Designer Watch: Sandra Hagen

25 Feb

There is nothing more fabulous than rocking a one-of-a-kind in fashion. That is why I love to thrift, sew and support my up-and-coming fashion designers like the talented Tampa Bay-based Sandra Hagen— who brings a unique perspective to the world of fashion. Hagen, local to the Tampa, FL area is undoubtedly one of my favorite local designers. Her personal sense of style aligns quite well with mine; from her bold choices in color and prints, feminine and whimsical style to her retrospective modern touch on vintage fashion. Being that the Tampa fashion community is a very close and tight-knit one, I’ve had the pleasure to not only run into Sandra out and about but I’ve also had the pleasure of working with her on some of her fashion projects. I have so much love and admiration for her and the level of professionalism and talent that she brings to fashion. She says, “Fashion to me is empowering. When I create, I feel that there is nothing I cannot do. I love prints, textures, and color. I’m all about well crafted pieces done right, and anything feminine with a touch of vintage. I like to design for confident women who like to feel sexy, feminine, and sophisticated.” You simply can’t go wrong with sophisticated, sexy and vintage inspired fashion. That is who Sandra Hagen is, that is what she brings to fashion. Check out my interview below with the talented designer as we chat about who she is, her brand and her vision. Shop the Sandra Hagen collection here.

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I am originally from Cali, Colombia

Q: Did you go to fashion school? If so, where?
A: Yes I did, however fashion has always been a part of my life. I went to IADT here in Tampa, FL

Q: What inspired you to become a Fashion Designer?
A: I have to say that I came from a very creative family, but my biggest inspirations were my grandmother from my mother’s side of the family. She took time to teach me how to use the sewing machine and how to crochet – which she was an expert at. And my father, who use to make the most beautiful women’s shoes that I can remember, all handmade from scratch. This explains why I love shoes so much.

Q: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
A: From many various sources, old memories of things I used to love, my upbringing, and my travels. A print or a person can also inspire me.

Q: Describe the woman who embodies the Sandra Hagen brand of fashion?
A: The women who embodies the Sandra Hagen brand is confident, elegant, romantic, and sexy without over doing it. The kind of woman who loves who she is.

Q: What is your vision for the Sandra Hagen brand?
A: I want it to be special. I want it to be a little more exclusive, not something that is found just about anywhere. I hope to one day have my own boutique right here in Tampa Bay.

Be sure to check out Sandra Hagen’s Etsy store here. We here at Fashionably Fabulous wish you all the best Sandra. We certainly love what you bring to the world of fashion. It is nothing short of Fashionably Fabulous! Stay tuned for my upcoming style post rocking some fabulous Sandra Hagen one-of-a-kind designs. Be Bold. Be Fabulous. Be You!