FROM THE DESK OF LOUISA RECHTER TAKACS

As a teenager, I was mesmerized by fashion shows. It felt surreal to work my first one as a young professional, out of college. It involved a lot of late nights, greasy pizza, and finally, the thrill of watching the new collection strut down the runway. 

When we started our own line, Mestiza, of course, it was always a fantasy to watch our creations on the runway, but we always anticipated that the fashion landscape was changing.

Traditionally, when designers present their collection at fashion week, the buyers and customers can’t wear or purchase the line without waiting half a year or more. And now, with so many unknowns, it’s been more and more challenging for designers to show their collection to a crowd. Yes, change is in the air, but it’s an exciting time to see what creatives will do to showcase their art to the world. 

Louisa and US Olympian Ryan Lochte at Fashion Week circa 2011