Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Montoya
Hi Diana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Diana. Montoya was born in Medellín, Colombia. During her adolescence, she was a model, and through her exposure to the fashion world, she fell in love with the beautiful art of garment making. This Colombian-American moved to Miami with her two children and studied Fashion Design at the prestigious Miami International University of Art & Design. During her time at Florida University, she developed a passion for denim fabric, also known as jean fabric, due to its versatility. Denim can be used to create clothing for all occasions and seasons, from a winter trench coat to a light beach dress in the summer, from a short skirt for outdoor activities to an elegant dress for a party. This flexibility in design led Diana Montoya to launch her fashion brand Nissi Design, in 2006, when she graduated from university. Since then, she has participated in several fashion shows with great success. To learn more about her fashion proposal, you can visit her social media.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a Colombian studying at university in a language that was not my own, it was doubly challenging to read textbooks, give presentations, and take exams all in a language different from my native one. Additionally, working full-time while managing my children and household responsibilities made it even more demanding. I faced sleepless nights due to the fashion-related projects inherent to my academic career. Those five years were incredibly tough, but every challenge was worth it because I was pursuing my passion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a fashion designer specializing in denim fabric, I create versatile and stylish pieces such as skirts, jackets, and dresses, designed for all occasions and throughout the year. My work focuses on blending timeless fashion with modern trends, ensuring each design is both functional and fashionable. What sets me apart is my ability to craft designs that are adaptable to different seasons, incorporating denim in innovative ways while maintaining comfort and style.
I’m most proud of my ability to take a classic material like denim and transform it into chic, wearable art that can be styled for various occasions. My creations are known for their attention to detail, durability, and how they fit seamlessly into both casual and more formal settings. Whether it’s a summer dress or a cozy winter jacket, my designs emphasize versatility, allowing my customers to feel confident and stylish no matter the time of year.
My design style is centered around minimalism, focusing on clean lines, subtle details. I believe in the power of simplicity, where less is more, allowing each piece to speak for itself without excess. Every garment is crafted with purpose, creating timeless and functional designs that emphasize elegance through restraint. For me, minimalism in fashion is about creating a sophisticated yet effortless look that transcends trends, offering versatility and lasting appeal.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories takes me back to my maternal grandmother’s house, where there was always a beautiful garden full of flowers native to my city, Medellín. Known worldwide as the “City of Flowers” or the “City of Eternal Spring,” the climate there is perfect for orchids and a wide variety of flowers. These vibrant flowers, which decorated my childhood and adolescence, continue to be an essential part of my fashion designs. I always find a way to incorporate them into my collections, as they have had such a lasting influence on me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_montoya_nd?igsh=YWd2YnJ4enUyZDln&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18WEQiZk99/?mibextid=wwXIfr
