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How did you get the proposal to design the uniforms for the Peruvian delegation?
The process was a kind of competition between designers and two and a half months ago they called me to send my proposal and it was accepted. When they first told me about it, I almost shed tears at that moment.
What were the biggest challenges encountered in this process?
I would say there were three: time, budget and certain guidelines for the design. We had two and a half months to design and produce, so although I was excited, I was also scared because I had to deliver 111 kits at the time, about 1500 pieces, including polo shirts, jackets, hats, pants, etc. It was quite difficult, especially with a limited budget. At first, I tried to call the factories I knew and talk to them to get the fabric and tell them “please, let’s go to Peru, give me zero cost, play”, and the fact is that I got a lot of support. In addition, I have my own small workshop, which we also support there, working non-stop in the night shift, so that it can be achieved.
Monica Gallese de Osma
What are the guiding principles for clothing?
In itself, you have to use the colors of the flag, which are red and white. But beyond that, the size and shape of the logo should be placed on the piece, which in itself limits you a lot. In fact, at first I made a more fashionable suggestion, but they told me that they wanted something more down-to-earth, for example, they wanted the color of the pants to be black. Many people called me to comment on the design of other delegations, such as Mongolia, and I said it was beautiful, but I had to explain that each country has its own guidelines and requirements.
What inspires your designs?
The first thing was to work with the Peruvian culture and the colors of the flag. Based on the guidelines they gave me, I chose to draw inspiration from the Paracas culture, which stands out for having the best looms, because I am always looking for something ancient and stylish. All our pieces are also inspired by the Chakana or Andean Cross and Inca Tokaps, which are very famous geometric shapes. I didn’t want something very literal, like the designs of Maca Peru, which are already very common. In addition to the designs, all the fabrics used were made in Peru, we used prints, sublimation, vinyl, etc., all done by Peruvian labor.
How long have you been working in the fashion industry?
I am an executive by profession, I have been working in the fashion market for more than twelve years, I have owned a multi-brand store called Isidra for ten years, and I also have my own brand called Fortuna, which I founded in Paris, to be exact.
Is this the most important challenge you have faced in your career?
I saw it as more than a challenge, it was the most honorable job I had ever had. I was so proud to be asked to design the Olympic uniforms, it was the first time I had done something like this directly for Peru. I still didn’t believe it. When I found out, I sat my team down and they told me “Monica, we’re not going to make it” and I told them “of course we are going to make it” because I was so excited. I remember going to the best factories to find a fabric and they told me it would take two months just to produce it, so we had to search between factories to find the best and we did it, it was a great team effort.
Which piece of the whole kit is your favorite?
I have two. I am obsessed with the trench coat jacket because it has a vintage inspiration, it is black and if you open your arms you can see a tumbapu silhouette. I also love the red blazer with the print; in fact, a lot of people ask me how they can get it but they can’t, it’s not for sale.
How did it feel to see the delegation wearing your work?
It was all about excitement, happiness, adrenaline and a lot of pressure, and everything went perfectly. I am absolutely delighted with the result and everything we did to make it happen. I decided to buy a flight to Paris to be able to see the athletes wearing my clothes, I couldn’t miss that moment and all the gatherings that being at the Olympics means.
Are you a fan of any sports?
Yes, I am a fan of acrobatics as far as Olympic sports are concerned because I have been practicing acrobatics since I was very young. I’m a fan and I’m so happy that I was able to fulfill my dream of meeting Simone Biles. My greatest, although I also take advantage of the opportunity to see other disciplines and some Peruvian athletes. Apart from that, in my daily life I play tennis and golf.
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