4 minute read
ROCKIN' THE RUNWAY WITH ANTONIO CHAVEZ
rockin' the RUNWAY
with Antonio Chavez
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By Joseph Edward Schur
Rarely would I ever storm a catwalk and hug a designer following a show, especially while he's taking a bow. And yet that's exactly what I did.
It was a couple of years ago when a colleague of mine, Vanessa Sonia Lachman, insisted that I attend a fashion show that she had organized for Antonio Chavez. I'd never heard of this designer but I thought, why not.
I really enjoy attending fashion shows, but to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. Just another designer. But once the lights went dim and the catwalk lit up, my jaw dropped. It was the most extraordinary fashion event that I'd ever seen.
The theme was ancient Egyptian dresses (think Cleopatra/Nefertiti inspired) with a contemporary twist. A 40-piece collection of "Wearable Art Couture." Different, Creative. Outstanding! Right then I knew that I had to find out more about this imaginative and brilliant designer.
One Goal: To redefine the Fashion Industry in the Areas of Innovation and Design Ingenuity
So... who is Antonio Chavez and why should Spencer readers get to know him?!
Chavez has made a huge impact on the international fashion scene with his unconventional designs. Having shown at important fashion weeks in Toronto, Montreal, London, Dubai, Madrid, Los Angeles, Miami and Melbourne, he is on an exciting journey of self fulfillment.
Although now highly respected, his beginnings were humble.
Born in a small Mayan village in Totonicápan, Guatemala to a working class family, Chavez had ambitions from an early age. His fascination for art, whether paintings, movies or music can be credited for igniting a passion for fashion design.
As a teen in the 1980s with big ideas, Chavez knew that if he were to realize his dreams he would have to leave his home and family. Guatemala was embroiled in a ruthless Civil War, between the government and leftist rebel groups. Facing certain forced military service, he made the bold and courageous decision to venture north. Following several failed attempts, he arrived in Los Angeles, California with not much more than the shirt on his back.
The turning point in his life came when he registered for Refugee Status in Canada. Once accepted, he made his way to Toronto, Ontario. He could finally pursue his lifelong dreams.
His keen sense of innovation and design inspired him to tackle the fashion industry of women’s and men’s footwear, including various fashionable accessories, such as men’s ties, belts and wallets, and transformable heels for women.
It was his invention of transformable shoes thatwould change the course of the fashion industry for decades to come; a product never before seen on the market, allowing you to change the look and style of your shoes with interchangeable straps to fit any occasion.
America's Next Top Model Monique Victoria dazzling the runway in a diamond studded dress. Los Angeles Fashion Week
You can never have too much bling! The absolutely stunning model Briden Starr strutting the runway at Los Angeles Fashion Week
However, he did not stop there. His drive and ambition for much more had led him to designing and creating women’s couture; dresses, bathing suits, and catsuits that perfectly combine avant-garde design with wearable practicality – also known as Wearable Art Couture.
His approach focused on fusing shimmering gems, crystals, and diamonds into abstract concepts with various accessories that further complement the overall aesthetic and appeal of an entire outfit or design. His couture has been coined world-wide as Wearable Art that is unique, daring, and one of a kind.
For the past 5 years, Chavez has innovated men’s & women’s fashion on a global scale, with designs and products that have shifted the course of the industry into a new era, with Chavez Inc. on the forefront of this new and exciting landscape.
"If you want to achieve success, be prepared to suffer through the process." Antonio Chavez
Chavez and his loyal and dynamic team at Chavez Inc. continue to travel the world attending fashion shows and events, from across North America’s fashion capitals, including Los Angeles & New York, to Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
From such humble beginnings to being on the world stage, sharing his unconventional creations is an incredible achievement and should serve to inspire us all to follow our dreams. As per his one goal: to redefine the fashion industry in areas of innovation and design ingenuity. Mission accomplished.
As you can imagine, I really look forward to seeing what Chavez has planned next. I'm sure that it will be spectacular! He's a great guy and deserves all of the accolades. Antonio Chavez, I salute you!
Photo Credits, including Cover Photo: Arun Nevader
