We had the good fortune of connecting with Argenis Melendez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Argenis, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
I try to think about my career as a journey and not a destination. It is a process in which I will always be learning something that will help me in achieving my goals. Every day is a new day and one where I never know what creative ideas are going to come.

As an artist, creativity is hard to plan. It has been like that my entire life. The mission of my brand is to dress everyone no matter their size or gender. As a fashion designer, I want to creative as possible, providing a unique and luxurious product to my clients.
As a businessman, I see my brand as one that will not only impress luxury shop owners around the world, but to also show ideas and a vibe that cannot be found with anyone else. I see my brand empowering women across the world to feel confident and proud when in my clothing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I remember as a child, I always had a connection to art, whether it was painting or drawing. I developed abilities that were more advanced than my contemporaries artistic-wise. I used to play and dress up my friends with my mom’s sheets and curtains to create what no one could ever imagine and nobody ever understood why or how.

At the age of nine years old, my parents decided to send me to a visual art school. In doing so, it gave me a chance to explore other areas in the art field. Yet, nothing ever stopped my love and connection with fashion. I began to sketch fashion croquis, and since I was the age of thirteen, my love and passion for fashion just continued to blossom.
By the age of fifteen, I moved to New York City. I remember the first time I stopped to admire Bergdorf Goodman’s, Saks Fifth Avenue’s and Bloomingdale’s windows. All I could think was, I will be in these windows some day. That’s when I knew that fashion was my calling and I would put all my energy into it.
 I looked for help and learned how to sew with a woman living in the Bronx, minutes from my home. She taught me many couture techniques, which I was in love with. And as with many people, life changed and I had to start making money doing other jobs. Many were in the restaurant and bar industry. But, I never forgot my passion and always made time to do what I loved on the side.
After learning how to sew, I never stopped making clothing. I did not have the money to pay for college and familial responsibilities did not allow for me to start when so many of my contemporaries did.  I have no regrets. I am very proud of all the lessons I learned.  It helped me yearn even more to achieve and work toward my dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to some of my favorite places in New York. The MET museum has always inspired me. Even just walking on fifth avenue with all the luxury brands surrounding, really gives me the feeling of what New York is all about.

I would love to go spend time at the High line and going to the coffee shops in the meatpacking district. That area always has such romantic and vibrant feeling. Some of my favorite restaurants in New York are Hillstone on Park avenue, Kyma in Flatiron, Catch steak in the Meatpacking district, or even venturing out to Brooklyn to Cafe Mogadore in Williamsburg.
Another wonderful hotspot of mine is SoHo house in Dumbo. The views are just magical.  Another place with breathtaking views is Le Bain’s rooftop, watching the sunset. A visit to the Brooklyn museum is always fun. I love New York and could not see myself living in any other city. It is a place where I draw inspiration no matter where I go. It’s always a new experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not have been able to make this happen if it was not for all the support of my partner. I have always had the full support of my family. However, it was not until I met him in 2020 that he encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and push toward my dream of being a fashion designer. I have done everything by myself. After saving money working non stop for years in restaurants and bars, I have been able to use that to get my brand off the ground and work toward my dream. And now I can show the world what I am capable of. Trust me, their have been many times where my fears have tried to get the best of me, but I keep fighting and persevering. Much of it has been automatic instinct and with the help of my family, partner, and friends.

Website: www.argenisnewyork.com

Instagram: Argenisnewyork

Youtube: Argenis New York

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