// Emerging Trends Spotlight: Maria Rivas//

Written By: Sheila Fey
 Meet Venezuelan native, Maria Rivas; an independent fashion designer whose creative ideas have produced everything from feminine frocks to chef coats to rock and roll inspired pieces. Her unique designs are fashion-forward and incorporate current trends, yet are still completely adaptable and wearable which, in the fashion industry, is a key component in the success of a designer.

 Throughout Maria’s childhood, she was certain that she wanted to be a fashion designer. At the age of nine, her parents gave her a computer program in which she could create her own designs for Barbie clothes, then actually print and construct the outfits for her dolls.
 “I loved it,” she says. “I never thought of being anything other than a fashion designer.”
 After graduating from high school, Maria moved to Florida to enroll in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to begin her fashion education and take the next step towards reaching her goal. Soon after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design in 2009, Maria’s designs were featured in fashion shows such as the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale’s “Tribute Show” and an independent art and fashion show that she and her fellow students organized called, “The Show.” Maria’s collection for “The Show” was inspired by the waist-cinching styles of the 1940s and 50s and was well-received by the audience.

 After establishing her fashion identity in Florida, Maria was eager to broaden her horizons and show her designs outside of the Sunshine State. She applied for and earned a slot in The Emerging Trends fashion show in Boston, MA, an annual fashion show organized by The SYNERGY Events in which the work of new and promising designers is showcased.
 “Boston and [Fort Lauderdale/Miami] are totally different targets in regards to styles and trends,” she explains. “This was very interesting and challenging for me.”
 For Emerging Trends, Maria’s collection was again inspired by the 40’s and 50’s, with a modern twist.
 “[The collection] enhanced the waist and the female silhouette,” She explains. “It is very romantic and chic at the same time, and it is a collection that any girl can wear.”
 Maria believes that her collection was so well-received at Emerging Trends because of its versatility and the pieces’ ability to mix and match well, which Maria says is a key part of Boston fashion.

 Being a part of the Emerging Trends show was a definite step in the right direction for the designer. The SYNERGY Events gave her and other designers everything they needed, from hair stylists to assistants, to put on a show of extremely high quality that was seen by major press, buyers, and many other influential members of Boston’s fashion industry. The show provides an ideal platform for new designers to have their collections seen by the right people.
 “[Emerging Trends] was a great opportunity for me to meet a lot of different industry people, models, hair and makeup artists, and photographers from Boston,” she says.
 Maria’s ultimate goal is to open her own designer boutique where she can sell her original designs and offer styling tips to her customers. She would also like to integrate her sister’s skills in graphic design and photography into her business.
 “Combined, [my sister and I] can create a unique business where we can serve all of our customer’s needs.”
 Maria’s designs can be found and purchased through the following website:www.senseofashion.com/mariarivas. Her portfolio and contact information can be found here: www.mariarivas.carbonmade.com


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