Nashmin 
MM: Can you introduce your brand and yourself in a few sentences?
The name of my brand is Yas Gonzalez (my name). My collections are a reflection of my travels, experiences, my love of art and music. My custom pieces are a reflection of my client’s wishes made exclusively for them.
MM: Can you describe your creative process?
I draw my inspiration from many different things. Predominately, I am inspired by culture, and people. When something touches me, I immediately start sketching. I transfer the idea to paper and that’s how I begin.
MM: Where do you find inspiration in your day-to-day life?
I am a people-person. People move me; their voices, their stories, their adventures. My family and friends inspire me, my son, my peers. I take from that on a daily basis and it fuels me to create based on emotion.Similar to how a painter or writer create- it’s from real life for me.
MM: What kind of questions do you ask yourself when you begin creating a collection?
What does this evoke? Is this going to stir any emotion? Will this make someone feel something? Be it happy, nostalgic, sexy, fashion is expression.
MM: How has your work evolved since you began your own label?
My work has evolved as I have evolved. With my personal growth and travels to the experience I have gained through the years learning and constantly honing my craft. I am never afraid to listen or to learn. That has helped me grow as a designer.
MM: How do you find working as a designer in the US?
I am fortunate to live out my dream ‘job’ in a country that allows me so. I have been afforded incredible opportunities and I am very grateful for that.
Has the culture/surroundings affected your design aesthetic?
Absolutely! I live in a place that people all over the globe come to visit, for vacation. I am surrounded by diversity, beauty, beaches, palm trees. It’s impossible for me not to be inspired by my surroundings daily.
Do you feel connected to your home?
The old adage is forever true: “home is where the heart is”. I love Miami, it’s an incredible place. But my beginnings, my roots I can never forget. By bringing my early memories to life, it’s a way for me to pay homage to “home”.
MM: What sparked your interest in fashion design?
I was attracted to fashion from an early age. The exciting part was learning how to create my own pieces, channel the inspiration.
MM: How did you learn the business of fashion?
I went to the Miami University of Art & Design and completely submersed myself into the industry from an early age.
MM: What is your favourite part of being a designer?
My favorite part is seeing someone happy wearing something I created.
What drives you to design?
I am fueled by creativity. I need to channel the creativity I feel I was blessed with.
MM: What is the inspiration behind your S/S19 collection to be showcased at Vancouver Fashion Week?
This collection was inspired by things that impacted me, places that influenced me as a young girl. I went back to my home country and what I “saw”, what I “relived’ is now wearable via this collection that’s a cheerful, and inspirational showcase of color.
Thank you YAS GONZALEZ for sharing your fabulous collection. We can’t wait to see your show at Vancouver Fashion Week for the SS19 season.
Follow YAS GONZALEZ on Instagram @YAS GONZALEZOFFICIAL and check out the website here.
