Initially, the brand was meant to be more knitwear-driven, but as the saying goes, the best-laid plans…often go awry – and Gauge 81 rapidly evolved into a total look brand.

I was drawn to fashion (it’s in my family) and decided it was better to focus on a single aspect of the business to learn it properly. I was particularly attracted to the craftsmanship that goes into creating knitwear – turning a cone of yarn into a garment. There is something about the complexity of the weaving process that I find fascinating.

Yes, for sure! The reality is that today, women lead complex lives and wear many hats. Sometimes, there just aren’t enough hours in the day… A little daytime glamour can go a long way.

Gauge is an industry term that refers to the weight of yarn, but it also set the creative platform of playing with size and proportions. The francophone pronunciation developed somehow organically during the launching phase. 8 and 1 are very powerful numbers in numerology, their significance resonates with what the brand stands for – and for luck!

Minimal, glamorous, sexy.

Vintage Saint Laurent, Miuccia Prada and as of recently, while working on a new dress capsule collection, I’ve been particularly drawn to Princess Diana’s eveningwear looks.

My personal wardrobe staples include menswear-inspired button-down shirts, which I find inherently sexy, and an ‘all-occasion’ black blazer. I think every woman should have both.

My essence leans toward the old school. For instance, in Colombia, where I’m from, I met the most talented craftspeople you can imagine working on manual looms in underprivileged neighbourhoods– working mainly in the shadows. Now, thanks to this digital era, their work has a greater audience. There’s more global awareness of artisans because it is so much easier to find, see and purchase their work. Specifically in terms of the future of fashion, I see it evolving into a less-is-more industry.