PALOMA ZIMMERMANN DESIGNER (PERU)

Looking at your early work you can tell you've always had the talent and desire to go into fashion, but at what point did you know this was no longer just a hobby you happen to be very good at? When did you know it was you calling?

It all started when I began to realize the great impact that fashion has on people’s life. It has always interested me to generate some positive change in the world, and when I realized I could make it by doing what I love, I knew I had to devote to fashion. In 2011, the first university that has fashion design and management as a career was opened the same year I graduated from college; there couldn’t be more coincidences.

Have you decided what your voice is in the fashion industry? What do you want to say with your designs?

I would like to focus on the female market. I want to be in the daily life of women. Every woman loves the feeling of having something new and there's where I want to be and go beyond. It’s about generating new sensations, because the feeling of something new, sooner or later is replaced and lost. Instead, the value of owning something that has an specific or special meaning remains forever.

I want to transmit the emotional value that goes beyond the material value, by using fabrics that last and are sustainable. My goal is to change the mindset of consumers and create the antithesis of fast-fashion markets; a consumer that prefers and values having something that lasts.

In the future what kind of collaborations would you want to have ? ( With: music, film, art, charity? )

Quite apart from all the artistic and cultural collaborations I'm interesting on doing. One of my goals is to open a foundation for people with disabilities where creativity and the development of other senses are promoted. My sister is a psychologist and works with children with disabilities in her daily life. She has a very caring soul and we want to build this project together.

It is a hard industry but that doesn't seem to be stopping you, what are the accomplishments you're most proud of so far?

I am 20 years old and I started working in the fashion world since I was 18. I began designing a line of blouses for a Peruvian Brand and participating in the backstage of the Lima fashion week, which is the main fashion event in my country. Then I was invited to participate in the development of the first fashion congress in Peru; with conferences of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, the French specialist in luxury brands; Pascal Portanier, Fashion Branding expert; Toby Meadows, the editor of Harpers Bazaar Argentina; Ana Torrejon and bloggers such as Miranda Makaroff, among others... Some of the accomplishments I am most proud of is my experience working in the biggest departmental retailer in South America; Saga Falabella, also being the designer of a local alpaca brand, and on an international level; obtaining the second place in a contest for the New Yorker fashion designer; Kenneth Cole.

If you were already a well established name, known worldwide with years of experience, what do you think would be your signature? How would people describe you? What would they quote you on?

The focus in detail; the use of sustainable and long lasting fabrics or textures. And also about a unique approach to my clients. I want to be remembered for knowing, understanding, and relating with my consumer.

I'm sure you are an inspiration to alot of people already and you might not even know it, what piece of advice can you give anyone who might be considering going into fashion design? Other than hard work and dedication what can make someone successful in this industry ? And what is your plan to follow to get where you want to be?

A few days ago I went to a fashion conference by Max Mara and ask Laura Lusardi (creative director of the firm), which research methods she could recommend us, as young designers. She replied something as simple as keeping the passion and curiosity all time. And I agree with her and advice you to keep always curious, observe your surroundings and never stop investigating. My plan would be to investigate on unusual things, not only on the internet or in books, but in my day to day. Its about collecting everything that catches my attention; save physical things or samples, that’s more valuable than seeing them in an image.