Claudia, as the founder and creative director for the brand, how has NAGUISA evolved over time? Tell us about your role now and what the collection’s name, Olivia, means to you.
Well, 10, 9, 8... 5 years ago it would have been me and Pablo answering these questions. But look how much NAGUISA has grown! I am so proud that now we have more people initiating and closing out the design process for each collection. My job now is to support and encourage the team in the decision-making process. What are the requirements for a new NAGUISA design? It must be functional, new, and have the recognizable aesthetic of the brand.
My involvement is key during two stages of the development process: sending the prototypes to factory and deciding on colors. This last stage has also been my favorite, what I enjoy the most. It’s like “putting the cherry on the cake.” Defining the concept of the collection and how the communication is conceived throughout the season, that really depends on what is on my mind at the time, what I’m thinking about, what I want or desire. Olivia means “woman, defender of peace.” We started designing this collection a year ago, right when the Ukraine war broke out. It was a tough period and we were all shaken by it. I already knew the meaning of Olivia as it is our second daughter’s name. She is a very energetic child, spontaneous and brimming with affection. Olivia was definitely on my mind at the time.
I’ll hand it over to Sofía and Paula. I am so proud of both of them, for their excellent work and their commitment. Sofía is responsible for the sewing line (espadrilles) and Paula for the assembly line (woven sandals).