Crafting Timeless Fashion with Purpose and Heart.

All Photography: Asher Rain Photography, MUA; Emily Claire Filice (@makeupbyemilyclaire). Hair by Veronica Greene. Creative Director, Dan Ostergren. 

Behind the Scenes with Luza Rico.

At Inside Fashion Design, we are always inspired by creators with a compelling mission, vision, and story—designers who pour their hearts into their work, crafting pieces that go beyond aesthetics to connect with something deeper. Luza Rico embodies this ethos perfectly, and her latest collection, Dive Deep, Walk on Water, is a testament to her passion for blending artistry with purpose. With every stitch, Luza invites us to explore our inner worlds and celebrate the divinity within ourselves, weaving intention, tradition, and innovation into garments that empower and uplift. Through her dedication to sustainability, cultural heritage, and inclusive design, she is redefining fashion as a force for connection and transformation. This is more than a collection; it’s an experience that touches the heart and inspires change.

Luza's Dive Deep, Walk on Water Photo shoot

“Dive Deep, Walk on Water”

"This collection is very close to my heart because it was a process of “Diving Deep” within myself, to connect with who I am as a designer and “Walk on water” to come the surface and showcase my work.  This is why the collection was named “Dive Deep, Walk on Water”. 

It is also an invitation for people to dive deep within themselves and connect with the Divinity that we all are.  Before creating any piece, I meditate and connect with my heart and set an intention. This allows me to have meditative work and to embed the pieces with the energy I intended to.

Luza's Designs and Models at ifd's 2025 New Years Kick off at Hey Love, downtown Portland. Photos by Gillianne Fields

" I always love seeing the reaction of my models when they first wear my garments, as the energy translates into a smile followed by words such as: I feel empowered, a Goddess, Fearless, Magnificent, Exquisite etc.  And this alone fills my heart with love and appreciation, knowing that for that at least that moment in time, a person’s heart was touched and therefore it’s better because of our interaction in the field of energy and the unknown".

My work has been blooming and blooming and I honor every person, teacher, book, nature and the parts/collaborators that I have encountered and have been a source of support and inspiration. My work is a gift to myself and love to see how it has evolved to become a gift to others. I rise with all of you and for that I am grateful!!!!❤️". Luza Rico

In 2025 Luza will be showing at least in one of the “big 4” Fashion Weeks (Internationally). So stayed tuned!!!🫶

Luza's Photoshoot of Dive Deep, Walk on Water Collection

Behind the Scenes at FashioNXT with Luza Rico. Reporter: Sean Slaugh

"Passionate about reviving ancestral techniques lost to fast fashion, Luza is on a mission to prove that a successful fashion label can thrive with honesty, responsibility, fair trade, and a deep commitment to the environment, people, and customers. She seeks to merge tradition with modernity, creating avant-garde pieces that honor the past while embracing the future." from: Luzarico.com

Luza Swimwear Design

Luza's Mission, Values, Applications and work examples, from Luzarico.com

Mission:

"To create bold, sustainable fashion that merges innovation and tradition, empowering individuals to express themselves through one-of-a-kind couture. Luza Rico is dedicated to reducing waste, maximizing fabric usage, and providing services that breathe new life into each garment while honoring the past and embracing the future.

Vision

To inspire a global shift towards responsible, slow fashion by demonstrating that luxury, sustainability, and inclusivity can coexist and thrive.  Luza Rico envisions a world where fashion is a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and social impact, leading the industry in ethical practices that nurture both people and the planet. Through innovation and a deep respect for tradition, we aim to set a new standard for fashion’s future".

Luza Rico. Luza's Values:

• Transparency: Ensuring openness in every step of the production process, from material sourcing to garment creation.

• Sustainability: Committing to eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote circular fashion through upcycling and high-quality materials.

• Innovation: Blending modern techniques with traditional methods to create avant-garde designs that push the boundaries of fashion.

• Cultural Heritage: Preserving and honoring ancestral craftsmanship, particularly from Colombian, Brazilian, and global artisan communities.

• Quality: Prioritizing the use of premium materials to ensure each garment is durable, timeless, and worthy of repurposing.

• Responsibility: Upholding fair trade and ethical production standards, showing care for the environment, people, and customers alike.

Luza's Sketches

Luza's Applications:

• Full Fabric Utilization: Designs are crafted with the entire yardage in mind, sometimes using up to 6 yards of fabric, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

• Scrap Repurposing: All fabric scraps, including threads, are saved. Reusable pieces are turned into fabric flowers, adding decorative elements to garments or accessories.

• Blanket Quilting for Homeless: Leftover scraps that cannot be used for garments are repurposed for quilts intended for the homeless community in Portland, OR.

• Local and Ethical Sourcing: Whenever possible, fabrics are sourced locally to reduce environmental impact and support local businesses.

• High-Quality Fabric Selection: Fabrics collected during travels are carefully chosen for their durability and quality, ensuring longevity and multiple uses for the garments.

• Slow Fashion Commitment: As a slow fashion brand, production does not follow traditional seasonal cycles. Garments are handsewn, requiring patience and time for each piece to be thoughtfully made.

• Inclusive Design Philosophy: Luza Rico creates timeless, inclusive designs for all people, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity, supporting diversity in fashion.

• Circular Fashion Services: The brand offers a service where customers can return garments to have the fabric reused, extending the life of the material and promoting circular fashion.

  
  

  More of Luza's Work: Check out her full profile on her website: luzarico.com

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  Concept Board

  
  

  

  Mood Board

  
  
  
  

  

  Color Board

  
  

  

  Textile Board

  
  

  

  Flat Sketches

  
  

  “Every Thread matters, crafting timeless fashion with purpose and heart”. Luza Rico

  
  

Thank you for sharing your story Luza!

If you liked this story, please share. If you know a designer who's story you recommend, please let us know!

Happy Creating!

Britta Cabanos

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