EDGE Dallas

Everyone has a dream as a kid, weather it’s to become a firemen or the President. For teen fashion designer Jimi Urquiaga, his dream is becoming a reality. QVegas sat down with the up and coming designer to get his story and tips for other teens that are pursuing their dreams.

How did you get started in fashion?

I started my sophomore year making tote bags but I didn’t know fashion was what I wanted to do till my senior year. We had a fashion show at Fashion Show Mall and when I saw my dress walk down the runway I got such a high. It was that moment that I knew that fashion was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Since then I’ve been having fashion shows here in Vegas in teen clubs, my grandmothers back yard and even at Towbin dodge!

Where do you find your inspiration for fashion?

Anything can inspire me but most of my inspiration comes from music. While listening to music I can get lost in my mind and make up stories, then I come up with outfits for the characters in the story. I also get a lot of inspiration when I walk around the strip or in the streets of LA.

What are the struggles you face in trying to get recognized in the fashion world?

The biggest struggle is getting people to look at your work. It’s taken me so long to have people actually respond to my emails and messages. But I never gave up I sent emails till my fingers fell off and they finally answered me. My advice to other teens would be to never give up; persistence is key.

Is there any one who has been your mentor? A person who has helped you grow in your career?

There’s my High school sewing teacher, Shannon Sheldon. She was amazing teacher that really loves what she does and believes in her students. She even believed in me when I made my first pair of pajama pants. They were so ugly and the sewing was horrible. She encouraged me by never giving up in my ability; thank you Ms. Sheldon.

What advice do you have for other teens looking to get into the fashion world?

Work hard and dedicate yourself to your art. Meet and talk to everyone, you never know whom your going to meet. Most importantly don’t be afraid to put your work out there. Not everyone will like it, understand it or even care to understand it. But if you can find one person who does, I think that’s a good start.

Are there any tips you know now that you wish you knew before you go started?

How to make a pattern out of newspaper and a mannequin, it’s the most beneficial thing I have learned so far. You can seriously create anything with that technique.

What would your overall goal be and what steps are you taking to get there?

My goal is to have my own clothing line in my own store and other stores all around the world. Once I’m established. I want to start a shoe and accessories line as well. The Steps I’m taking is that in July I’m moving to LA to intern with a designer. Then make a name for myself in that city, work with everyone possible and start having fashion shows out there! Then hopefully blowing up and becoming a well-known designer worldwide!

Are there any youth groups in Las Vegas that you are a member of?

I’m not apart of any youth groups here in Vegas. However, all the photographers, models, videographers, make-up artist and hairstylist that I work with here in Vegas a couple years older or younger then me. We’re all pretty young and striving for the same goal, so I guess we made our own fashion youth group of sorts.

As a teen what is there to do in Vegas for fun? What are your favorite things to do?

I love dancing! I’m so happy that So Crush started "Vicious." It gives me something to look forward to every month! But mostly I just hang out with my friends and do random things like driving the Strip, going to 18+ lounges and whatever else crosses our paths!

You can check out Jimi’s new fashion line at his upcoming fashion show. It will be held on Saturday February 19, 2011 inside Towbin Dodge at the Valley Auto Mall.