Hector MonArrez took the top fashion award this past weekend at the annual Richard H. Driehaus Awards for Fashion Excellence event on Friday, May 15, 2009. The annual Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Fashion Excellence gives students from four Chicago area design schools an opportunity to showcase their latest creations and receive monetary awards.
Hector-Javier MonArrez, born in Durango, Mexico, has had a passion for fashion design since he was young. Inspired by the likes of Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Oscar De La Renta, and Chanel, Hector’s biggest inspiration was his instructor and mentor Mrs. Pilar Saiki.
Another role model for him was his aunt. MonArrez says, “My mother passed away when I was just five years old and my aunt, who raised me, was a seamstress. She sewed wedding and evening gowns. Her work brought out the goddess that exists in every woman: Elegance, Femininity and Style.” He also says, “I always admired her work.”
MonArrez current collection is a combination of natural and synthetic fabrics with tones of apricot, gold and green. The collection consisted of four outfits, each which offer women a complete variety to choose from. “Winning this prestigious award is a dream come true. It validates who I am and where I am going.”
Moving forward MonArrez will now concentrate in creating his new clothing line and premier it at this year's Latino Fashion Week, which will take place from November 2nd – 8th, in Chicago. When asked what three words best describe him, he said “Unique, Elegant, and Sophisticated.”
Hector MonArrez is currently a senior at the International Academy of Design and Technology and will be graduating in June, 2009.
