Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalisa Cohen
Hi Dalisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My career inspirations stemmed from my early exposure to fabrics and sewing machines in my father’s fabric factory, as well as the influence of my grandmother who was a skilled seamstress .
Since I was a child, I was fascinated by watching my grandmother sew. She used to make pajamas for me, although she could actually make anything. I enjoyed going to her sewing workshop, sitting in her chair, and turning on the machine to pretend I was sewing, even though my feet didn’t reach the pedals.
She would take me to a fabric store and I watched how she carefully touched the fabrics. When we got home, she would give me the fabrics to cut and create mini designs. She always asked for my help to thread the needle because I could do it faster.
Years went by, and when I finished school, I didn’t know what career to pursue. I started studying something I didn’t like, but halfway through, a good friend suggested that I study design since he always saw me creating things. Without thinking twice, I enrolled at Brivil Institute in Caracas, Venezuela. Those were the best three years of my life. Before starting the degree, I decided to take several sewing and design courses and even launched my own brand before beginning my formal studies
When I started sewing, I remembered how my grandmother used to make all the garments directly on the fabric, and I wanted to do the same. It’s truly something I will always admire. All my pieces are made with a pattern, but I wish I could have the talent my grandmother had. She will always be my greatest inspiration.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road in fashion design hasn’t always been smooth. Some of the struggles I faced included:
Finding My Path: Initially, I wasn’t sure what career to pursue. Starting a degree I didn’t enjoy was challenging until a friend’s suggestion led me to design.
Launching a Brand: Starting my own brand before my formal education brought its own set of challenges, such as understanding the business side of fashion, sourcing materials, and building a customer base.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a women’s swimwear brand, specializing in reversible bikinis. I handle everything myself, from design to production, which is something I’m incredibly proud of.
My work focuses on creating versatile and unique swimwear that offers more value and options to the wearer. The reversible feature allows for multiple looks with a single piece, providing both practicality and style.
What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring to every aspect of the business. I am involved in every step, ensuring high quality and attention to detail. This hands-on approach not only guarantees a unique product but also reflects my passion and dedication to the craft.
I am most proud of building this brand from the ground up, managing all aspects independently, and seeing the satisfaction and confidence my designs bring to my customers.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Right now, I’m doing hand embroidery on garments like shirts and sweaters. Hand embroidery represents a form of art and dedication rarely found in industrial fashion. Handwork adds a personal and unique touch to each garment, reflecting the care and attention to detail that the creator puts into every stitch. Moreover, the process of creating something manually can be very gratifying, allowing for a deeper connection with the design and the final piece. The motivation to create a garment by hand lies in a passion for art, the desire to craft something unique, and the satisfaction of seeing an idea transformed into a tangible work.
My friend Julia Goncalves who is in the fashion world in Spain inspired me with her hand embroidery, so i decided to embroider phrases on clothing by hand. I reached out to her, and she sent me videos , voice notes on how to embroider by hand and what materials i needed to buy. I remember my first few embroidery attempts weren’t perfect, so i practiced a lot until i achieved the results i wanted .
Having supportive friends in any industry is truly invaluable. They inspire and guide you, making the journey much more fulfilling and successful.
There will be a strong push towards sustainable and eco-friendly materials and practices. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, demanding transparency and ethical production methods.
Pricing:
- $100
- $150
- $180
Contact Info:
- Instagram: dalisacohen
