SAN ANTONIO - Designing a beautiful ball gown is no easy task— and neither is bringing that design to life.
- Originally from Corpus Christi
- Moved to San Antonio to a culture change
- Gowns are being worn all over
While most young people may not know how to sew on a button, Nick Perez is getting attention from top names in the fashion industry across the country.
"I have been doing this since I was 15 years old, so it's going to be seven years this year. I'm turning 22 this year— oh my gosh, I'm turning 22," said Perez, the designer and owner of Nico.
"I remember sketching as a kid and never really thought much of it. I'd draw dresses on the corner of a notebook," he said.
Originally from Corpus Christi, Perez’s brand Nico has made it far outside of Texas and is now being shared across the country.
"This is a new dress from the latest collection. All of these embroideries were gifted to me from a friend. She got them from Iran. I can see this being worn to a cafe or to an event. It caters to the client," Perez said, describing his newest gown.
The fashion industry is recognizing his talents— he's been named a Rising Star by Fashion Group International in San Antonio.
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"Why San Antonio? There's a culture here that reeled me in and I found myself just needing a change," he said.
"For us the Rising Star Awards means you're already really fantastic and well established in this market and you're even maybe ready for above and beyond," said Aquila Mendez-Valdez, regional director of Fashion Group International San Antonio and owner of Haute in Texas.
Mendez-Valdez wore his gown to a recent red carpet event in Mexico City.
"For me to have the opportunity to wear a Texas designer, one of our Rising Stars, on the red carpet was so much fun and I probably said his name at least eighty times that night," she said.
"There's a lot of change happening in the fashion industry. It's amazing I'm able to move here to San Antonio and work with new artists as well and expand not only my team but the fashion industry in Texas as it is," said Perez.
In March, Perez is having a special display at the Art Center in Corpus Christi and in May he's launching his new line in San Antonio.