Carlos Benguigui was born in Melilla, Spain. He lives and works in Venezuela designing men’s and women’s fashion.His proposals mix the classic with the avant-garde making an amalgam with international trends and his style putting his seal on his own creations. He attended the last New York fashion week on february 2020, with a stunning men’s collection.
Carlo, your brand is nothing short of wonderful, with different styles .. from the modern and classy businessman to the gasby man .. can you tell us how your story goes?
“I Started in 1990 with a wholesale factory selling jackets very spotty for men then in 3 years started suits pants shirts and more we sold to about 6 stores in caracas Venezuela and others around the country. In 1997 I opened my own first boutique while still selling wholesale”.
Your brand were presented the international fashion weeks, especially in New York. What does it represent for a designer to be present in fashion weeks? how much is it worth for a designer’s career?
“I think it’s very important to be present in at least 2 FWeeks a year, this helps to show the new work and also sell not only where you show but also world wide and of course athome based factory/boutique believe it or not even though the show was elsewhere”…
Advertising campaigns, beautiful male and female models. Was there an event that excited you more than others during your career?
“One great show was the first one in new york in 2004 COUTURE FASHION SHOW NEW YORK produced by Andres Aquino”.
How are you experiencing this delicate moment?
“We try to cut down production and start working on patterns for future collections. Also we’re doing facemasks and be patient”.
How many changes has covid19 brought about in ordinary life? And as regards fashion system?
The main change is celebrations now people can’t have parties for 1000 people so they cut down to only close family between 10 to 50 people the most. One important thing even tough the celebration is small they still new to dressed up and since they can’t travel it’s a good time to take care of these customers at their home or office”.
Many stylists and entrepreneurs dealing with vogue are struggling to make ends meet, how do you think they should handle it?
“Maybe trying to look for past collections and accessories them differently .Furthermore they can work with fabrics they already have making a twist to try and look different the same fabric by embroidery or dying”.
E-Commerce or retail shopping, it’s a ongoing question these days. What’s your point of view?
“95% of our sales are by retail because customers like to try the piece and find the perfect fit but e-commerce has to be an option for people worldwide and we have it”.
Digital runways, how much it could be useful To make up for live sessions?
“I don’t thing digital runways help Soo much but is my personal opinion. I would rather do a photoshoot”.
What’s your plan for the time being and the next future? Something may be coming down the pike?
“We are doing some local photos of specifics pieces and thinking oN the possibility of going to NYFW…WE’LL see”..
Many people have taken advantage of this situation and tried to reinvent themselves, what do you think about? You still have a one-track mind?
“Sooner or later things will get better and we are preparing for that cutting and producing slowly. We have started taking care of customers at their office and home that way they stay safe ,also we have in our stock very good sales because we’re concious that people aren’t producción as much money as before”.
In thanking you for the time you have dedicated to us at Deamina Magazine, we greet you and thank you with one last question …How can all our readers, fashion lovers, customers follow the present and future developments of your beautiful creations, or how can they buy them?
“We are working from home don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll help you by email or save a date for your next piece from our collection”.
