interview: Valentina Salcedo
Every Saturday we’re spotlighting remarkable local females who could change the way we look at the world. This Saturday is Carolina Gutierrez turn, the Dominican fashion designer who will represent Trieste in the “Benvenuti in Atelier” project on 4 and 5 November 2023.
Carolina Gutierrez graduated in Fashion Design at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, then got an MA in Logistics and Operations Management in Spain, and a few years ago opened her own Atelier in Trieste.
The national event “Benvenuti In Atelier” that Carolina is part of was born from an idea of three entrepreneurs from the CNA Federmoda system with the goal of spreading Italian culture of high craft skills in the fashion sector. On weekends ateliers, tailors, accessory workshops, leather, millinery, home furnishing companies and all of the Italian “handmade” businesses will open their doors to the public by holding events, open days, demonstrations, internships, small seminars, and aperitifs.
How did the idea of opening your own atelier in Trieste come to you?
When I just moved to Trieste I knew I either had to look for a job at an atelier or open my own. The latter requires courage and determination but I knew I had to summon it to make things happen. It was not the best period, very uncertain, we opened the atelier in the middle of the pandemic. At the time many businesses were closing down and the online world was thriving but we didn’t want to neglect the in-shop experience, so we decided to see things through.
When did you start focusing on personalized clothing?
My background is in tailored clothing however when I was introduced to the world of fashion my visions were altered. I knew I had to create something stylish but at the same time something that would be liked by my clients. I want to adapt to trends but without losing my identity. My style thrives on the reminiscence of the Caribbean countries, but I adapted it to one piece of clothing that is always used here in Trieste – the coat.
How has this passion begun?
When I was a child I didn’t know there was a profession called a fashion designer. I loved to draw and sometimes when I saw a young girl wearing something I liked, I would recreate that outfit on my dolls. I grew up thinking I was going to be an architect. When there was one or two years left to decide what to study, my mother met a person who was studying design at the University. I saw the work she did, and I thought that I could also choose that life.
How would you define the project you are creating?
A challenge. It’s a lot of knocking on doors and wanting to raise your voice. Furthermore, it is very little-known style, I try to impose it, and I would like to become known. When I see my pieces on the streets, I think “I made it.” We are an artisanal business, but I am a little worried about the digital part. What I dream of is to grow and industrialize, but with the conscience of an artisan, as little synthetic as possible. The clothes I make are mainly designed for young women.
Have you participated in other contests or events to showcase your brand?
I have worked for Merlis Casa de Modas and designed costumes for theater for a long time. I also participated in the Dominican Republic Fashion Week, dedicated to sustainable fashion. Then I decided to become entrepreneur.
How do you feel about representing Trieste in this event?
It fills me with pride. I understand that I am not Italian, I come from a very different background and culture, but arriving here has made me discover other points of view on fashion. Italian artisans are passionately committed to each product. Here craft skills are something already developed, it is projected and made visible. They are excellent, and it gives me the challenge to improve myself more and more every day, so that my creations have the same quality. The event is national, but the only atelier that is participating is Carolina Gutierrez Atelier.
What are the next events on your calendar?
We have two pending activities. A little later we will be in Udine, in December with the Compra in Bottega and next year we will be at ApritiModa, with a slightly more sporty style.
The free workshop conducted by Carolina on the creative process and development will be held this Sunday from 3pm to 7pm in Corso Italia 9 / Galleria Rossoni.
