FASHION
FASHION SPOTLIGHT
Carlos Suarez
There are those exceptionally talented people who work behind the scenes , quietly making an industry better with their efforts , but many may not know who they are . Carlos Suarez is one of those people .
In addition to working in the international nonprofit sector , traveling to exotic countries and attending conferences at the United Nations , he was director of Pronto Fashion Show , has DJ ’ d for many major fashion shows and most recently , launched Ardor Fashion Collective , an online platform that shares stories and inspires the next generation of creative designers . One of Ardor ’ s big projects is the
Carlos Suarez
Timeless Calendar , which features works by St . Louis designers . Suarez , who graduated from the University of Missouri-St . Louis , where he majored in international business and finance , is an advocate for the growth of St . Louis ’ fashion scene .
Gazelle : What is the Timeless Calendar ? Suarez : The Timeless Calendar is a creative and non-traditional print calendar that showcases fashion in an intriguing and inspiring medium . We call it the Timeless Calendar because we are keeping track of time , but more importantly , featuring “ timeless ” pieces of art through fashion . We started producing the calendar for 2017 , and have recently launched our 2018 edition .
Gazelle : What inspired you to create it ? Suarez : A few years ago , I participated in a local campaign for Junior Chamber International called Nothing But Nets to raise awareness and funds in the fight against malaria . We produced a calendar that displayed models wearing nothing but a bed net ( that prevents the infection of a mosquito bite , which transmits malaria ), and through this process , I later thought it would be very appropriate and inspiring to use a similar concept to showcase fashion .
Gazelle : What are you trying to accomplish ? Suarez : Through the calendar , I am building awareness of fashion design and the overall activity in the region , while additionally complementing everything else taking place in the St . Louis fashion scene to make our area a stronger hub in the industry .
Gazelle : How do you select the designers who are featured ? Suarez : For 2018 , we wanted to feature designers who are at various stages in their endeavors . From Aleah Rosenau , who is a student designer at Lindenwood University , to Michael Drummond and Paulie Gibson , who have long-standing brands , having an eclectic mix showcases the diversity and ingenuity we have in St . Louis . We are also featuring the Cherokee Street District in our photography as a way to tell the story of local fashion , utilizing such a creative neighborhood .
Gazelle : What is your favorite part about this project ? Suarez : I love the entire creative process , from conceptualization to the finishing touches . However , our launch party is my favorite component because everyone is able to see and experience what we ’ ve
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