April 29th, 2011 
Rising design star Angelica Cuervo is the winner of this year’s Fashion Uncorked, a high profile fashion event to benefit Easter Seals of North Georgia. Ten finalists created two jewel-inspired looks and competed for an all-expense-paid trip to New York City to shadow a famous designer. Fresh from design school, Angelica wowed the crowd with high-waisted, flare pants made of breezy orange fabric, and a geometrically patterned evening gown with a slinky silhouette and bold colors. She recently took a few minutes to answer my questions about her background, personal style, and where we can find those orange pants!
Angelica Cuervo (Photo Credit: FashionUncorked.com)
Miss A: Describe yourself in one sentence.
Angelica Cuervo: I’m a small lady with a unique mind.
Miss A: Where are you from?
AC: I was born in Frankfurt, Germany; raised in Orlando, Florida.
Miss A: How did you get started in the fashion industry?
AC: I have always been interested in fashion, but I didn’t get started until my senior year in high school. My school requires all seniors to complete what they call the “Senior Project” in order to graduate. A Senior Project is simply a student shadowing a professional in the career they want to have and write a research paper then present to a panel of judges what was learned. I chose fashion design as my career choice.
The winning designs (Photo Credit: FashionUncorked.com)
Miss A: Besides the jewelry, what were inspirations behind the winning designs at Fashion Uncorked?
AC: For both designs I was inspired by the 1970′s era, I love the high waists, the flare, and the length of gowns with that sneak peek of sexiness.
Miss A: Describe your own personal style.
AC: Truth is my personal style changes often. One day I may be feeling like Prince, glamorous and purple, while another day I feel like Danny Zuko with my leather jacket, skinny jeans, and chucks.
Miss A: What are your “go to” pieces?
AC: When in doubt, make a dress! I’ll always have a dress somewhere. I once made a dress in two hours because I was upset my model canceled on me the day of the photo shoot, so I made a new dress for my sister.
Miss A: Where have we seen your work before?
AC: Um, on my family members. I make stuff for them to wear for feedback from potential clients. I haven’t really showcased my stuff until Fashion Uncorked. That was my first real show!
Miss A: What’s next?
AC: Well, I’m returning to school, but while I do that, I plan on making money selling garments. I got a lot of requests and special orders for those pants.
(Photo Credit: Fashionista-Next-Door.com)
Miss A: What are the hottest fashion trends this spring/summer?
AC: According to me or the fashion experts? Well I think we all can agree that the 70’s is making a comeback. I’ve also seen flare or bell bottom jeans come back. Bold colors, tail hems (longer in the back), and even Punk fashion. I’ve seen it all.
Miss A: Who are your favorite designers and why?
AC: Issey Miyake. His design aesthetic is out of this world. Like who thinks of half the things he makes? He is just simply awesome! Another favorite is Christian Siriano. His personality comes right off his garments; you wear something of his and automatically become fabulous.
Miss A: Where are your favorite places to shop in Atlanta and why?
AC: I don’t buy clothes for myself anymore; I’m kind of spoiled. When I do shop it’s for shoes. I usually shop at Burlington Coat Factory, Charlotte Russe, and Forever 21 (online) simply because the price is right. I love getting more for less.
(Photo Credit: Fashionista-Next-Door.com)
Miss A: What has winning Fashion Uncorked done for your career?
AC: Everything! People know my name, love my style, and want my designs. I am forever grateful for having this opportunity. The contest really just opened the doors for me and now I’m getting closer to my dreams.
Miss A: Do you have a website or Facebook page where people can see your work?
AC: Oh, no website yet, I’m working on it. I do have a Facebook and my URL is www.facebook.com/adheredia1491 — I have a couple examples of my women’s, men’s, and children’s designs.
