez’s collection will be shown at the Woman’s Athletic Club in Chicago, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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