Meet Mariña Diaz Gallego | Lead Fashion designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariña Diaz Gallego and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariña, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
In my 10 years as a fashion designer, several habits have been crucial to my success. First and foremost, I believe in maintaining a strong sense of curiosity and openness to new ideas. The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and staying updated with trends and emerging technologies has allowed me to remain innovative and relevant.

Another important habit is my commitment to continuous learning. I always seek opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge.

Effective time management is also key. Balancing multiple projects and deadlines requires careful planning and organization. I prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and use project management tools to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Finally, building strong relationships with colleagues and suppliers has been essential. Networking and maintaining open, collaborative communication have not only helped me to achieve my design goals but also fostered a supportive professional environment.

Overall, these habits—curiosity, continuous learning, effective time management, and strong relationships—have been instrumental in my journey as a designer and contributed significantly to my success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art in fashion design is characterized by a seamless blend of high-street sensibilities and high fashion elegance. My experience with Zara allowed me to master the art of creating commercially successful collections that appealed to a broad audience. This experience instilled in me a deep understanding of market trends and the importance of balancing trend-driven designs with accessibility and quality.

What sets me apart is my ability to integrate this practical background with my current role as a lead Fashion designer in a high fashion american brand, Cult Gaia.
Here, I focus on crafting pieces that are not only innovative and artistically driven but also embody luxury and exclusivity. The transition from a fast fashion environment to high fashion has been exhilarating, as it allows me to explore more intricate and refined design elements while pushing creative boundaries.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration

Morning: We’ll start with a casual breakfast at The Little Next Door. They have a great selection of vegetarian options.
Afternoon: Then we’ll explore The Broad Museum for some contemporary art (it’s free, but we should reserve tickets in advance). After that, we’ll stroll around Grand Central Market and grab a bite from vendors like Tacos Tumbras a Tomas.
Evening: We’ll head over to The Arts District and have a laid-back dinner at Arts District Brewing Co., where we can sample local craft beers and enjoy food from vegan and vegetarian food trucks, like Killer Shrimp.

Day 2: Arts & Culture

Morning: We’ll visit LACMA to check out the Urban Light installation and other exhibits. If you’re into quirky attractions, we shouldn’t miss the La Brea Tar Pits next door.
Afternoon: We’ll have a casual lunch at Koreatown Plaza. Then, we’ll explore The Grove for some window shopping and a stroll.
Evening: Dinner will be at Pizzana in Brentwood for some excellent pizzas and pasta. Afterward, we can check out the lively Santa Monica Pier for a fun evening by the beach.

Day 3: Beach Day

Morning: We’ll start at Santa Monica Beach. I’m thinking we’ll grab a breakfast burrito from The Butcher’s Daughter or Café Gratitude.
Afternoon: Then we’ll head to Venice Beach to explore the boardwalk, watch street performers, and check out the funky shops. For lunch, we’ll try Gjusta in Venice—love that place!
Evening: For dinner, we’ll go to Gjelina in Venice, known for its fantastic vegetarian options. We’ll end the night with a casual stroll along Venice Canals.

Day 4: Trendy Neighborhoods

Morning: We’ll head to Silver Lake and start with breakfast at LAMILL Coffee. Then we’ll take a stroll around Silver Lake Reservoir.
Afternoon: We’ll explore Echo Park, visit Echo Park Lake, and maybe rent a paddleboat. For lunch, we’ll try Marty’s for a low-key deli experience.
Evening: Dinner will be at The Chifa in Echo Park, known for its creative vegetarian dishes. For drinks, we’ll check out The Short Stop for a relaxed vibe and some fun games.

Day 5: Unique LA Experiences

Morning: We’ll visit The Getty Center. It’s a bit more formal, but the museum is free, and the gardens and views are fantastic. We can have a casual snack from the on-site café.
Afternoon: We’ll head to The Farmers Market at The Grove for a laid-back lunch and explore the various food stalls and shops.
Evening: We’ll enjoy dinner at In-N-Out Burger, where we can customize a vegetarian “grilled cheese” burger.

Day 6: Relaxing & Exploring

Morning: Breakfast will be at The Griddle Café, which has a variety of great options.
Afternoon: We’ll visit The Huntington Library, but just explore the gardens if we want a more relaxed experience. It’s a beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll.
Evening: We’ll dine at Veggie Grill in Hollywood. For a relaxed end to the day, we’ll grab a coffee and dessert at Cafe Gratitude in Venice.

Day 7: Casual Farewell

Morning: We’ll enjoy a relaxed brunch at Urth Caffé in Santa Monica.
Afternoon: We’ll spend our last day at Malibu Beach. We can grab a casual lunch at Malibu Farm on the pier, which has tasty dishes and great ocean views.
Evening: For a low-key dinner, we’ll go to The Reel Inn in Malibu or Cross Creek for a more varied menu. If there’s time, we can take a sunset walk along Malibu Beach before heading back.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my mentor from my early career, Irena Bivic. Irena not only guided me through the initial stages of my design journey but also instilled in me the confidence to take creative risks. Her unwavering support and constructive feedback were instrumental in shaping my approach to design and navigating the fashion industry.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge my family and close friends for their continuous encouragement. Their belief in my vision and their understanding during the long hours and challenging moments have been a cornerstone of my success.

Lastly, I’d like to mention the vibrant fashion community and the amazing colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Their collaboration and shared passion have been a source of inspiration and growth throughout my career.

Each of these individuals and groups has played a significant role in my journey, and I’m truly grateful for their influence and support.

Website: https://www.marinhadiaz.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinhadiaz