Rising Style Star: Arabel Alva Rosales
Photograph by: David Trujillo
Arabel Alva Rosales is a dynamic multi-hyphenate who is shaking up the Chicago fashion scene with her company Runway Latinx and her nonprofit Pivoting in Heels. From October 14 -16th, Arabel will present this year's incarnation of Runway Latinx, which is fittingly titled "Reboot" and, as you'll read below, it is so much more than a fashion show.
Arabel took time from her busy schedule to talk to us about what drives her to excel, her strong commitment to promoting diverse voices in the Latinx community and beyond, and her family ties to the Chicago fashion community that inspired her career path.
We hope you enjoy getting to know a bit more about this dynamic Chicagoan - and if she inspires you as much as she does us - be sure to get your tickets to Runway Latinx!
When did you know you wanted to be part of the fashion industry? How did you get started?
It's in my DNA. My dad was a tailor, born in Mexico, and he came to Chicago, met my mom, and later became a designer. He was responsible for a couple of very popular designs that were worn in the Latino community and Latin America. Our family had several dozens of people working on manufacturing his designs in what is now the Wicker Park area.
He also created one of the first Spanish TV programs where celebrities would come from Mexico and Latin America, he would design clothes for them, and they would cross-promote. We also had a clothing store. I also studied design but ended up getting a law degree, and now I own a Tech company, go figure? But I have always loved fashion. When the time permits, I design a few looks, including some that I have worn at my events.
How would you describe your personal style?
I am comfortable in my own skin. I don't try too hard; what you see is what you get. So, my own personal style is self-assured. I know what works with my body and my personality, so my clothes personify my best. I really think it's important, especially for us as women, to understand ourselves and what works for us. That's what creates a good gut instinct. Then you can make anything work. I do have unique tastes, and I don't mind taking some risks. I think it's so important for us as humans to understand that we can create whatever life we want to live. Knowing that makes the challenges of life so much more joyful because you are using them to advance your vision. I hope that when people get to know me, they understand that my lifestyle is not necessarily easy but is usually a lot of fun!
Photographs by: 1) Luke Buras, 2) Carlos Medina and 3) Alex Callejo
You co-founded Latino Fashion week in 2006. What inspired you to start that endeavor?
So much of my inspiration came from ... my family, my dad, and knowing that if I had known then what I know now, we could have been much more successful. My dad passed away a year before we started Latino Fashion Week, and I always carry him inside my heart. I also wanted to help inspire and open-up opportunities for other Latinos in the Fashion Industry. What has happened through the years is that I have been able to open doors to many diverse groups. I am happy to say that many people, not only Latinos, came to Latino Fashion Week and now come to Runway Latinx to employ their expertise or to learn a lot about the fashion industry. Now I see a lot of people using Runway Latinx on their resumes as part of their working experience.
In 2019 you started Runway Latinx, which is coming up later this month; how is it different from the former Latino Fashion week, and what can we expect from the event?
So, Latino Fashion Week was run as a business between myself and my business partner. Now Runway Latinx completely goes to benefit Pivoting in Heels, a nonprofit that empowers women. And although the primary focus is fashion, we also highlight several local chefs, mixologists, and entertainers. Every year I choose a theme that I hope inspires those that come to go out and do something creative with their lives. This year it is "the Reboot." The rebooting of fashion, of business, of yourself. The last day is dedicated to empowering women, although men are welcome. The final day is called "Better than Before." So, we hope that people come out of some tough times, completely rebooted and being "Better than Before."
If you could cast anyone, what fashion icon would you pick to have strut the catwalk at Runway Latinx?
So, I love Heidi Klum, we are both June 1st babies, and she is a fashion icon. She is also constantly reinventing herself and remains beautiful, elegant, yet fun while doing it.
But I would love, love to have JLo on the runway. I love that she gives her all to everything she does. She is a businesswoman and always looks beautiful, and her looks are on point. Get me JLo!
In addition to Runway Latinx, you're the founder of the nonprofit Pivoting in Heels-can you tell us more about that?
Pivoting in Heels is a digital not-for-profit. If you look at the timing of it, I announced it as digital right before the pandemic, and one of the most popular terms during Covid was "Pivoting" and "Pivot." So, we were ahead of our time. Our main focus is to empower women by highlighting great women that are positively impacting the world. And we are raising funds for internship scholarships for BIPOC women.
We are also creating digital training on "soft skills" such as etiquette, leadership, how to dress, interview prep, etc.
We want to inspire and create opportunities for women.
What's one thing you wish people knew about what it's like to be a part of the fashion industry?
It is a wonderful, exciting, creative industry. But I love that it is also a business. As an entrepreneur, I relish all the facets of it and understand that, like my family, many families make a living from this industry.
Fashion is a huge business. It impacts so many lives. During Runway Latinx, on Sunday, we will be highlighting the Mexican Rebozo, a beautiful garment that you can wrap yourself in. We will be talking about its history and will have several women leaders from the Latino Community modeling how it can be worn. It can be casual as well as worn to a gala. But for many women and families in Mexico, it also saves lives by providing an income for them and, in some instances, sustaining whole towns. That is also what fashion is about. I love it all. From what is worn on the runway, where you see incredible creations by exquisite designers, to the actual fabrication and the unique custom designs created by many loving hands.
And the fashion industry is resilient; we are creative and continue to reinvent ourselves. After the pandemic, we have completely rebooted and are coming back strong.
What does being a part of Chicago's fashion community mean to you?
Everyone knows each other, and we are a pretty friendly bunch. In many instances, I have known models, designers, entertainers, and others in the industry for more than a decade. I admire everyone's work and dedication. I do wish that we could get more funding for some of the very creative ideas that are out there and that I know could create more business for this city.
I have so many friends that are fashionistas. I have traveled to different parts of the world to see fashion shows. I love being an ambassador for our great city. And I tell people that even in the winter when we artistically layer to fight the cold, underneath it all, you will probably find a beautifully fashionably dressed woman. At least if you're hanging out with me.
Above, the Designer Line-Up for Saturday, October 15th Runway Latinx Show…
Here is more information on the three day event!
