FASHTALKS WITH REGINA ROMERO

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

My earliest design memory for the brand was arriving from living in Paris, and starting my mood boards, patterns, and designs on the third floor of our first offices in Mexico City. I remember having all the walls in my studio full of images and drawings. I did a lot of handmade experimental drawing and sculpturing for the shoes.

What inspired you to name your brand?

The brand was founded by Regina Romero herself in 1984, and it is such an amazing story, considering the time being in Mexico, to have a woman name her brand after herself, and becoming an eponymous and prestigious brand in the country. It is a shoe brand made by a woman, for women. This is the heritage that I am so proud of honoring to this day.

“All of our sourced materials and exquisite manufacturing have allowed each one of our shoes to be a time-traveling treasure.”

Do you have a favorite shoe that you have designed?

It’s always very hard to choose, it’s like choosing your favorite child for me haha. But my Poppy Platform from Spring/Summer 2020 has a very special place in my heart. When I see it, I can clearly distinguish the aesthetic and personality I have brought to the brand since 2017. It was inspired by Luis Barragán, a Mexican architect who is known for his use of color and geometry.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am very close to art and music, especially in contemporary and modern art. Various genres of music influence my collections. I kind of build a playlist per collection and put in on when I’m designing and presenting it. I try to find inspiration out of the screen, the world has so much to offer. Traveling also nurtures my creativity.

What were some hurdles you had to overcome in your business?

I’d say the biggest and scariest moment was the pandemic in 2020. I was living in Europe at the time, and the uncertainty and distance was terrifying to me. Today, I actually feel thankful for that experience, I feel grateful it solidified our business as well as my professional character.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

Ever since its foundation in 1984, Regina Romero has been outstanding and recognized for its quality, comfort, and design. Our collections are entirely crafted from leather. All of our sourced materials and exquisite manufacturing have allowed each one of our shoes to be a time-traveling treasure. We have received images and letters from clients who still have and wear shoes they bought over 10 years ago.

Do you have a passion other than fashion or design?

I do! One of my biggest passions is science. I was actually considering becoming a medical doctor. I am very curious about biology, chemistry, and scientifical technology. I must say these things also influence my creativity.

What do you envision for the future of your brand?

I envision a big expansion for Regina Romero. I want my collections to reach other countries, to be able to touch the lives of so many other people on the planet. I want to take on this challenge of international design. Regina Romero is one of a kind, and I would love for it to grow. The sky is the limit.

“I want Regina Romero to be known for its heritage, and how we honor and seek growth for it every single day.”

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

I get this question a lot, and I always say, “smallness’s are known from the greatness’s.” It is so important to work hard, even on the little things. Get out on the battlefield: experience, create, work with different people, and get out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid of rejection. And most of all, always find time to create for your own pleasure.

How important is social media to your brand?

It has been a very important tool for us. We launched our e-commerce in 2017, and social media has allowed us to be seen and known. Our digital presence is very strong, and it has been an entirely organic growth. It enables loyalty and staying in touch with our clients and people who feel inspired by the brand.

What is the most important thing you would like your brand to be recognized for?

For its uniqueness. And this goes beyond design. I am talking about the people behind it, every single person involved in the process of making this real. This gives the true essence to the brand and our shoes. I want Regina Romero to be known for its heritage, and how we honor and seek growth for it every single day.

What is your favorite fashion trend? Least favorite?

My favorite fashion trend right now is transparencies, I love the sense of sexy elegance. My least favorite fashion trend is Y2K, I find it very costume-y and forced.

How has the fashion industry changed since you first started out?

I believe fashion has become a general interest. TikTok has exploded and has allowed more people of the fashion industry to be involved. It has become more democratic and available. For me, there are only a few people who are truly informed about what fashion has been, is, and how will evolve. It has also become more competitive; new fashion brands have a broader way to reach people and become relevant.

What can consumers expect to see next from your brand?

With each collection, I have had more possibilities of doing more avant-garde and trending designs. So, our collections will be proposing bolder and daring looks. We always do research on new materials and technologies, and this is something I want to bring to the table for future collections.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?

I would tell myself that I shouldn’t fear the future. That all those insecurities I had about myself and my talent meant nothing. That I need to always trust in myself, give the most loving version of myself to every single thing I do and every single person in my story. That there is peace in knowing that I will never miss out on anything that is really meant for me.