ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN TFW TIMES MAGAZINE
Article Published on: 26 SEP 2023 | www.thailandfashionweek.org
Born on February 17 in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Elba Reynoso is a resilient and talented fashion designer currently based in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, faith, and the indomitable human spirit.
Elba's early life was shaped by the tranquil beauty of Tenares, a peaceful countryside town. She was a single mother, an entrepreneur, and a dreamer, carving out a seemingly normal life for herself and her family. However, her life would take a dramatic turn in February 2018 when a life-altering accident shattered the status quo.
The accident marked a profound turning point in Elba's life, affecting her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Over the course of six grueling months, she endured painful processes and numerous therapies, all while wrestling with the fundamental question: Why? She couldn't accept that her suffering had no purpose, and in the depths of prayer and tears, she pleaded with God for answers.
In a moment of divine inspiration, the following morning, Elba discovered a hidden talent within herself—an innate ability for design. It was as if this newfound passion had emerged from the ashes of adversity, a beacon of hope and purpose.
From that transformative moment, Elba embarked on her journey as a fashion designer. Determined to hone her craft and follow her newfound passion, she immersed herself in the world of fashion. She sought to understand its nuances, absorb its culture, and master the art of design.
Her commitment to learning and growth led her to participate in prestigious fashion events, including New York Fashion Week, a pinnacle of the fashion world. Elba's designs, marked by their unique blend of creativity and authenticity, have graced the bodies of women from diverse backgrounds. Her creations resonate with a wide range of individuals, reflecting her ability to capture the essence of individuality through fashion.
Her commitment to learning and growth led her to participate in prestigious fashion events, including New York Fashion Week, a pinnacle of the fashion world. Elba's designs, marked by their unique blend of creativity and authenticity, have graced the bodies of women from diverse backgrounds. Her creations resonate with a wide range of individuals, reflecting her ability to capture the essence of individuality through fashion.
Elba Reynoso's talent and perseverance did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her outstanding work and exceptional journey, she received the prestigious title of Revelation Designer of the Year—a testament to her remarkable ascent in the world of fashion.
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Her story is one of resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, hidden talents and new beginnings can emerge, leading to a path of creativity, accomplishment, and fulfillment. Elba Reynoso's story is a testament to the boundless human spirit's capacity to triumph over life's challenges and emerge stronger and more inspired than ever before.
Today, Elba continues to pursue her passion for fashion in the vibrant and dynamic landscape of New York City. Her designs, deeply rooted in her journey and experiences, stand as a testament to the power of transformation and the beauty that can emerge from even the most trying circumstances. Elba Reynoso is an embodiment of resilience, talent, and the enduring pursuit of dreams, and her journey serves as an inspiration to all.
ABOUT GODESCA FASHION DESIGNER BY ELBA REYNOSO
GOD - ‘God’ acknowledges the divine source of her talent and creativity. It symbolizes her unwavering faith and gratitude for the inspiration that led her to become a designer.
E - "E" represents Elba herself, a reminder of her own journey and the courage it took to embrace her newfound passion.
S - "S" symbolizes her mother, a constant source of inspiration and strength throughout her life.
C - "C" stands for her father, a significant figure in her life whose support and influence have been instrumental in shaping her.
A - "A" represents her children, a reflection of her love for them and the motivation she draws from being a mother.
In the world of fashion, branding is often a critical component of an individual designer's identity. It's a symbol that reflects their style, their journey, and their vision. For Elba Reynoso, a self-made fashion designer based in New York City, her brand's name, GODESCA, holds profound significance that goes beyond mere aesthetics.
GODESCA is not just a logo; it's a symbol of Elba's journey, her faith, and the importance of family in her life. It's a testament to her unique path in the fashion industry, where her talent emerged from the most unexpected of places.
Born and raised in the tranquil town of Tenares in the Dominican Republic, Elba's life took an unexpected turn in February 2018 when a life-altering accident disrupted her normal routine. The accident left her facing a myriad of physical and emotional challenges, leading her to question the purpose of her suffering.
In the midst of prayer and tears, Elba reached out to God for answers, seeking meaning in her adversity. The following morning, she experienced a profound revelation—an undiscovered talent for design had emerged. It was a moment of divine inspiration, and she recognized it as a gift from God.
Incorporating her faith and the love for her family into her brand's identity, Elba created the name GODESCA. It's a fusion of elements that are deeply personal and meaningful to her. The name is an acronym, with each letter representing a significant person in her life.
DIRECT LINK TO BUY GODESCA COLLECTIONS CLICK HERE
OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM PAGE OF GODESCA CLICK HERE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FASHION DESIGNER ELBA REYNOSO WITH TFW TIMES
Q: Can you tell us about your journey into the world of fashion design and how you founded GODESCA?
A. Firstly it is not “Godenca” it is Godesca. I have never studied fashion design, my talent discovered, after facing an accident that kept me locked up and in bed for more than 4 years. The name of GODESCA is believed based on the fact that my talent came from God. to the name of God added the initials of the names of the people I love the most and the name of Godesca.
Q: What inspired you to become a fashion designer, and how did you develop your skills without formal design education?
A. Nothing was planned, I did not accept the process I was facing, one day in the middle of crying and despair, I asked God to show me the true purpose of my accident, I lay down And the next day I woke up being a designer.
Q: Could you describe the unique style and aesthetic that sets Godesca Fashion Designer apart from other fashion brands?
A. I would call my style versatile, because my style is changeable, I think depending on how I feel physically or emotionally my designs arise, I am also inspired by anything I see or even a song inspires me and I can create a design based on it, and in Sometimes I only take fabrics, I create a design without planning it.
Q: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the fashion industry as a self-taught designer?
A. Honestly, I pay very little attention to trends, because I always end up creating something without planning it, I can listen to a song and what it says inspires me, I can feel happy and that inspires me, I can see some object, animal or things like that and that inspires me. It's that simple!
Q: Can you share some of the challenges you faced while building your fashion brand without traditional design school training?
A. To be honest, I think my only challenge so far has been the language, I don't speak a perfect English and perhaps for this reason I have not yet achieved a higher level, but I have not allowed this to stop me either, I am already preparing myself on it.
Q: What are the key principles or philosophies that guide your design process and your approach to creating clothing?
A. Well, I try to create a style for each audience, unique designs, based mainly on the personality of the person and above all respecting his way of dressing, I do not like impose on my clients fashions or styles that do not match their shape or personality, only for selling, customer satisfaction is the most important thing to me.
Q: How do you source materials and fabrics for your designs, and what factors influence your choice of materials?
A. Being my versatile style, I'm not looking for something specific, I can go to a fabric store to see one fabric that catches my attention, visualize what design would go according to it and get to work in the same way with an accessory, mostly fabrics with details such as stones, chains, unique figures etc, they call my attention a lot, also that type of accessories.
Q: GODESCA is based in New York. How does the city's culture and atmosphere influence your designs?
A. It influences me a lot, since the city of New York is very multifaceted like my style, just by going for a walk through the streets, I can create a collection, based on everything that I see.
Q: Collaboration often plays a role in the fashion industry. Could you talk about any memorable collaborations you've been a part of?
A. I have collaborated in some events with my designs, dressing some girls, but not yet I am presented with the opportunity to collaborate with a designer, but I am in the whole willingness to do it with anyone who is interested. It would be a pleasure for me!
Q: As an entrepreneur and designer, what business strategies have you found most effective in growing and maintaining your brand's success?
A. So far I would say that the collaboration and having participated in the Runway7Fashion week in New York and without a doubt the social networks.
Q: GODESCA likely has a team working behind the scenes. How do you manage and lead your team to bring your creative vision to life?
A. No, so far I work alone, in everything that concerns my designs, creation, style etc.
Q: Sustainability is a growing concern in the fashion industry. How does Godesca Fashion Designer address sustainability in its design and production processes?
A. Look, I'm just taking my first steps in this world of fashion that is so wide, sustainability, for the moment is not so worrying for me, because, as I said, it was not based on a specific material and above all I like to reuse the pieces, the fabrics and whatever accessories you have in your hands, and this is not only in the area of fashion, my income does not depend only on my designs.
Q: Can you share a particularly memorable moment or accomplishment in your career as a self-taught fashion designer?
A. Until now, my greatest achievement is having presented my designs on the catwalk of the Runway7Fashion week in New York, getting to that platform without experience, without studies, with little knowledge of English and above all sharing that catwalk with well-known designers with a track record, it was a wonderful experience.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring designers who are considering taking a non traditional path like yours in pursuing a career in fashion?
A. My advice! Trust in God first, then in yourself and your abilities, do not doubt or for a second that what you create in your mind you can materialize, so create things beautiful and positive, nothing is impossible, even if your mind wants to make you see otherwise. But you have to work hard on what you want to achieve. Remember that God gives you the talent but it is you who have to materialize it. The clearest sign that something is possible is the obstacles you encounter on the way to your goal. Big attracts big obstacles.
Q: What are your future goals for GODESCA, and how do you plan to continue challenging yourself as a designer?
A. My main objective is to inspire those who think that by not having prepared for adequate studies or an economic level cannot go after their dreams. Inspire through my life story and testimony that God can use any circumstance to wake up your talent expand my brand worldwide and create sources of support and work for all those who, like me, one day dreamed of going far and making their dreams a reality.