The Cuban Yanet Almaguer is a versatile creator residing in the United States, known for her multifaceted career marked by perseverance, growth, and excellence.
At 22, she experienced the struggles of being an undocumented immigrant in Spain; later, she arrived in North America, where she faced some of the toughest jobs, including truck driving—a demanding role that sharpened her creativity. It was during this time that her dormant passion emerged, as she discovered textile design at the wheel, which she confesses: "It captivated me!"
Their designs feature impeccable finishes and a renewed vision of their aesthetic proposal, where diversity and life experiences are reflected in each piece.
Talking with Yanet in her spacious home is like "conversing" with her dogs, sharing in her unworn clothing models, listening to music upstairs... It's about absorbing the positive energy of this woman, full of dedication and enthusiasm.
When you learned that you were worthy of both popular and elitist recognition, who was the first person that came to mind?
In my mother, because, believe it or not, I started with her. When I was little, I would take my mom's clothes, tear them apart, and create designs. I was just 10 years old then. She encouraged me to make my "inventions." She was very happy to see me engaged in that work.
Are you a creator by family tradition? When did you make your first designs?
Let me tell you that I never designed anything in Cuba or Spain; that came to me while I was perched on the truck. No one in my family designed anything. When I was a little girl, my mother took me to sewing and tailoring classes: embroidery, knitting, sewing… And at that time, I would come up with ideas, draw them out, and that’s how I created my own dream world that later became a reality... when I least expected it!
What type of fabric did you start with, and what models?
I started designing sports outfits, tops, and dresses. The first major design was a jumpsuit made of stones and a bodysuit with the Cuban flag that La Diosa wore when she performed at the Watsco Center. It was her first show in Miami on April 22, 2023. From that point on, I began creating haute couture designs that I had envisioned in my mind but had not dared to bring to life.
These were designs showcased by my models during the launch of my brand Le Zachas on August 31, 2024, at Stage Miami. It was a resounding success.
Prominent figures from the entertainment industry attended, including actress, host, and influencer Camila Arteche, singer Dayamí La Musa, actress Heidy González (Hidroelia), singer Eddy, model, dancer, and choreographer Katia Grenot, as well as urban music representatives Dary Newflow and Leandro Luis (Litkaizen).
Yordamis, the former singer of Bamboleo, produced the show, which received support from journalist Nelson Rubio, influencer, producer, and actress Aly Sánchez, and the renowned comedian Boncó Quiñongo.
Tell me what it meant for you to be the first Cuban designer to be showcased on the immense screens of Times Square. When did this happen?
Girl, that was before my first fashion show on January 12, 2023. They featured my designs, me... and without paying a dollar! I was interviewed by several media outlets like Noticias de Cuba, Diario Las Américas, Shoutout Miami, and the magazine Voyage, the latter three from the United States, who became interested in me when they saw me on the screens of Times Square.
Are your designs mass-produced or do you create limited pieces?
Oh, Julita! It's whatever comes to mind. I focus on my past, on my life experiences, on all my stages. Each design is different, in line with each moment. I really like silk, the contemporary shiny fabric; I use bengaline fabric from Colombia. There I have a factory that I use when I sell clothes wholesale.
I create haute couture dresses for personalities, as well as prototypes in bulk for sale in my online store, Le Zachas Boutique. I sell my designs by size and color, including dresses, jackets, swimsuits, sports sets, and jumpsuits. So far, I only make women's clothing, although I will soon expand my focus to include men's wear. I draw inspiration from European life and fashion, blending it with Latin influences.
What techniques do you use in decorating your fabrics?
Many designs are exclusive because I make them by hand, dedicating a lot of time to this work. They are unique, limited designs. I never repeat a design unless specifically requested. I create my fabrics using sewing machines, and I embellish them by hand with needle and thread.
What type of clients does Le Zachas have?
I have clients of all kinds from many countries: Spain, Cuba, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela. Actresses and models often wear my designs, such as Camila Arteche and Yordamis, the girl from Bamboleo. I sell everything online in my store, and since I’m also an influencer, I get a lot of purchases through social media.
Do you plan to become the crown jewel of the textile giant?
I don't want to come across as arrogant, but yes, it's my dream. Why not aspire to be like Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Versace, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent—those icons of universal design? Why not strive to have stores in multiple countries? Do you know what one of my biggest aspirations would be? For Jennifer Lopez to wear one of my designs. I've reached out to her; she supports empowered women and entrepreneurs who pursue their dreams. But so far, it hasn't happened for me. Hahaha...
Do you feel influenced by any particular movement in design?
I really like Yas González (who dressed Diana Fuentes, Gente de Zona). She saw my talent on social media and wrote to me asking if I wanted to participate in her runway show as a designer; it was something unexpected for me. She told me I needed to showcase my talent. It was my first runway show, on the famous and very Cuban Calle 8.
Do you have other fashion influences?
Coco Chanel and Versace. Coco started with sports designs, just like I did (or I did just like her, haha). Then she ventured into haute couture with designs for real life, just as I do, drawing inspiration from real women. I love Versace for its bold transparencies.
I want the women I dress to feel free and to express themselves and wear what they wish.
Next runway from Le Zachas…
My next runway show will be in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Yes, I'm going quite far, featuring models from there. It will take place in the spring of 2025. I was invited by a very famous Arab designer in that part of the world, Diana Mahrach Couture, who fell in love with my designs during a runway show where I included an 89-year-old lady, who turned out to be a sensation. She did such a great job!
Are there upcoming projects that will have Cuban themes? Will you break away from the style you’ve followed thus far?
Yes, one of the projects is to create unique runways that blend design with music and dance. In fact, I want to focus on the Cuba I experienced, filled with sunflowers and typical Cuban elements, using nature as an inspiration.
Since we're talking about Cuba, what happened to Yanet from Cuba?
In Cuba, I studied modern dance at the Narciso Medina School, then pursued hotel management and tourism (because that was what brought in dollars), but what I truly loved was veterinary medicine; I adore animals.
In 1999, I realized that this wasn’t for me, and at 22, I spread my wings. I left for Palma de Mallorca, Spain. I was supposed to go to Angola, but during my layover in Madrid, I decided to stay there. I went to Mallorca because I had family there, and I stayed for 11 years, three of which were undocumented.
I want to share that I slept on the streets, took care of children, and went through very difficult times with a woman I prefer not to discuss. After two years on that island, I started dancing in hotels and worked as a barber, shaving men during the day, until I decided to come to the United States to reunite with my family. I succeeded, although it hasn't been easy.
When did you arrive in the United States?
In 2010, after a year without any documentation, I started dancing on television. However, after six months, guess what? The owner of the channel was arrested. It was quite the ordeal: I was riding my bike, my father passed away, I lived alone in a small apartment, and amid all the nostalgia, I decided to move forward. I sold wigs in Bayside, air conditioners, car parts, and delivered packages for DHL for two years. I began studying cosmetology, and after a year, I worked in a hotel.
During that time, I brought my mother from Cuba, got pregnant, and lost my daughter at six months of gestation (Zacha, hence the name of my brand); I brought my brother and my niece over, and I fell into a terrible depression from losing my baby, who was already developed. During this period, all my family members were supported by me, compounded by the fact that my mother was dying.
So, I hear someone say that truck drivers earn good money, and right then a Cuban woman asked if women could drive a truck. They told her yes. I left the hair salon and climbed into the truck, a perfect setting to visualize my designs amidst unfamiliar roads and cities… What do you think?
I spent five years driving, and that’s how I met my husband, Carlos Rafael. I got off the truck because I wanted to have my baby, something I wasn’t able to achieve, but I came up with numerous ideas until I was able to create my brand. That’s my life, Julita! That’s how I earned the title of “Wonder Woman.”
Finally! If the Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who portrays Wonder Woman, knows this story... I'm sure she would gladly share the spotlight with this Cuban who has managed to save her inner world and spread happiness with her spectacular runway shows and her optimistic outlook on life! And to top it off, she was awarded the title of Latina Entrepreneur 2024 this week.
Advice from Yanet Almaguer for all women...
Don’t leave your dreams on the pillow... make them a reality! Don’t be afraid to pursue them. Everything is possible as long as you believe in yourself; learn to delegate. We often think we can do everything, but that’s not the case. Forget the stereotypes— as women, we are capable of anything and can achieve everything if we truly want to.
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