Meet Andrea Urdaneta

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Urdaneta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, what principle do you value most?
Respect is the value that matters most to me. In the large and dense world of fashion, personal respect is essential regardless of the circumstances. It’s crucial that designers uphold and exercise respect for themselves and others, as the industry can often be overwhelming and misleading. Many designers find themselves diverted from their true purpose for the benefit of others, often at great personal cost. Upholding respect ensures that we stay true to our own vision and values, fostering a healthier and more authentic creative process.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From a young age, I had an affinity for art. Growing up, whenever someone asked about my future ambitions, I always said I wanted to be a fashion designer. It wasn’t until I moved from my home country of Venezuela to Miami, Florida, that I truly solidified my love for fashion design. Through fashion, I discovered a way to cope with the grief and mixed emotions that accompanied my immigration.

I live by the saying, “Being uncomfortable gives you the best results,” though I sometimes feel I have not embraced this philosophy enough. However, the decision of immigrating was a significant risk that had the most profound impact on my life. This experience compelled me to become more independent and to value experiences over physical possessions. Taking this risk has played a crucial role in shaping my adaptability, both personally and in my career.

Because of this, I place emphasis on personal clarity and resilience. The fashion space is very saturated and full of ebbs and flows, so it is important to be connected to yourself and your purpose. This inner alignment allows me to navigate the industry’s ebbs and flows with confidence, creativity, and concise focus.

My end goal is to be CEO and Creative Director of Ranaldi.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were to visit Los Angeles, I would pick destinations that showcase the city’s beauty. One of the best ways to do this is by hiking. Two of my favorite trails are Mesa Peak Trail in Malibu and Los Leones Trail in Pacific Palisades. The drives to these trails are absolutely stunning, and the views during the hikes are even more breathtaking.

To capture the vibrant energy of Los Angeles, I would take them to the Venice Beach Boardwalk. This area is an eclectic mix of talented street performers and gorgeous ocean views. Another must-see is the Getty Center in Brentwood, which features incredible architectural displays and state-of-the-art art collections.

For food and drinks my favorite spots in the city are Concierge Coffee, The Nice Guy, Aquarela Coffee, TGI Kbbq, and Yamashiro.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being from Maracaibo, Venezuela, my most vivid memories from my hometown are, at times, conflicting. While my hometown holds the best of my childhood experiences, the deteriorating state of my country forced me and many other Venezuelan kids to grow up faster than we should have. This environment profoundly shaped my worldview, teaching me to value the blessings that many people take for granted. My Venezuelan heritage has instilled in me a resilience and appreciation for life’s small joys that continue to influence who I am today.

Instagram: @urdanetaranaldi, @andreaurdanetta

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-urdaneta-ranaldi 

Image Credits
Photos by: @_abimages @alexberliner @beenshmikler