How did your career in fashion design begin?
I entered the fashion industry driven by a deep connection to my personal heritage and a commitment to making a social impact. My father, a tailor, always instilled in me the belief to “always look out for people with greatness in their hands.” He was a true advocate for creatives. When the pandemic hit, I was working remotely as an officer with the U.S. branch of UNICEF. Like many, I was at home, but I couldn’t help but wonder how people like my father, who couldn’t work from home, were managing. That curiosity led me to discover a third-generation family-owned garment house in New York, which was facing the extremely hard decision of whether or not to let 40 workers go. My father’s words resonated deeply, and I knew I had to act. I invested my entire life savings and launched Áwet New York with a commitment: until the end of the pandemic, 100% of the proceeds would go back to the garment workers to help them get through the crisis. At the time, designers and brands had stopped producing in NewYork, and this was the only path that made sense to me—entering the fashion world with the community at the heart of everything I did.
My approach to fashion has always been about creating positive change. I saw the chance to merge my passion for design with my commitment to social responsibility, especially during such uncertain times. By founding Áwet New York, I aimed to support local garment workers and promote sustainable practices, building a brand that stands for both luxury and ethics. For me, Áwet New York isn’t just about creating beautiful garments—it’s about reflecting my unique perspective, dedication to quality craftsmanship, and unwavering support for the community.
Tell us about how your tailor father inspires you to create.
My father was my first teacher when it came to design. His attention to detail, precision, and respect for the craft taught me the value of patience and perfection in creating garments. Watching his work made me appreciate the art of tailoring and how it transforms fabric into something truly unique. His work ethic and commitment to quality are values I carry with me in every piece I design today. I never saw my dad not perfectly dressed, with his handkerchief ironed and perfectly layered in his suit pocket, every detail meticulously in place. He had an innate understanding of the power that clothing holds—how it shapes not only the way the world perceives you but also how you carry yourself. To him, fashion was more than just about looking good; it was a statement, a reflection of respect for himself and others. Whether heading to work or simply running errands, his appearance always conveyed a sense of pride and dignity.
Through him, I learned that clothing can be a tool of self- expression, confidence, and influence—how the right garment can command attention, evoke trust, and even inspire admiration. Watching him, I came to appreciate that the way you present yourself speaks volumes long before you say a word.
We love that you created your namesake label, Áwet, during the pandemic with the aim to support local NYC garment workers. How did connecting with your community in this way with your first collection impact how the company would exist today?
Launching Áwet New York during the pandemic was driven by a desire to give back to the community that sustains fashion—the garment workers of New York City. By focusing on local production, we were able to keep these workers employed during a challenging time. This commitment to the community has become the foundation of our brand, which is built on principles of craftsmanship, inclusivity, and timelessness.
Today, those values continue to guide us as we emphasize transparency and support for local talent. We are dedicated to promoting inclusivity within the fashion industry, regularly collaborating with BIPOC designers and creatives to elevate underrepresented voices. Initiatives like our annual BIPOC showroom provide a platform for diverse designers to showcase their work, reinforcing our mission to create meaningful opportunities within the industry.
What’s your favorite part about the New York fashion community?
What I love most is how it embraces diversity and constantly redefines the possibilities of fashion. There’s an energy in New York that’s unlike anywhere else—it fosters collaboration, growth, and the freedom to experiment. The city’s eclectic mix of people and styles serves as a constant source of inspiration, with every corner offering something fresh. The dynamic nature of this community, with its rich blend of cultures and ideas, pushes the boundaries of what fashion can represent. It’s an environment filled with endless opportunities to collaborate with talented individuals who share not only a passion for fashion but also a commitment to creating meaningful change
Your men's and women's collections are rooted in the material. Can you tell us how both luxury and sustainability play roles within the Áwet line?
At Áwet NewYork, we believe that luxury and effortless comfort can seamlessly coexist. Our collections are built on a foundation of carefully selecting the finest materials while ensuring each piece is timeless and easy to wear. We prioritize sourcing high-quality fabrics and collaborate with exceptional manufacturers worldwide, with our atelier based in New York. This allows us to create garments that not only exude luxury but are crafted to transcend fleeting trends. Our goal is to design pieces that stand the test of time, focusing on durability and versatility, so our customers can enjoy them for years to come.
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