Today we’d like to introduce you to Adan Avila
Hi Adan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory
I am a 23 years old, recent fashion design graduate from Houston community college. Junior year in high school, I decided to go to school for fashion design which I previously didn’t know was a career. I applied to major fashion schools in the states like FIDM and Pratt. Unbelievable, I actually got in but was devastated when the realization of how expensive they were. I actually broke down because I felt like if I didn’t got school, I wouldn’t achieve what I felt I was meant to. Instead of staying depressed, I figured well the first two years of school are basics anyways. I started attending HCC north line campus, and I just focused on the credits to transfer over to any accredited university. When I looked for fashion design programs in Houston I found two the art institute and Hcc’s fashion program. I figured I already attended HCC so why not check out the program. I promptly switched to fashion design and was bamboozled by how much I didn’t know about garment construction. which I basically didn’t know anything, the only amount of sewing I had done was one single Jo’anns beginners sewing classes and hem a pair of pants to shorts. Honestly, I have always loved to learn because knowledge is power! Which I fully embraced not only did I take every necessary class for my degree but also extra specialized classes, to expand my skills. I was in a two year program, but with full time work and a full set of classes it has taken me 4” ish” years. As I start on my journey that many others have traveled not looking back and no backups. I am alive and ready!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Unfortunately, fortunate no it was not a smooth road. With the lost my mother at a young age, a disowning father, and alienation from my peers. At the age of 13 I was on my own, my grandmother (my mother’s mother) took me in. As an adolescent with no guidance and anger, I was not the easiest teenager to care for. From a very young age people treated me different because I was flamboyant. I say flamboyant because children from elementary don’t know what gay. at a young age having to understand I’m different, and people asking me why I wanted to be a girl. On top of that, abuse and misunderstanding from my home life. So growing up was not easy, but what helped me is being independent and lead myself. Getting to know myself was probably the best thing I could’ve done. Which most people even at my age are still dealing with. I always felt like my life from before the age 13 was embarrassing because of my hardships and mistakes I had made. What I have come to realize is that is not what I portrayed, I actually got back in touch with an old middle school friend and what she told me was so emotional for me. She told me “I always loved how no matter what was going on you were your individual self, and it always made me feel like I could.” When I read that it felt like my teenage self was relieved, I cried because I always though that time was the lowest in my life but yet someone still noticed and saw me. I do not hold anything against the people that wronged and tried to break me down because, we are all just products of the situation and tribulations we are put in. Yet I did not fall those tribulations helped me grow above and mature. That being said, I would not change the difficulties I had to endure for anything, because a scar is a reminder that we heal with time. I have truly come to appreciate it all because I am a strong, independent, and intelligent human being.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a fashion designer. I make high end custom pieces. I would never want to say I only have one specialty because it so restrictive, but I do enjoy creating avant-garde evening wear. I’m proud of my growth and put myself through school. What sets me apart is the sense of community I have, I believe creatives should stick together nobody can understand us but we can embrace us. I don’t believe there is competition between designers in the same city. We are all unique enough to eat from the same table.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Racquel Martinez, she is one of my biggest advocates and friend. She was a classmate turned colleagues and fellow designer. Frank Tristan, is my partner and fellow creative. He is a photographer and has shot all of my shoots.
Contact Info:
- Email: aadan2312@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_ad.ann_?igshid=1ntf7iixfm9w1
Image Credits
Female hispanic model: Mamantha Mireles
Other female model: Felyse Nicole
Male model: John Paul Torres
Photographer: Frank Tristan
Designer: Adan Avila (me)
Mua: for purple garments, Taylor Evans Mua: Allison Arellano
