GOCA Goes To New York Fashion Week 2012

Posted by Shay Marie on January 20, 2012 in Designer Spotlight, Magazine · 1 Comments

GOCA Goes to New York Fashion Week 2012

Over the last few weeks, Fashion Parkway has been keeping their eye on the Chicago-based fashion label, GOCA designs and more so now after their big announcement regarding New York Fashion Week 2012. President Gordana Rasic and Vice-President Omar Villalobos recently received the phone call of a lifetime and with it came an opportunity to showcase their fall 2012 collection at EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show during New York Fashion Week 2012. To think that they will be in the presence of some of the biggest names in the fashion industry like Andre’ Leon Talley and Diane Von Furstenberg.

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GOCA Vice-President, Omar Villalobos, and his Models Behind The Scene's at The Red Carpet Concierge Event. Photographer: Tatiana Bomar

Before New York Fashion Week 2012

We got a chance to interview Omar, vice-president and creative director of GOCA designs, recently and wanted to share with you how he started in the industry, what he loves most about it and other things like advice for future designers. Keep reading to learn more about this young and talented designer…

How did you decide to work in the fashion industry?
I went through a long roller coaster before deciding to go into fashion. I actually studied film in my first year at Columbia, but after a semester, I knew film was more of a hobby than a passion of mine. I went into fashion thinking I would simply like it, not knowing that I would end up falling head over heels for my career. Fashion is now all that I know; I breathe it and live it! I’m always admiring people’s personal style and looking forward to new trends. Fashion consumes my mind!

What challenges did you face when first starting out in the industry?
It was very hard breaking into the Chicago industry because not only were we breaking into a small fashion community, but we were breaking into this community so young. At first, people doubted us and looked down. I remember we scheduled our first photo-shoot in June, we had it all planned and ready to go. We were so excited and last minute the model cancelled because she felt sick, later to find out she wasn’t. She has not been the only one to not follow through, however, we never gave up. Even though it was disappointing, we always kept our head up and looked forward. We want to be the voice for those who feel the same and for those who have felt unheard. We are working hard to do that and we will not stop till we get there.

What advice would you give to those who want to be involved in the fashion industry and who might also aspire to make it to New York Fashion Week?
To be ready to give it their all. As I’ve told others, fashion isn’t a 9-5 job, it’s a lifestyle. You must be willing to stay up for endless of hours and be willing to give up time with friends to do work. However, being in fashion is amazing. It gives you so much room to express yourself, so if you’re passionate, you’ll be happy. It’s not about fame, it’s about artistic expression.

What is the thing that you most enjoy about your career?
I enjoy giving people an experience. Whether it’s our editorial campaigns or our runway shows, I absolutely love leading people through a journey of fantasy and beauty. All of our pieces tell a story and our shows give an experience, it’s a perfect combination I enjoy. I have the ability to express what I feel and translate that into fashion, I love it.

We heard GOCA designs is invited to showcase during New York Fashion Week 2012. Could you tell us how you got the news and everything that went through your mind at the time?
Like every other Monday, Gordana and I had scheduled meetings all day. After our last appointment, we were tired and ready to head back to my apartment. Gordana had to take the train back to the suburbs – where she lives – immediately after getting home. As we were walking to the train station, I received a phone call from the creative director of the Emerge! fashion show for New York Fashion Week 2012 and he said, “Congratulations! Are you ready for New York Fashion Week 2012? I jumped out of happiness and said, “We were born ready!” At the time, Gordana was getting upset because she didn’t know who I was speaking with. The moment I got off the phone, Gordana looked over at me and said, “Who was it? I don’t like it when you hide things from me!” I looked over at her and said, “Guess who will be showing during New York Fashion Week 2012?” Gordana’s eyes widen as she through her hands in the air (started to do her dance) and I joined. We pretty much looked like two school kids down the street, it was really funny! People were looking at us as if we were crazy, mind you it was cold and we were screaming and dancing outside. All we thought about was how thankful we were to have such a great opportunity in our hands. We felt lucky because this has always been a dream of ours, so we felt proud of this opportunity. It showed us that hard work will eventually pay off, even if we don’t see an immediate result, it all takes time.

We know you are the Vice President and Creative Director at GOCA but can you tell us about some of the other things you are working on as well?
Gordana and I have definitely come together with our collection. We both decided to join forces as designers and create amazing work. We have given each other a title so people will not be confused. Ultimately, Gordana and I do it together. We both collaborate as designers, creative directors, and founders of GOCA. With our current collection, we finally feel like one. We are working on our fundraising event coming up January 27th to help raise money to take us to New York Fashion Week 2012. Being that we are dedicated full-time students and committed to working on GOCA, it is hard for us to solely fund the entire trip, so we are throwing a fundraiser for all of our supporters and fans. As we like to say, we’re taking everyone on a journey with us.

How do you handle being a fashion student, working with GOCA, your blog and other things?
It is challenging, but I love what I do. People ask me all of the time how I manage to do what I’m doing, and like I say to them, it is all about balancing your time correctly. If you know you have to get your work done, but your friends are asking you to go out to a party with them, it is up to you to make that decision. What’s more important? That’s a question I ask myself all of the time when I come across situations like those. For me, it is a matter of shaping my career now, so I have a better chance of succeeding in the future.

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GOCA after New York Fashion Week 2012

What do you wish to accomplish in 2012?
I want to accomplish so many great things. I have ideas of where I want to be, so it is just a matter of putting those ideas into practice and seeing where they take GOCA and I. For 2012, I want to stay focused in college while further establishing GOCA, taking our line to the next level, either by providing our pieces through an online store or boutiques. We want to make GOCA a well known fashion label for the public.

Anything else you would like to share or say?
I want people to understand that talent has no age. There are people out there with immense talent and drive who are discredited for being so young. Talent is not defined by the year you were born, but rather by the work you can provide to prove your artistic capabilities. Anybody can be who they want to be and achieve what they want to achieve, it is just a matter of believing in yourself and your work.

If you’re in the Chicago area, you can help get GOCA to New York Fashion Week 2012. Save the date January 27th and go the NV Penthouse Lounge. The fundraiser, called “Making Dreams Come True” has an entrance fee of $10 and all funds collected will go towards GOCA ‘s mission to New York Fashion Week 2012. Also visit the GOCA website here. Support young talent and let’s get GOCA ‘s well-deserving team to New York Fashion Week 2012 !