Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Torres Vega.
Hi Sally, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been interested in garment making since I was very young. I have always been very hands-on but like creating and selling a product. I come from a family of small business owners, so It came naturally to me. I’ve been working on my brand since 2008, alongside the birth of my first daughter. My approach to design has always been based on necessity, and what could I do with the materials I can access? Being a designer from the Caribbean, specifically from an island, can bring challenges. At the time, it was hard to find excellent daily wear made from fabrics that would respect our bodies and climate. Most garments I could see were made of polyester, which is unsuitable for warmer climates. I started to find fabric suppliers, make my colors, and collaborate with local sewists and crafters, and all of that research and process has led to what my brand is today. The term sustainable is more popular; I just did it because it made sense.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Material sourcing and manufacturing have always been challenging since we need a stable garment industry. It has also been a journey of educating us on the importance of buying clothes that contain natural fibers and why we should be wearing them. I hire a local sewist who works from home; they are more comfortable there, so I must respect their working environment. Currently, our fabrics are sourced from Japan.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I consider myself a designer, not just a “fashion” or “garment” designer. I come from an art/sculpture formation, so my approach has a more intuitive, creative side. It grows organically based on the needs and concerns of the moment. I have been surrounded by artists, graphic designers, and product designers, and all of that makes me part of the community I’m surrounded by. I am generally a problem solver, always doing what I can with what I have. I’m interested in creating things you can use daily, especially studying the art and process of getting dressed—the longevity of things and how things can become heirlooms to pass on.
What changes will you expect in your work and the industry over the next five to ten years?
The fashion industry, specifically, is very complicated; I see much awareness, but more action is needed. I’m also an educator, and this new generation is very concerned and absorbed by instant gratification; there are integrations of AI. Hopefully, this will bring again a highlight to slow-made products and garments, where the appreciation of the ‘hand” will be present again. It gets smaller every day, the craft and artisan industry and people willing to learn it.
Pricing:
- $140 – $300
Contact Info:
- Website: sallytorresvega.com
- Instagram: sallytorresvega
Image Credits
Maru Aldea
