The Cuban Yanet Almaguer is a versatile creator residing in the United States, known for her multifaceted career characterized by consistency, perseverance, and excellence.
Since the age of 22, she experienced the challenges of being an undocumented immigrant in Spain; later, she arrived in North America, where she faced some of the toughest jobs, including that of a truck driver, a grueling task that sharpened her creativity. It was during this time that her dormant passion surfaced, as she discovered textile design while behind the wheel, which she confesses: "It captivated me!"
Their designs feature an impeccable finish, showcasing 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 with her unworn clothing models, listening to music upstairs… It’s about catching the good vibes of this woman, who embodies dedication and enthusiasm.
When you learned that you were a recipient of both popular and elite 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, dismantle them, 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 either in Cuba or in Spain; it all came to me while I was perched in the truck. No one in my family designed anything. When I was a child, my mom took me to sewing classes: embroidery, knitting, sewing... And at that time, I started coming up with ideas, sketching them, 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 began designing sportswear, blouses, and dresses. The first major design was a jumpsuit made of stones and a bodysuit featuring the Cuban flag, which 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 started creating haute couture designs that I had etched in my mind but had not dared to bring to life.
These were designs debuted by my models at the launch of my brand Le Zachas on August 31, 2024, at Stage Miami. It was a resounding success.
Celebrities 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, and urban music representatives Dary Newflow and Leandro Luis (Litkaizen).
Yordamis, former singer of Bamboleo, produced the show, which was supported by 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 featured on the immense screens of Times Square. When did this happen?
Girl, that was before my first fashion show on January 12, 2023. They showcased my designs, my work... and without paying a dollar! I was interviewed by several media outlets such as Noticias de Cuba, Diario Las Américas, Shoutout Miami, and the magazine Voyage, the latter being from the United States, who became interested in me when they saw me on the screens in Times Square.
Do your designs follow a series, or do you create limited pieces?
Oh, Julita! I just go with whatever comes to mind. I focus on my past, on my life experiences, on all my stages. Each design is different, reflecting each moment. I really like silk, the contemporary shiny fabric; I use bengaline from Colombia. There I have a factory that I use when I sell clothes wholesale.
I create bespoke haute couture dresses for personalities, as well as prototypes in bulk to sell in my online store, Le Zachas Boutique. I offer my designs in various sizes and colors, including dresses, jackets, swimsuits, sports sets, and jumpsuits. So far, I only make women's clothing, although I will soon expand into men's fashion. I draw inspiration from European life and fashion, blending it with Latin influences.
In the decoration of your fabrics, what techniques do you use?
Many designs are exclusive because I create them by hand, dedicating a lot of time to this work. They are exclusive, limited designs. I never repeat a design unless requested. I make my fabrics with sewing machines, and the embellishments are done by hand, using needle and thread.
What kind of clientele does Le Zachas have?
I have clients of all types from many countries: Spain, Cuba, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela. Actresses and models regularly 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, many purchase through social media as well.
Do you intend to become the jewel in the crown 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, and Yves Saint Laurent, those icons of universal design? Why not fight to have stores in several countries? Do you know what one of my greatest aspirations would be? For Jennifer Lopez to wear one of my designs. I have written to her; she supports empowered women, entrepreneurs, those who pursue their dreams. But, well, so far it hasn't happened for me. Hahaha...
Do you feel influenced by any particular trend in design?
I really like Yas González (she 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 I didn't expect. She told me that 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 references?
Coco Chanel and Versace. Coco started with sports designs, just like I did (or I did like her, haha). Then she ventured into haute couture with designs for real life, much like me, as I draw inspiration from real women. I love Versace for its daring transparency.
I want the women I dress to feel free and to be able to express themselves and wear what they want.
Next runway of Le Zachas…
My next fashion show will be in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Yes, I’m going far, with 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 at a show where I featured an 89-year-old woman, who was a sensation. She did so well!
Are there upcoming projects? Will they have Cuban themes, or will you break from the direction you've followed so 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 inspiration.
Since we're talking about Cuba, what’s happening with Yanet from Cuba?
In Cuba, I studied modern dance at the Narciso Medina School, and then I pursued hospitality and tourism (since that was what brought in dollars), but what I truly loved was veterinary medicine; I adore animals.
In 1999, I realized that it was not for me, and at 22, I spread my wings. I went to Palma de Mallorca, Spain. I was supposed to go to Angola, but during my layover in Madrid, I decided to stay there instead. 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 moments 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 my family. I succeeded, although it hasn't been easy.
When did you arrive in the United States?
In 2010, after a year without documentation, I started dancing on television. However, six months later, believe it or not, the owner of the channel was arrested. It was quite an ordeal: I was riding my bike, my father passed away, I was living alone in a small apartment, and amidst all the nostalgia, I decided to move forward. I sold wigs in Bayside, air conditioners, auto parts, and spent two years delivering packages for DHL. I also began studying cosmetology, and after a year, I got a job at a hotel.
During that time, I brought my mother from Cuba, I got pregnant, and I lost my daughter at six months of gestation (Zacha, hence the name of my brand); I brought my brother and my niece, and I fell into a terrible depression after losing my baby, who had already developed. During that period, all my family members depended on me, with the added burden that my mother was dying.
So, I heard someone say that truck drivers earn good money, and right then this Cuban woman asked if women could drive a truck. They told her yes. I left the hair salon and got into the truck, a perfect setting amidst unfamiliar roads and cities to visualize my designs… 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 do, but my ideas multiplied until I could 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 convinced she would share the spotlight with this Cuban who has managed to save her inner world and spread joy with her spectacular runways and her optimistic outlook on life! And to top it off, she has been awarded Latina Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 this week.
Advice from Yanet Almaguer for all women...
Don't leave your dreams on the pillow... make them happen! Don't be afraid to pursue them. Everything is possible as long as you believe in yourself; learn to delegate, as we often think we can do everything ourselves, but that's not the case. Forget the stereotypes; as women, we are capable of anything and can achieve it all if we truly want to.
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