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Fashion Forward

Local Fashion Designer Letty Sanchez shares her vision and talents at THOS Fashion School of Design. In her own words...

Article by Marti Schnurr with Letty Sanchez

Photography by Naomi Huff

Originally published in Boca Style Lifestyle

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?

As a college student, I didn't believe that I could make a living as a designer in  the small town of Stuart, FL. I majored in other things in college  until one day I showed up with tears in my eyes to see the school counselor. I told him I was desperate.  I kept changing my major and as a young single mother I needed to make a decision and fast. He asked  what I really wanted to do? "I want to be a fashion designer but Ill never make any money here in Stuart." He pulled his chair closer to me and looked me dead in my eyes and said, " if thats what you want, then you will find the way to make the money"  That was all I needed to hear. 

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion to me means the opportunity to transform my feelings at any given time. It can take me from sad, bored, ugly into an unstoppable, confident or fun and adventurous being with in minutes.  It also allows me to put a magic spell on my clients just by dressing them in something that changes their perception about themselves. It truly is like magic.

 Where does the inspiration for your designs come from? 

Most often my inspiration comes from current events. Fashion is a sign of the times and we as artists use whats happening in politics, religion, rock n roll or even a pandemic to influence the ideas and details that are incorpoarted into our design pieces.

My fav artist is Salvadore Dali. His warped perception of objects made me wonder so often. I could think about it for hours. We also share the same birthdate.

What is the best part about being a fashion designer?

 The experience of creating something with my very own hands is thrilling to me. To manipulate shape and fit which is guided by my own vision is an incredible talent to share with my students and clients. Teaching my students to become designers and witnessing their happiness in their new found talent fills me with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I'm doing something very meaningful.

What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?

 Social media gives designers the opportunities to brand their name and get ahead in the industry. I'm not however an advocate of this generation depending soley on social media. at THOS we teach our students to think and work like entrepreneurs. You must be multi-facted and be resourseful. its worth more than money.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career as a fashion designer what would it be? 

2 things. #1 dont get into a major student debt for a fashion degree if you don't have too. Its not necessary. What you need is SKILL and a well rounded education/training.

#2 - Perfectionism will kill you. I missed out on opportunities because I needed everything to be so incredibly perfect. Enjoy what you do as you build your talent. Building your skills takes time and repetition. I teach that repetition is the mother of skill and mastery only comes afterwards. 

What has been the best design trend in the last 5 to 10 years? And the worst?

The best in fashion lately are the 3D printed designer dresses by Iris Van Herpen. I think its revoluntionary. However my concern is the pollution this trend could cause. 

The worst in fashion is the fact that fashion is the worlds third largest pollutor. We must change this and it starts with all fashion students. THOS make our students very aware that its in their hands as future designers to make that change.

 Why did you decide to open the THOS fashion school of design? 

I opened THOS because I wanted to offer an alternative to a traditional expensive art college. I wanted to bridge the gap for those students who want to break into the business but needed the guidance and the training in a no-nonsense environment. THOS students go on to start their online businesses or work in the industry with other design companies. 

Describe the curriculum ?

The THOS Fashion Design Program is for the student who doesn't want to invest years or a fortune learning the fundamentals of design. We take the student from the beginning conceptual stage of design to the processes involved in creating a successful line of clothing.  We offer different programs, schedules and tuitions because most of our students study full time, work full time or have families. 

Tell us about your students. 

Our typical student ranges from high-school age to their 40's +. Most are beginners and we love that. They have loved fashion since their childhood and are still very passionate about it. Many went on to study other majors in college but never gave up on their dream to become a designer. The individual who studies at THOS is doing so because they want a smaller learning envirnment where they dont get lost in a large college classroom. They also want that one on one training and the ability to learn at their own pace.

 Do you have fashion shows or other events to highlight the students designs?

THOS loves the spirit of competition and so do the students. We have our own shows but we also learn about working back stage at other designer shows. Its total fast paced chaos and soooo exciting. Right now We are scheduled to work with the Project Runways Designers fashion showcase in September at the Hard Rock Live Theatre. Last year we met with the Movie wardrobe designer Ruth Carter for the movie BLACK PANTHER and that was  an amazing experience for the students. We are always involved.

Tell us a little bit about your experience working with students and producing masks for first responders during the Coronavirus outbreak.

I felt compelled to help in someway when this virus began spreading so I asked students to volunteer in this effort. We bagan making disposible blue masks for first responders in the local area. We donated hundreds of masks. It was a feel good move knowing that we were doing something that was potentially saving lives and would become a part of history. The media spread the word and the public began asking for masks. 

The Boca Raton Historical Society decided to document our masks and the event.

Where do your students typically find employment after graduation? 

THOS receives internship and employment opportunities from design companies regularly. Its very important that students have the chance to apply what they are learning so that they obtain a real world perspective in the industry before embarking on their personal businesses. One of our students Naiomi recently expressed how excited she was to realize that everything her current design job asked of her were skills and knowledge she learned here at THOS.  Another student, Dominic, is selling his designs to rap artists out of NYC who discovered his work on social media.

THOS is about producing results and creating winners walking out of the door. 

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