A little over 25 years ago, Alicia Estrada founded Stop Staring!—the vintage-inspired dress line that’s now sold in over 50 countries and worn by celebs like Emmy Rossum, Britney Spears, Heather Graham, AnnaLynne McCord, and countless others. Here, she shares with our LISA WAYNE answers to the Genlux two-word questionnaire.
YOUR PASSION? It’s always been to make my own clothing. During college, I would make my clothes and design outfits to wear out to nightclubs. My friends, sisters, and I had so much fun wearing the clothing and getting lots of attention. I was always making clothes that were so far ahead of their time, yet retro-inspired.
Heathe rG in Stop raham Staring!
SUCCESS SECRET? God. Ask and you shall receive.
©Michael
YOUR HEROES? I love Coco Chanel and Ralph Lauren.
Simon/Star
FAVORITE QUOTE? “Diligence is man’s precious possession.” It’s written in proverbs, in the Bible.
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Photo by Verity Smith; Makeup by Kirsten Simitzi using FACE atelier; Hair by Jeremy Clark with AimArtist.com; Styled by Lisa Cera with SiriusArtists.com
©David Liv ings
ton/Getty Im ages North America
YOUR BACKGROUND? I grew up in a family of ten children, so learning to sew was a necessity. I unofficially became the family seamstress, hemming and repairing all our clothes. I learned basic sewing, draping and pattern-making all on my own, often altering thrift-shop clothing to create fresh, new pieces. Eventually I took a few semesters in the fashion department at Long Beach City College, where I developed industry standard skills, and enhanced my sewing skills.
FAVORITE GETAWAY? My ranch in Tehachapi, CA. It’s surrounded by mountains, and there are wild horses, cattle and deer roaming the land. It’s incredibly peaceful, and really helps me to put life in perspective.
Rossum Emmy ! Staring in Stop
THREE BLESSINGS? God being in my life daily is my greatest blessing by far. My husband, James, who is also the CFO of Stop Staring!, has been a best friend and great business partner, and of course my baby Solomon, who just turned one. Solomon is teaching me to have joy in my everyday life.
DESIGNER PROFILE: ALICIA ESTRADA
GENLUXSHOP
HAPPIEST MOMENT? Cuddling Solomon for the first time at birth. EMBARRASSING MOMENT? I once was walking down Melrose Avenue, in a new Stop Staring! outfit, which was receiving lots of attention, when all of a sudden I took a tumble in heels that were way too high. A few guys ran to my rescue, but still so embarrassing! I wanted to run away and hide. FAVORITE CHARITIES? Long Beach Rescue Mission, City Church in Long Beach, Embracing Latina Leadership Alliances, Adelante Mujer and many, many more. For more info about Stop Staring! go to stopstaringclothing.com
SPRING 2014 GENLUX 95