About The Designer
In 2018, Charli Sotomora left all that she loved in New York City to pursue what she saw as “a very risky, unknowingly naïve, invest-in-your-own-dream” move to become a couture fashion designer.
She left her job as a stylist for MM, freighted her belongings cross-country and enrolled in technical design school in her hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Charli was inspired to follow her dreams by the brilliant, creative boss ladies she had worked alongside with in New York, and was determined to succeed regardless of the massive challenge it would be.
Charli studied technical design at the Arkansas Fashion School, directed by renowned couture designer Jamileh Kamran, and graduated with a technical degree in Couture Bridal design and construction in 2021.
“I knew I would fall in love with design,” said Charli. “But it completely shifted my being and gifted me the ability to freely create and express myself in my working life.”
Her collections have been shown at New York Fashion Week in collaboration with Fashion Gallery NYFW. As an emerging designer, she presented her Autumn/Winter 2021 collection in February 2020 and her Spring/Summer 2022 collection in September 2021.
Charli specializes in creating one-of-a-kind commission pieces that make all women feel beautiful and unique.
The
Commission Process
Are you ready to invest in your very own signature Charli Sotomora design? Below is the process to commission a custom design.
1) Client Interview. Each design begins with a one-on-one discussion with Charli to learn more about your needs. This includes the type of piece that you need designed, the occasion you will be wearing it, your personal style and measurements.
2) Proposal. Charli will sketch design options, create a technical flat, source fabrics and present swatches. During this meeting, you will finalize your design and receive a cost estimate. A 50% deposit is required at this point.
3) Production. Depending on the complexity of the garments ordered, Charli will produce your pieces within 2-4 weeks.
4) Fitting. The final stage is the fitting session to make sure your pieces are precisely tailored for you. Charli will make any necessary adjustments to the clothing. The balance is due at this time.
The
DESIGN
Process
Charli works through a 7-step design process to create her iconic collections.
Step 1: Vogue Collections
Each year, Charli begins by analyzing the Vogue Collections to review the latest colors and trends. Then she inexpensively recreates several of the looks to determine what materials are available to purchase or thrift. This helps her forecast and gain inspiration for her next collection.
Step 2: Mood Board
Charli gathers 4-5 base ideas and multiple design elements to create a mood board. Her clients love simplistic designs that are modern. The mood board helps her collect ideas from the past and gives her inspiration for the present.
Step 3: Color Inspiration
Lipstick color trends are often a starting point for Charli’s color palette. Her designs and color choices must look good with the season’s most popular lip colors.
Step 4: Design Inspiration
Charli seeks design inspiration by surrounding herself with images. These can come from art galleries, travel, designers in new cities, magazines or clothing stores. She keeps herself open to inspiration in every activity and location.
Step 5: Creating the Collection
One of Charli’s signatures as a designer is her use of innovative and luxe fabrics. Her intuitive design process begins by draping and editing to create the look. Then she draws the pattern pieces and uses sustainable cutting techniques to put them on the fabric. This is followed by sewing and a final fitting with the client.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
After the piece is complete, Charli searches for the perfect notions to finish the look. It’s these eye-catching and unique details that add the finishing touch to these one-of-a-kind custom designs.
Step 7: Creating Art
The final step in Charli’s design process is to lovingly create a watercolor of each piece she creates. This unique step turns her designs into lasting works of art.
