ROSA CLANDESTINO

My eclectic background inspired me to create Rosa Clandestino… I was born in the U.S. to exiled parents –a Nicaraguan father and a Cuban mother- and raised in Honduras. As kids we were taught that all we have guaranteed in life is our education. After completing high school in Honduras I went back to the U.S. where I graduated with degrees both in Marketing and Languages.
My fashion journey started after college when I moved to Paris to study Fashion Design at Esmod. In 1999 I landed a job at Emanuel Ungaro.
Mr. Ungaro’s ‘savoir-faire’ and Giambattista Valli’s new ideas where the best ‘finishing school’ I could have ever attended. Four years later I moved to Milan to pursue a masters degree in Fashion Accessories at the Marangoni Institute.
This is how Rosa Clandestino was born, inspired by the perception of the different cultures I’ve lived in, by the contrast of far away and sophisticated places, the exchange of ideas and the sensitivity towards social issues.
Fashion linked to art, people and evolution.
Rosa? The beauty within, the feminine side of the brand, the European experience of my life. Clandestino? My eclectic roots! I feel my sophisticated side belongs to Europe and my heart to Latin America. My inspiration is a combination of both.
Contemporary art and design have influenced my life. I try to create ‘wearable art’ collections, focused on the details, the selection of fine and
cutting edge materials and the quality of the handcrafting. I believe the perfect piece of clothing is stylish and glamorous yet functional and comfortable.
My love of art is cultivated through special collaborations with young promising artists from all over the world. The idea is to promote talent and embrace art. Two years ago I started my first collaboration with American-Polish artist, Craig Kucia, to create the packaging and the lining print. After a certain period with an artist, a new collaboration will arise. Consequently, collections become limited edition.
I believe there is never a second chance for a first impression, this is why I choose to specialize in jackets and coats during winter and dresses during summer, for I consider they are the most important pieces in a woman’s wardrobe.
I like to think of Rosa Clandestino as an experience not a destination!
Silvia Arguello