Designer Bio:
Sergio obtained his first Fashion Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA. Seeking a fresh perspective, he traded west coast for east to earn a second Fashion Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. During his coursework at FIT, Sergio was able to refine his skills and hone in on his passion: eveningwear.
Anxious to break into the industry, Sergio established his label, Celestino, in 2006 while he was still a full-time student. He chose Celestino not only because it’s his middle name, but also a family name. As the winner of “Best in Class – Execution” at the inaugural 2008 Supima Design Competition and serving as a 2010 Critic for FIT’s Special Occasion program, Sergio has continued to expand his vision alongside co-founder & Director, Rusty Harper. His graceful evening gowns and chic cocktail dresses boast impeccable tailoring and refined silhouettes for every woman’s shape.
“My goal is to make a woman… any woman, feel beautiful.”
1. What inspired you to get into fashion design?
Fashion has inspired me from a very young age. I still remember how exciting it was to help dress & style my mother for parties (eventually my friends and younger sister) and see how it impacted her/their confidence & attitude.
2. Where did you go to school and what was your major?
I graduated in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in LA and also graduated in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) here in New York.
3. Describe your philosophy about fashion?
My design aesthetic is classic modern. I love to take something a woman can understand easily, such as a basic color or silhouette and push the boundary of fashion in the details.
4. What words of wisdom can you give to aspiring designers?
Know your customer and understand that fashion design is first and foremost, a business.
5. Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
I'm inspired from many different things... walking the streets of New York provides so much, as do my private clients and my travels.
6. What is a typical day for a fashion designer like yourself?
I read WWD over breakfast, work on client orders, boutique orders and develop the upcoming collection. It often feels like a 24-hour job... but I love it.
7. Which fashion designers have been important points of reference for you?
There are quite a few, but I'll narrow it down to Tom Ford and Valentino.
8. If you had the opportunity to design an outfit for one person who would it be?
Maggie Q... a beautiful woman who can pull-off (wearing) almost anything.
9. Can you tell me about your collection?
I design for women 35-60 that want to look beautiful & fashion forward, and that already have a good sense of fashion.
10. Where can we find your collection?
For the made-to-measure Couture collection I can be reached directly. The Ready-To-Wear collection is available at Susan Lee (Atlanta), Jimmy's (East Hampton), Janet Varner (Rochester), Elegance (Philadelphia), Mel&Me (Cranston,RI), Nina Raynor (Delray Bch, FL), Julian Gold (Austin & San Antonio, TX) and other boutiques scattered across the country.
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| Celestino Couture Spring/Summer 2010 |
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| Celestino Couture Spring/Summer 2010 |
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| Celestino Couture Spring/Summer 2010 |
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| Celestino Couture Spring/Summer 2010 |
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| Celestino Couture Spring/Summer 2010 |