Interview and story by Latina Bohemian
Sabrina Ortega Lopez is a Boston based designer originally from the Dominican Republic, who has created a brand that seamlessly merges the essence of both cultures; proving you can be multicultural. Specializing in faith-inspired, handcrafted designs, her work celebrates women’s individuality and body. Focused on high fashion and red-carpet events, Sabrina’s creations are tailored to meet diverse fashion and beauty needs with a blend of elegance and originality.
“Your passion is connected to your destiny”, she says. Recalling, her most memorable moments in career to be her first fashion show in Boston area. Later transitioning, into the New York Fashion week in 2023 and being a part of the Paris fashion week in 2024 which have all been transformative.
As a high school student, she gained interest in fashion with ideas that were fearless, exploring the world of innovation. Sabrina started to reshape her wardrobe, remodel clothing, and began to draw and sketch her dream closet. Now, having the skills and techniques to apply them to real life; the Boston fashion scene became her foundation, sustained by discipline, exploration, and dedication.
Her most recent fashion event was with Bogosplit at the historic Faneuil Hall, where her unique designs uplifted the community. Sabrina is breaking stigmas for women in the fashion industry, especially those who are diverse.
I had the chance to sit down with Sabrina to discuss the importance of cultivating your roots while maintaining a multi-cultural essence in your creation.
Latina Bohemian: Can you tell us about the origins of Sabrina Ortega Designs and who played a special role?
Sabrina Ortega Lopez: My grandmother was a great seamstress in the Dominican Republic and my connections to fashion began with her. Growing up with sewing machines and fabric all around me; her influence continues to shape my view design, by preserving and elevation techniques with a modern-day twist.
LB: How have you incorporated the rich culture of Dominican Republic into your pieces?
SOL: The bright colors and embroidered fabrics I often use in my designing process often reflect the beauty of the Dominican Republic and its islands.
“With God all things are possible”
Sabrina Ortega Lopez
LB: Describe the significance of overcoming challenges in the creative space for women and the importance of inspiring them?
SOL: It was a challenge when I first started 10 years ago, to be able to find a fashion community, and put big productions together. Now, I am happy to say that we are thriving and growing as a community here in the city of Boston. Fashion is not just simply about appearance, but creating a dialogue that I am committed to advancing with every one of-a-kind handwork collection I create.
LB: How would you like to pay homage to up and coming designers who dream of having their own fashion line?
SOL: I would say this to upcoming designers: follow your passion. I encourage you to put your ideas out in the world because we need them. I do look forward to helping upcoming designers to reach their dream of creating their own fashion lines and amplify their creativity.
LB: Being an innovational designer, where do you envision your brand evolving in the future?
SOL: As an individual designer I want to expand my fashion brand worldwide, keep creating faith inspired designs, with my commitment behind the craftsmanship, reflecting excellence and beauty, helping celebrate individuals and to create a transformative experience for the wearer.
LB: With constant evolution in the fashion world, what impact would you like to leave? Any philanthropy work you would like to do?
SOL: I want future generations to be able to look back at my fashion designs and be inspired by the creative work I was able to put together with the help of many around me who make these creations come to life.
You can follow Sabrina Ortega Designs on Instagram to keep up with all her latest news, and visit her website to shop the designs.
