This Girl’s So Fixe What does your clothing line say about you? I want to show the world what I can create and make because this is what I love do to. My Fixe logo consists of two f’s facing each other. They represent my grandfather, Fernando, whom I have dedicated When did you first become interested in fashion? Fixe to. He taught me everything I know I knew that I always wanted to be in fashion at a young age. My avos – ‘grandabout sewing and his support is still motiparents’ in Portuguese – were excellent tailors for many years and I grew up vating me today. making my own doll clothes from the scrapes of fabrics that my avo would bring home from work. Let’s just say, my dolls always looked “fixe.” What do you want people to think and how do you want them to feel when they put on What or who really made you want to become a designer? Fixe clothing and accessories? My avo taught me everything I needed to know about sewing and about the fit “Fixe” means ‘cool’ and ‘chic’ in Portuof garments. I’ve always been a creative and an artistic person, so I wanted to guese, which is my heritage, and that’s pursue my dream of creating illustrations and making them into a reality. what I want my clothes to represent and make you feel. Whenever I create a garWhy did you start Fixe? ment and I see it being worn, I get this I went into this industry not knowing what to expect, and it’s the same thing in rush of overwhelming emotions: I want life. I love how clothes make you feel, everyday is a chance to express how you to laugh, I want to cry, I want to scream, feel and have clothes that represent those special moments in your life. “YEAH, I DID THAT!” Who inspires you today? How would you like to contribute to women’s There are so many things that can inspire me: music, scenery, and everyday life. fashion? My dream is for my clothing line to be a part of this fashion empire. I want it to I want everyone to feel “fixe” in my clothes. inspire people to be creative. I guess you can say I have a lot of pride in what I want my garments to make a woman feel I do. That’s what makes it all worth it. If it wasn’t for my family to support me “fixe,” regardless of shape or size. Every every step of the way, I don’t think I would be the designer I am today. woman deserves to feel beautiful. If my clothes can make them feel that way, then You can find Ally’s fashion company online at my mission is accomplished. •
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Photo courtesy of Ally Cruz/Fixe
Ally Cruz, the ambitious Portuguese founder of the Fixe clothing and accessory brand, just may be Philly’s ticket to the fashion big leagues. BIANCA GOLASA CRESPO picked her brain.