Today we’d like to introduce you to Rene Mejia.
Hi Rene, 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?
My journey into fashion began long before I launched my brand. I was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States at the age of ten. Growing up between two cultures gave me a unique perspective on creativity, identity, and storytelling, which continues to influence my work today.
Before becoming a fashion designer, I built a career in graphic design, art direction, and creative leadership. Those experiences taught me how to create strong visual narratives and develop brands with a clear point of view. Eventually, I felt compelled to translate those ideas into fashion, leading me to launch the René Mejía brand.
At 21, I presented my first collection during New York Fashion Week, an experience that opened doors to national and international recognition. Since then, my work has been featured in publications including Vogue, Elle, Glamour, WWD, and The New York Times, and I was honored to be named a “Designer to Watch” by Harper’s Bazaar China. More recently, I have presented collections in Paris and debuted my swimwear and resort collections during Miami Swim Week.
Today, René Mejía is a Miami-based fashion brand focused on swimwear, resort wear, handbags, and ready-to-wear. My design philosophy is rooted in storytelling, travel, memory, and cultural connection. Whether I’m creating a collection inspired by my childhood in El Salvador or the energy of Miami, my goal is always the same: to create modern luxury pieces that feel timeless, personal, and globally relevant.
As a Miami fashion designer, I’m proud to contribute to the city’s growing influence in the international fashion industry while continuing to build a brand that connects creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. There have been many moments where I’ve sat there wondering, “Why am I doing this to myself?” Building a fashion brand is incredibly challenging, and there are times when the obstacles feel overwhelming.
Part of that journey comes from my background. I came to the United States from El Salvador as an immigrant and had to adapt to a new culture, a new language, and a completely different way of life. I experienced bullying, struggled to find where I belonged, and often felt like I didn’t have much of a support system. Those years, especially in my late teens and early twenties, were not easy.
The financial side was also a challenge. There were times when I was working, attending school full-time, and creating fashion collections all at once. It was exhausting, but I knew this was what I wanted to do.
What kept me going was my passion for creating. There is something incredibly special about taking an idea from your imagination and bringing it to life. Watching a design evolve from a sketch into a finished garment and then seeing it walk down the runway is a feeling that’s hard to describe. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences, and it’s what continues to inspire me as a designer today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I am most proud of is building a brand from the ground up and seeing it grow from an idea into collections that have been presented in New York, Paris, and Miami. Having my work featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle, Glamour, WWD, and The New York Times has been incredibly rewarding, but what means the most is seeing people connect with the designs and make them part of their own story.
What sets René Mejía apart is our commitment to craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sustainability. Many of our garments are produced using sustainable fabrics, and we intentionally manufacture in small batches to reduce waste and avoid overproduction. Our handbags, for example, are released in extremely limited quantities sometimes as few as six pieces per color making them feel truly special and collectible. In a world of mass production, I believe luxury should be personal, thoughtful, and responsibly made.
At its core, the brand is about creating meaningful pieces that combine design, quality, and storytelling while offering a more sustainable approach to modern luxury fashion.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Without a doubt, the person who deserves the most credit is my mom. From the very beginning, she has always believed in me, even during the moments when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself. She constantly reminded me that anything is possible and that I was capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to. Having someone in your corner who believes in you unconditionally can make all the difference, especially during the difficult times.
I’ve also been fortunate to have friends, clients, collaborators, and supporters who have encouraged me throughout my journey. Building a fashion brand is never a solo effort, and I’m grateful for everyone who has contributed their time, talent, and support along the way.
On the other hand, I think there is also something to be learned from the people who don’t support you. It may sound strange, but some of my motivation has come from criticism and doubt. Early in my career, I learned that not everyone is going to clap for your success. I remember finding a note left on my car that said, “Trash Fashion Designer.” At the time, it was hurtful, but looking back, moments like that fueled me to work harder, improve, and prove to myself that I belonged in this industry.
Success isn’t built only on encouragement; sometimes it’s built on resilience. The supporters help lift you up, and the critics remind you how much you’re capable of overcoming. Both have played a role in shaping who I am today.
Pricing:
- Bags Start at $295
- Make up Palette $27.95
- swim wear $195
- custom made is available and pricing is up on request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.renemejia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renemejiadesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renemejiaofficial?_rdr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCudCsDwtaoC03d1jrdlfquQ
Image Credits
Image 1: models: Bella Barbosa and Kateryna Revenko | Hair by: JB Dubuy Make up by: Pritha Singh. Photographer: Flavio Iryoda
Image 2: Model: Laura Moss Hair by: Elio Chang Make up by: Pritha Singh. Photographer: Flavio Iryoda
Image 3: no credit
image 4: Model: Laura Moss Hair by: Elio Chang Make up by: Pritha Singh. Photographer: Flavio Iryoda
Image 5: final walk for miami swim week. Photo by: Andrew Kutno
Image 6: Models Makayla and Samantha Muller photo by: Andrew Kutno
Image 7: Anais handbag Editorial with model Andria
