In Conversation with Designer Anthony Rivera
Anthony Rivera’s passion for clothing started at a young age, watching his mother making dresses. And he hasn’t looked back since. Now an established designer living in Mexico, Rivera unites his classical technique with modern styles, bringing his flair for textiles and design into the fashion world. Despite not being officially trained as a designer, he has an impressive list of clients, including Vogue, ELLE, L’Officiel, Instyle, working with models such as Mariana Zaragoza. We decided to catch up with him to hear his thoughts on his career…
1. You learnt a lot from your mother. How has she inspired you?
From a very young age I was learning about textures, fabrics… It was very common to see my mother creating dresses, etc. It is really strange because in my mind it never occurred to me that I would become a designer, I was always curious to experience that side of me. I remember that after entering university I created a series of sketches that shortly after helped me make it become a reality. She has always been a great support and every day I learn more from her.
2. Who is your favourite designer? Why?
At the moment, I would say Alexander Wang and Jacquemus, I identify so much with these 2 great brands, both in Wang’s proposal, and how fluid and natural JACQUEMUS can be.
“I believe in being able to transform all this and turn it into art.”
3. Do you have a particular style, which separates your work from others?
When creating, I always take into account that this work has to define me between everyone, appropriating a figure or standing out among others is increasingly difficult. I am fluid in the end, everything connects, and I think it is seen in each of my pieces.
4. What influences your designs?
I am very visual, I can go one day on the street and suddenly a person, an object or even just a landscape can inspire me. I usually research social movements, as well as emotions. I believe in being able to transform all this and turn it into art.
5. If you were not a designer, what would you be?
Possibly a pastry chef. It is one of my hobbies that I have abandoned, which even before going to college was my goal.
6. What advice would you give to other designers?
Trust your work, believe in your mind, and don’t think what others may say because that is taking a step back. That is a piece of advice they gave me and today I can share it.
7. What are your plans for the future?
At the moment there are several things I work on. Something that excites me a lot is my sustainable fashion project. I feel that it is very important to take care of our environment, that does not prevent us from being creative and so in this way we can be inclusive with that which surrounds us.
See Anthony Rivera’s latest collection here
This interview was not paid. All photos come from Anthony Rivera’s Instagram
About us
The Cultured Giraffe is a media outlet for professional creatives, eager to learn more about their craft. Together, The Cultured Giraffe team aims to inspire others around the world and bring a fresh perspective to their creative industry.
