Meet Florencia Davalos | Fashion Designer

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

Hi Florencia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey began through my thesis, involving extensive study on color psychology and research into the essence of my brand. And I did it! I established my brand thanks to my Thesis project at the IED University in Madrid. Recognized as one of the top projects at the university, I graduated and was selected for the South Cadiz Fashion Week on its external runway. It was there that I sensed something exciting was brewing, prompting me to decide that my brand needed to tell a story, already embodying a universe and essence. I had several interviews that gave me the wings to launch and position my brand in Ecuador.
 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my career by studying at the European Institute of Design in Spain. Before graduating, I worked with notable Spanish brands such as Nicolas Vaudelet, Leire Valiente, and YonoTaola. Graduating with the best thesis, I was recognized as one of the top talents in the South Talent 36.32N external runway. I hold a Master’s in Fashion Business from IMF Madrid, and I also participated in a Master Class with Diane Von Furstenberg, focusing on building a fashion brand.

I started working on my own business in late 2014, creating my first collection in 2015. I was honored to be selected as the Best Emerging Fashion Designer in Ecuador and ranked among the Top 6 fashion figures in HOLA magazine. Now, with nine years of managing my own company, I sell in five countries, including the USA, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Ecuador. Additionally, my brand is available in over five multi-brand stores and has been featured in various publications such as Despierta America, Hola TV, Vogue, Glamour, ID Spain, Hola magazine, Hogar, Cosas, among others.

Apart from my entrepreneurial journey, I also give motivational and business talks about the fashion industry and provide consultations for fashion brands. In Florencia Dávalos, we believe in diversity, embracing all body types, and inspiring emotions through handmade and traceable garments that tell a story—your story. We draw inspiration from our Ecuadorian heritage and the raw power of nature, expressing ourselves through color and patterns. We embody movement, artistic connections, and feminine energy. We are Florencia Dávalos, and we are Feeling Wear.

Reaching where I am now has been years of hard work and sacrifice. Despite facing challenges due to the unstable political situation in my country, I’ve managed to move my brand forward. Ecuador’s lack of stable political conditions affects local consumption, forcing us to find creative and different strategies to reach customers positively. Entrepreneurship in Ecuador is challenging due to the absence of governmental and business support, particularly in the fashion industry. I’ve grown without any support other than personal or bank loans, pushing against the current to make entrepreneurship a more friendly process in my country.

Believing in green practices, I provide a friendly, happy, and sustainable working environment for my employees. I focus on hiring single mothers to support them. My product is not only environmentally friendly but also of exceptionally high quality, crafted by my team in my workshop.

Positioning my brand in the USA has been a challenging aspect, and it’s an area where I will continue to work to achieve better recognition. Currently, we sell internationally through our website florenciadavalos.com.

All prints are made by hand, by me.

Florencia Dávalos is an Ecuadorian brand with a solid international presence, offering unique designs, handcrafted creative prints, and versatile garments. I’ve created a fashion line that suits all body types and personalities, with a philosophy of female empowerment. People can also personalize garments and receive exclusive advice. I emphasize traceability at every stage, and we are committed to zero waste, environmental awareness, and social responsibility within our internal team.

Our goal is to expand the concept of Feeling Wear as a conscious, colorful, and cheerful lifestyle that enhances the freedom of expression for women worldwide.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If we’re talking about Miami, one thing I would love to visit with my best friend is the beach. I feel that connecting with nature is essential in my day-to-day life. I’d also like to explore the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami. Another spot on my list would be Paradis Books and Bread, a retail store offering books and bottles, featuring a wine and coffee bar for day and night enjoyment, a bakery with healthy products, and an urban garden in a charming courtyard for relaxation. A must-do for me is dining at Casa TUA and indulging in their white truffle spaghetti.

If you want to know about Ecuador, I live in Quito. In this case, I would explore the historic downtown area and visit my estate (FARM) in Cotopaxi. I’d try out the restaurant Clara, which I haven’t experienced yet, but there are positive reviews about it. To cap off the day, I would enjoy a drink at La Tejedora in Cumbaya, where my Atelier is located. My drink of choice would likely be a michelada or white wine.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I want to give credit for my success to my family and my partner Jorge, who have helped my business thrive through their support in every way.

Website: www.florenciadavalos.com

Instagram: Florencia.davalos

Linkedin: Florencia Davaloss

Facebook: Florencia Davalos

Other: Pinterest Florencia Davalos

Image Credits
Potographer : Dayoco Estudio Stilyst: Nicole Garces