Yanet Almaguer, a talented Cuban designer now residing in the United States, is celebrated for her diverse and persistent journey towards success. Her path began at age 22 when she faced the struggles of being an undocumented immigrant in Spain, eventually leading her to the U.S. There, she took on demanding jobs, including trucking, which unexpectedly sparked her passion for textile design. Behind the wheel, she discovered what she describes as a love affair with fashion design.
Almaguer's creations are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, offering a fresh aesthetic that embodies the rich tapestry of her life's experiences. An encounter with her in her spacious home involves not just a conversation with her, but also an interaction with her dogs and a preview of her unreleased clothing line, all set to the backdrop of lively music. Her enthusiasm and dedication are truly infectious.
From Driving Trucks to Fashion Triumphs
When asked about the first person she thought of upon receiving widespread acclaim, Almaguer mentions her mother. She reminisces about her childhood in Cuba, where she would redesign her mother’s clothes at just ten years old, with her mother’s encouragement. Her journey into design didn’t begin until she was in the U.S., driven by a moment of inspiration while trucking; a profession nobody in her family had pursued.
She began designing sportswear, tops, and dresses, but her breakthrough came when she created a jumpsuit adorned with stones and a bodysuit featuring the Cuban flag for La Diosa's debut performance at the Watsco Center in Miami. This marked her entry into haute couture, culminating in the launch of her brand Le Zachas on August 31, 2024, which was a resounding success, attended by celebrities from the entertainment industry.
Breaking Ground in Times Square
Yanet made history as the first Cuban designer to have her work showcased on the massive screens of Times Square on January 12, 2023, even before her first fashion show. This exposure drew attention from various media outlets, highlighting her as a fresh and exciting talent in the fashion world.
Her designs are not mass-produced; instead, each piece reflects her life’s journey and is crafted from high-quality materials like contemporary shiny fabrics and Colombian Bengaline. She caters to a diverse clientele worldwide, including celebrities and influencers who frequently don her creations, sold through her online store Le Zachas Boutique.
Dreaming Big on the Global Stage
Yanet aspires to become a major player in the fashion industry, akin to legends like Coco Chanel and Versace. She dreams of opening stores worldwide and hopes that icons like Jennifer Lopez will one day wear her designs. Her influences include Yas González, who recognized her potential and invited her to showcase her work on a prominent runway in Miami’s Calle 8.
Her upcoming fashion show is set for spring 2025 in Dubai, a testament to her expanding global reach, facilitated by a collaboration with the renowned Arab designer Diana Mahrach Couture.
A Reflective Look Back
Recalling her roots, Yanet reflects on her time in Cuba where she studied modern dance and hospitality, though her true passion lay in veterinary science. Her decision to leave Cuba at 22 led her to Spain, where she endured hardships, including living on the streets and working as a nanny, before her eventual move to the U.S. in 2010.
Her American journey wasn't easy; it involved a series of jobs from selling wigs to driving trucks, during which she faced personal losses and family responsibilities. Navigating these challenges, she found solace and inspiration in designing, ultimately leading to the establishment of her brand.
Almaguer’s story is one of resilience and transformation, earning her the title of "Wonder Woman." Her journey illustrates the power of perseverance and the importance of holding onto one's dreams, a message she passionately shares with women everywhere.
Advice from Yanet Almaguer to All Women
"Don't leave your dreams on the pillow... make them happen! Don’t be afraid to realize them. Anything is possible when you believe in yourself; learn to delegate, as we often think we can do everything ourselves, but it's not the case. Disregard stereotypes; as women, we are capable of anything and can achieve everything if we set our minds to it."