Antonio Riera, passion and perseverance

If there is something we have always been told, it is that in life we learn by trial and error; internalize and accept the bumps we go through, detect good opportunities and, above all, never lose what moves us. In the case of our former Fashion Design student, Antonio Riera, his unwavering values were and are passion and perseverance.

​IADE: How did you get to know IADE and what encouraged you to study with us?

​Antonio Riera: I got to know the school through an article I saw in the press. After studying law, I started at IADE because studying fashion was what I had always wanted to do.

​I: What was your dream when you entered IADE?

​A.R: I dreamed of being a designer for a firm. Over the years I learned that you have to be patient, work hard and not lose your passion and dedication to achieve it. You have to understand that to achieve this goal, you have to run a long-distance race.

​I: How were your beginnings in the fashion industry when you finished your degree?

​A.R: Very good! I bet on a great project and I was right in my decision. I started working as a designer at CH CAROLINA HERRERA, and I was there for 5 years. For me it meant a before and after in my professional career.

​IADE: The word sustainability is, now more than ever, the order of the day, how do you feel about working in a firm like ECOALF, especially in these times?

​Antonio Riera: It has been a great experience full of enthusiasm to continue learning about your profession, and also from a different and very positive point of view, focused on responsibility.

​I: What is a day like in your current job?

​A.R: Being in charge of designing the men's and children's collection, I have to take on different parts of the creation process; from the design itself, starting from the main idea that has been chosen and the color charts, to the creation of technical cards, and the purchase of trips to destinations that can further promote the brand.

The important thing in these cases is not to lose the thread of what you are doing, as you have to manage many different things.

​I: Let's talk about skills, do you think that to get to positions like the one you are in, you need to have specific qualities?

​A.R: From my point of view, the main thing to grow in a company, or to get into positions like this one, is to understand where you are working: to adapt to its brand philosophy without losing your own criteria, and to achieve a balance between both points.

Hand in hand with this is knowing how to communicate and work in a team, and of course, demonstrating and emanating professionalism and perseverance.

​I: Do you have any personal projects in the pipeline?

​A.R: I like to focus and focus on what I am doing at the moment; I live day by day.

​I: What advice would you give to our senior fashion students? 

​A.R: I encourage them to work in firms, companies or stores with a philosophy or objective marked by real needs.

​I: Would you like to share your experience with our fashion diploma and master's students?

​A.R: I would be delighted!