Today we’d like to introduce you to Mauricio Carrasco.
Mauricio, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
So I grew up in a small town called Lovington, New Mexico. There wasn’t really much to do so I suppose my creativity stemmed from that. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a strong passion for fashion. Whether it was from wearing repurposed clothing from my family members hand me downs or garage sales I would alter super old clothes into something trendy and cool at the cost of saving more money in my pocket of course. I also find the ability to define and portray your personality by not saying anything at all is simply one of the many reasons why I love fashion so much! It lets me be a new version of myself every day and just likes how trends change is how I change as well, but being from a small town and trying to experiment with different styles always came with its share of insults and constant backlash. However, this is what helped mold me into the person that I am today.
I came to Dallas in pursuit of my dream; which is simply to work within the industry. I started this journey at The Art Institute of Dallas to obtain a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing; it seemed a bit of a stretch financially but I took my chances and ran with it. I can honestly say that I am grateful for this institution. Here I was able to meet and work with Rhonda Chambers, a remarkable individual who built an entire empire from nothing. She has not only helped me with developing insight into fashion production but event production as a whole. The first-ever fashion shows that I worked happened to be The House of DIFFA Futuro Event. It’s grand scope further elevated my love of fashion and has helped me further progress in my career. I have worked as a Stylist Assistant for First Sight’s Dolce and Gabbana 2019 Show, Celebrating Woman 20th Anniversary, and much more. I was later met with Mr. Mahari Taki who really took a chance on me and allowed me to be Executive Director of Men’s Fashion Week Dallas. I can truthfully say everybody who has believed in me has made me who I am, Iet me thank you in advance.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road has not been smooth at all, from having to juggle five jobs and being a full-time student to maintain my living situation has been hard but I believe that if you haven’t had your fair share of ups and downs then are you truly living? When I find myself in a rut I often refer to the poem Good Timber written by Douglas Malloch as a good pick me up.
The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees,
The further sky, the greater length,
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men, good timbers grow.
Where thickest lies the forest growth
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.
Please tell us about Men’s Fashion Week Dallas. What should we know?
Men’s Fashion Week Dallas was founded in 2012 as an annual event to stimulate the fashion culture and market through philanthropic efforts and building long term relationships. Fashion Week Dallas was made to educate and help people while recognizing local businesses that support and serve in our community. MFWD is a good chance for both Local and National designers to display their collections.
MMFWD features two-yearly fashion shows, fashion daily deal in and around 14 events where designers showcase their creations in an exclusive space, including accessories, shoes, bags, jewels, underwear, and men’s and women’s clothes. MFWD supports fashion students through special opportunities and unique marketing, so they can show their first collection together with well-established designers. In addition, the creators seek to educate, create opportunities, and showcase emerging designer talent. This includes technology and social media literacy training for the millennial generation, by the millennial generation.
As Executive Director I work closely with Producer Nancy in making sure all key elements of the fashion show production are being well thought out and planned accordingly. This includes ensuring we have event space, vendors, designers, models, media, and of course finding individuals who love the fashion culture. I love this company as we simply want to give an opportunity to creatives of all kinds and share our love of fashion with the community.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I found this question pretty hard to answer but I feel that my success is simply determined on how well I treat others. I feel that God gave each person a purpose and mine happens to be sharing his word and to love everyone equally no matter what background, race, ideology, or religion. If I’m not doing that, then I know I’m quite a way from success.
Pricing:
- $125 Designer Entry Fee
- $70 Vendor Space
Contact Info:
- Address: 211 N Ervay St, Dallas, TX 75201
Second Floor - Phone: 575-704-9966
- Email: contact.mfwdallas@gmail.com
- Instagram: @mfwdallas @itsmauri_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mensfashionweekdallas/
Image Credit:
Julian Jimenez
Alex Funes
Jorge Rodriguez
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