If you are a true fashionista, you’re more or less familiar with “Project Runway” and if you’re familiar with “Project Runway” then you are definitely familiar with the name Oseas Villatoro. The semi-finalist of the show, he has a long resume filled with fashion shows and collections. In New York for Fashion Week 2015, he is debuting his first ever plus sized collection at NYFW+. And he did not disappoint. Oseas was not just part of the iconic first ever plus sized Fashion Week, his collection launched the event. And all of the beautiful designs, colors, and esthetic that we are used to seeing from him were definitely present. Very calm and collected before his designs were presented, I was able to talk with him about the whole experience.
Ryan: Oseas! What a pleasure to meet you. NYFW+, you must be so excited!
Oseas: I am, this is my first NYFW event AS WELL as being my first plus sized collection.
Ryan: Wow, that’s a lot of firsts. But you’ve been designing for a while now and I’m sure this isn’t totally out of your element.
Oseas: I’ve been designing for about 6 years, I’ve done shows in San Diego, LA, etc. But this is different.
Ryan: How so? Was the design process difficult for you?
Oseas: No, I wouldn’t say it was easier or harder. It was just different. I applied my esthetic to this collection. You’ll see a lot of black and white, with pops of color. It was just a new experience.
Ryan: Nothing wrong with new experiences. What would you consider your esthetic to be?
Oseas: Definitely edgy. Something for the working woman who also likes to have fun, outgoing. I make clothing for women who embrace their curves and don’t mind showing them off.
Ryan: That’s awesome. Villatoro, where is that from?
Oseas: Well I was born in East LA, but my family is El Salvadorian and Guatemalan.
Ryan: And does that heritage influence your pieces?
Oseas: It definitely does. Designing was never my original goal. I wanted to be a doctor, but once I saw how much school was involved I switched my game plan. In high school I had always sketched designs and everyone always said I should go into fashion designing.
Ryan: Fabulous! Everything happens for a reason. What can we see from the growing brand that is Studio by Oseas?
Oseas: Well I’ve been designing clothing for my daughter and friend’s kids, just cause. So I would like to expand into that. I also want to design menswear because I design all of my own clothing.
Ryan: So we can expect the whole family to be wearing Oseas Villatoro designs pretty soon?
Oseas: Yeah, that’s my vision.
Ryan: I can’t wait. Right now, any fashionista who wants to rock an Oseas original can do so how?
Oseas: Well you can either stop by my showroom in Chula Vista or you can send in an order, which usually takes about two weeks for completion.
Ryan: Two weeks? That’s a great turnaround. And you are completely involved in the entire design process AND you even style shoots. You are a man of many talents. I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for us. Thank you so much!
Oseas: Thank you! It was nice meeting you.
Safe to say the collection he shared during NYFW+ was a huge success. The garments were amazing, I personally saw several pieces I NEED in my closest this season. For someone who didn’t plan on a career in fashion design, Oseas’ talent is undeniable. I’m sure his brand and his name will be another powerhouse added to the legacy of high fashion that we are so familiar with now.
