One of my most favorite things about working in the fashion industry, and for as long as I have (20 years), is seeing the up and comers up and come! I’ve met students that have gone on to pursue successful careers in fashion and it inspires me like crazy!

William Maestas is one of those people! Learn about his history, inspirations, passion and where he sees his future going. It’s been an absolute delight to see Will moving up the ladder of success!

Where did you and I first connect?

– You and I first connected 8 years ago in 2012 at the 4th Annual Red Ball when I was 19. I was a model in the show for Francis Roces (Kimono Dragons). This was only the second fashion show I had ever walked in. At this point I had already been involved in 20+ photo shoots for my portfolio with photographers in Colorado Springs and Denver.

– Since we met at Red Ball in 2012 SO much has changed! I decided to move to Denver and attend the Art Institute of Colorado in 2014. I simultaneously secured an internship at 303 Magazine under editor (at the time), Lindsay Maynard, doing fashion journalism and event production for Denver Fashion Weekend. At this point I had already walked in the Front Range fashion show and Red Ball, a few RAW Artists fashion shows, The Ice Ball, Paint the Runway, Apocalyptic Ball, I Love Couture 4, the Barrera International Autumn/Winter 2014 fashion show, and Denver Fashion Weekend in 2013. I was featured in local ad campaigns for Club Vinyl and The Church Nightclub, Infatue Clothing, and DCM Designs. I worked with established local fashion photographers Alain Camporiva, Kevin Alexander, Robert Rice, Michael Andrew, Alec Tremaine, Mike Con, and Sampson Leung. Since 2014 I have continued to work with 303 Magazine and The Beauty Underground Artistic Team in several capacities for (now) Denver Fashion WEEK and have earned the title of Co-Producer in 2019 and 2020. I also worked backstage with Charlie Price and The Beauty Underground in New York at New York Fashion Week for John Paul Ataker, Namilia and Mimi Prober in 2017.

What sparked your interest in fashion and how did you take that spark and do something with it?

– When I was 16 I became interested in being a model. I started doing photo shoots with local photographers in the Summer of 2009 to build a portfolio and to start networking in the industry. Robert Rice played a pivotal role in helping me grow as a model, meet people in the industry and develop my interests. Portfolio photo shoots lead to walking for local designers in fashion shows in Denver, being a hair model for the Paul Mitchell School in Colorado Springs, as well as collaborating with photographers and designers for editorial photo shoots.

Now working with Denver Fashion Week as a Co-Producer each season (although it is currently on hold) has been huge in helping me start planning my own local fashion shows as well as working as a photographer doing photo shoots with local designers, boutiques and models. My main focus in the industry is now event production and photography.

 

How do you see the fashion industry evolving over the past several years?

– The local fashion industry (as you know) has grown so much so quickly! It’s been amazing to watch it and be part of its growth. I think with the amount of local talent we have and how much Denver is growing and putting itself on the map (in many ways) that Denver Fashion Week will eventually be the next New York Fashion Week. Forbes has already brought up its power and potential. DFW used to be a weekend. Two Nights. Now it’s 5 nights of shows and several days of other workshops and events. More and more local and national designers are participating and putting out amazing work. Hundreds of people come to the model castings each season. It’s amazing.

What resources do you see Colorado needing to make it even more of a fashion city?

– Better press coverage, more talented local designers with stores or studios, and more paid work for models, photographers, producers, stylists, etc.

How do you see Denver setting itself apart than other cities in the US?

– Denver is very about diversity and letting people be artistic. It’s not about the typical models and boring designs. It’s a city for creatives, and people are noticing.

– In 2020 I would like to have my photography published in at least 5 publications. I’ve already been published in two so far! I’ve been really focusing on improving my photography skills in 2019 and I feel like I’m getting pretty great! I also want to move back to Denver, I’ve been living in Fort Collins for long enough! I think that this move will have to wait until 2021 due to unforeseen circumstances though.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

– In 5 years I see myself either living in Denver or another big city! I’d love to be working for one of the major model agencies like Elite, Ford, Next, IMG, or Soul Artists. Things could always change though!

IG: @wmaestas

Twitter: @wmaestas

Snap: @wmaestas

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/willmaestas

Website: williammaestas.net