Up Close With: Viviana Urrea
Viviana Urrea Bridal is a distinguished Mexican brand with more of 12 years in the city of Guadalajara. With a fresh and unique interpretation of bohemian minimalist style, we cater to the modern bride seeking sophistication and comfort. Discover Viviana’s key influences and all-time favourite fashion trend right here.
We spoke with designer Viviana Urrea to find out more.
What is the best part of being a designer?
I believe the best part of being a designer is being able to continuously create. Within our creativity, always dreaming of new things allows us to evolve and learn from new challenges. Exploring new materials, acquiring new techniques, and meeting new people is exciting. It’s incredible to take an idea and make it a reality.
What is the creative process like? Can you also tell us more about your studio and creative space?
My inspiration mostly comes from fabrics; I have a strong love for different textures and the drape of fabrics. The first thing I do is search for different types of materials, assess the functionality of each, and then begin designing. I enjoy having different images and contemplating the details. The process involves sketching over and over until I achieve something I love. We continue to use the pencil and paper drawing technique, where the sound of each line, the smell of the pencil, and the music make the process more enjoyable. I am grateful to be able to dedicate myself to what I love the most. I enjoy the privacy of designing and then move to the pattern-making area. I research the best way to bring the creation to life before sewing, conducting several tests before presenting it in the showroom.
Do you have an absolute favourite gown that you’ve designed? Can you tell us some design secrets behind it?
I have several favourite dresses, but currently, my favourite from the collection is the Paloma dress. Its warmth and simplicity drive me crazy. It’s a dress that suits every body type. I designed this dress at home, with small sketches scattered around my house, on paper napkins, in my children’s notebooks, until I fully realized it in the studio.
What is the most precious thing you have in your own wardrobe, and an item that you couldn’t live without?
I have a jacket full of sequins of many colours from the 80s that I love, bought at a vintage store in Guadalajara. It was originally a closed blouse, and I transformed it into a jacket in the workshop. If it were up to me, I would wear it all the time; it’s impeccable, and every time I see it, it brings a smile to my face. My headphones are one of my most cherished treasures. I love getting up early to meditate, and my headphones always accompany me with relaxing music, a good guided meditation, or a podcast while walking.
What’s your all-time favourite fashion trend, and one you can’t stand?
My favourite decades are the 20s and 70s. I find a lot of inspiration in them, and I identify a lot. It’s not that I can’t stand the fashion of the 2000s, but it’s definitely not to my liking, with pink miniskirts and low-rise jeans a la Paris Hilton.
Who or what would you say are your key influences?
My greatest influence is history itself. I love geopolitics, the history of art, the evolution of eras, and society. I find a lot of inspiration in documentaries, museums, etc.
Have you any pearls of wisdom for aspiring designers?
My advice for aspiring designers is to trust themselves, their design, and their proposal. Work over and over and enjoy it. Every client who seems complicated is a teacher giving you the opportunity to learn. It is crucial to take care of your team, the valuable people accompanying you on this journey.
Can you tell us about your latest collection?
Of course, our Ana María collection is inspired by my grandmother, who also sewed and made clothes for her daughters. Although I didn’t know her much, I have come to know her more through my father’s stories. She was an elegant, committed, and creative woman. This collection, like her, is simple but very elegant, with details in Chantilly, satin, and silk tulle, as well as floral touches.
If you had to piece one piece from your new collection as your favourite, what would it be?
My favourite dress from the new collection is, of course, the Paloma dress.
Finally, what is your vision for the future of the brand?
My vision for the future of the brand is to design with more heart and question each design to be true to what I really want to present. I am excited to expand to different parts of the world. Last October was our first show at NYBFW, and we are happy to present in London in May at White Gallery, alongside so many great designers. We want to continue working on what we love and gradually reach the smiles of our beautiful brides!
