From Mexico City to Los Angeles, Making it BIG in the Fashion Industry!
By Mayte Rodriguez Cedillo
Photos by: Daniel Graham
Mexico Traveler (MT): Where were you born?
Will Franco (WF): I was born in Mexico City but was raised in Oaxaca and Guanajuato, Mexico.
MT: What did you study?
WF: I started studying accounting in Mexico and then decided to move to the U.S. for more opportunities.
MT: What did you do when you moved to the U.S.?
WF: I started by studying English as a second language and continued studying accounting at Cal State University in Los Angeles. Soon thereafter I realized that I wanted to pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer and began to study fashion design. I transferred to Long Beach City College and then Cal State University Long Beach where I became a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
MT: Who have you designed for?
WF: I have designed custom gowns for private clients and celebrities.
I created a collection and showcased my designs to promote various social causes and community events.
I am always working and developing upcoming collections. It is important to me that my garments are produced in USA by people earning fair wages in good working conditions.
I also source some of the materials in my native Mexico so it is truly a hybrid of my Mexican and American influences.
Model: Makena Summers
Makeup Artist: Fatima Zapata & Andrea Delaura
Hair Designer: Mireille Bertrand & Andrea Delaura
Model: Hadije Aliu
Makeup Artist: Mireille Bertrand
Hair Designer: Andrea Delaura
Model: Jadah Walters
Makeup Artist: Fatima Zapata & Andrea Delaura
Hair Designer: Mireille Bertrand & Andrea Delaura
Model: Elaine Whae
Makeup Artist & Hair Designer: Mireille Bertrand
