As a young boy, designer Carlos Marrero was obsessed with clothing patterns; more specifically, the beautiful images of fashion-forward women on their packaging. His grandmother (who helped raise him because his mother was a single, working parent) loved sewing designs from the likes of McCall’s and Butterick’s.
By doing so, she unlocked his artistic imagination without even knowing it. After she would finish a pattern, or at least take it from its packaging, Carlos would study the drawings and practice replicating them over and over again. He laughs wholeheartedly when he relays the story to me at Circa 39 Hotel on Miami Beach, where I interviewed him and shot fashion photos for the blog.
"Try being a boy growing up in Puerto Rico drawing women from patterns," he told me, coyly. Carlos doesn't just have a great sense of humor about it, he's beyond modest when it comes to relaying just how successful he's become as a fashion illustrator. After honing his skills when he was young, then going on to art school in Chicago and hustling his way into the office of a major fashion magazine (to fill in for someone who had cancelled at the last minute,) he finally got his big break.
Over the next 25 years, he would draw, sketch and create images for some of the most powerful fashion magazines in the world: Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Latina and Vogue. Over the last few years, though, Carlos has gone through a major transformation, recreating and re-branding himself, especially as the magazine world has fallen into a hushed corner due to the social media revolution.
Part of that transformation is called the "Marrero Collection," an affordable accessory line featuring beautiful boho scarves and glamorous black and white purses. Each item is adorned with one of Carlos' famous sketches; a fetching fashion lady, whimsical shoes, pretty purses, fabulous flowers, a lucky white elephant, tropical turtles or a tempting tigress.
As a fashionista who's been hoarding scarves for years, I'm in love with his neckerchiefs (a smaller scarf, easily wrapped around your hair or neck.) When I confess this to Carlos, he laughs and says: "You gotta love a good purse lift, too." When I look at him perplexed, he explains…
"You wrap your scarf around your purse and viola! A purse lift! It's just like a facelift, but for your purse." We both laugh at the comparison, but truth be told, I've been doing that for years, too (not the facelift; the purse lift.) I just didn't know what it was officially called. From now on, though, I'm coining it: "Wrapped & Bagged." There's no doubt about it, Carlos doesn't just love fashion, he gets it and knows what a woman is looking for.
What's more, his infectious personality is infused into each one of his accessories. If you want light and love wrapped around you, the "Marrero Collection" is just that. Not only do his accessories add a little pizzazz to your everyday wardrobe, you feel good when you look at them because they're creative, chic and comfortable.
Shireen Sandoval: What has it been like going from illustrator to designer?
Carlos Marrero: After twenty-five years of drawing other people's fashions, I started craving my own projects where I could utilize my own voice and instincts. Even though I don't want to make "patterns" and "fit" models, so to speak, I thought a line of chic accessories would be fun. It felt like the next logical step in my career.
SS: Tell me about the "Marrero Collection."
CM: "The Marrero Collection" is a compilation of alluring statement pieces designed for the fashionista looking for unique items without the couture price tag. The line features chic and stylish handbags and accessories, allowing women to take part in my glamorous and whimsical vision of fashion and femininity. I believe the modern woman is always looking for ways to express her individual taste and stand out from the crowd.
SS: Describe your scarves.
CM: Colorful, fun, functional and fashionable
SS: Your purses are so glamorous! Where did you come up with the concept?
CM: For the satchels, I wanted an old Hollywood glamour feel and classic black and white just made sense. I love them! For the new fall season, I have a more de-constructed look with fringe; but still, each bag captures the essence of femininity.
SS: What is your must-have accessory for the South Florida fashionista?
CM: I'm kind of obsessed with fringe these days. A fringe bag with a lot of character; cross-body would definitely be my pick.
SS: Give me some fashionable advice on how to wear a scarf in this tropical heat.
CM: With this heat (and the humidity,) you can wear it in your hair or knot it on your bag. It really makes a difference! Your hair will look better and your purse will get a fashionable lift! Wrapped & Bagged!
SS: Who is your fashion idol and why?
CM: Definitely, the late Oscar de la Renta. He was a bold, all-seeing tastemaker! I just loved his glitzy, yet refined style and his ability to give women (all types) exactly what they wanted: elegance, joy, grace and femininity.
SS: Describe your accessories in three adjectives.
CM: Unique, colorful and happy.
SS: When you see a woman wearing a scarf, what does it say about her?
CM: Some women rely on jewelry, some on shoes, but a woman wearing a scarf gives me a sense of power. I find it an excellent way to express personality.
SS: Walk me through your designing process.
CM: This may not sound so "fashionable," but I practice meditation. It's my spiritual connection to creativity and my Creator. When I meditate on the beach or out in nature, I get ideas and inspiration for my designs. After meditating, I go into my studio and sketch in pencil and then I work color into the drawing with the computer.
SS: What was your first fashion sketch and do you still own it?
CM: WOW! I've never really thought about it. No one's actually ever asked me that question. It was probably a copy of one of my grandmother's patterns and no, I wouldn't still have it (laughing).
SS: What did you have in mind for our blog shoot and how would you describe my taste. You can be honest!
CM: I love your bohemian, chic style…with a touch of Hollywood high-glam. I wanted you to wrap your head in one of my scarves and wear huge black sunglasses! Very Audrey Hepburn, retro-yet-modern. Very Sandoval!
SS: Who is the most stylish person you know and why?
CM: I live for Sarah Jessica Parker. I've always loved her daring sense of style, she is definitely a true fashion icon. As Carrie Bradshaw, she sparked endless trends: name necklaces, huge corsages and of course, Manolos!
SS: Ultimately, where do you see your collection?
CM: I would love to continue growing into chic boutiques around the country, but ultimately, Bergdorf Goodman or Henri Bendel would be my sweet spot.
Until Bergdorf's or Bendel's comes calling, Carlos will have to settle for the likes of me and my favorite things! By the way, usually when I'm styled by a designer or boutique, Jackie (my wardrobe guru or as I lovingly call her, "President") asks for three to four photographed looks to see how the trend and/or item fits into a fashionistas everyday life.
Truth be told, it's actually a bit of a blog test: one, to see the willingness of a blog participant and two, to see if they LOVE and get fashion the way we do. Well, HELLO Carlos! He's one of the few designers we've worked with who wouldn't stop giving us options. He was so effervescent about his collection it was palpable. He delivered so many boxes of scarves and purses to Channel 7, the powers at be were convinced I had robbed an accessory warehouse.
With that being said, styling his looks was easy-peasy. Especially with the help of one of our favorite on-line Miami stores, Haute Glam Boutique. They provided us with clothing and jewelry that acted as a blank canvas of sorts; complementing, but at the same time, enhancing each scarf and purse.
A grey, billowy Sunday-esque dress with draping lines was comfy, cool and allowed me to partially cover my hair in a colorful scarf and pair it with a fab lady purse. The look definitely lends itself to a J-Lo vibe (just don't forget your big, round stylish sunnies!) What's more, it's totally the perfect brunch getup.
Nothing screams Miami more than a one-piece, white jumper; adding pizzazz was effortless by side-tying two scarves (one around my head and the other around my waist.) Think a modern day, sophisticated, but at the same time, cheeky "Pirates of the Caribbean" feel. Ahoy, matey!
Last but not least, you can never go wrong with a sexy LBD (little black dress) and a bold, cheetah print scarf completely wrapped around your head. It gives off an old school Hollywood vibe, but with the right accessories, it's 2015 chic and haute. I mean who can resist channeling a little bit of Audrey Hepburn?
Whether you're sassing up a satchel, glamorizing a garment or just hiding your tousled hair, "Wrapped & Bagged" gives a girl options and that's why the "Marrero Collection" is one of my favorite things.
Scarves & bags www.marrerocollection.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/camarrero
Instagram: https://instagram.com/camarrero/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camarrero
Wardrobe & jewelry
www.HauteGlamBoutique.com
Twitter: @HauteGlamBtq
Instagram: @HauteGlamBoutique
Facebook: Haute Glam Boutique
Special thanks: Circa 39 (Tanja Morariu)
www.circa39.com
Twitter: @PalmsCircaMIA
FB: Circa 39 Hotel, Miami Beach
Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
IG: @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com
Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com
Styling & Assist: Jackie Kay
blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com
Hair & MUA: Tabitha Rey
IG: @makeupbytabs
makeupbytabs@yahoo.com
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Maa8187@yahoo.com