Q&A with designer Diana Martinez

I had the opportunity to interview Diana Martinez, a fashion designer from Mexico who takes her ability to mix and match colors to a whole new level. Her designs from estelaBalan are absolutely stunning, vivid and almost surreal. Check out more of her collection on estelaBalan.

1. When did your love for fashion begin?
Ever since I was a little girl, but my real dream was to create something with my own hands and imagination.

2. I understand that you were born in Tamaulipas, How has the beautiful Mexican culture inspired you?
The typical style of each region of Mexico is so rich of color and details. As a mexican designer, I want to keep that in my designs.

3. Who has been your biggest support/inspiration?
My biggest support has been my family, they're always helping me. My inspiration is not other than life, everything that I have lived, everyone I have loved, in one way or another have made a big impact in my life. The love and use of color is the result of the exposure of my heart to the world.

4. How do you want women to feel when wearing Estela Balan?
Young and very confident - someone who will not pass by unnoticed.

5. Your collection is so vibrant with beautiful colorful bold prints, How much time and effort do you put into a seasons collection?
I put tremendous effort into each collection! First and foremost, it's all about selecting colors and prints, and having the right combinations, and just making sure that it will have a visual impact. Then it goes into designing the collection, making it one by one and then changing little details on my designs. To me, it's all about making sure that every collection has the style, the essence, the shape, of Estela Balan. I dont want that one season is of certain colors and style, and the next is all grey or black. I put alot of effort in creating a unique style that remains in time.

6. Where do you see your brand Estela Balan going? What celebrity/personality would you most love to see wear your designs?
I see my brand, Estela Balan, entering the fashion world little by little, and making people recognize the style, and giving that brand a unique personality. I would definitely like to see my designs on Hailee Steinfeld and Dakota Fanning.

7. Where can our readers see and purchase your designs? Are they available outside of Mexico?
They're available in Texas and Mexico (check out estelaBalan for store locations) . Soon enough they will also be available to purchase online.

8. Are there any other projects that you are currently working on? Will you be expanding your brand?
The most important project I have is to expand the brand. It definitely has a strong presence in Mexico, but I want to make estelaBalan grow in the United States.

Follow estelaBalan on Twitter - @estelaBalan

- EC xo