Presenting Franco Vernica
Franco Vernica is a Los Angeles based designer best known for his high quality Italian made animal leather accessories, handbags, and mens shoes. I had the pleasure of getting to know the man behind the designs. What some people might not know about Mr. Vernica, is that he is not only a designer but a doctor as well! It is only fitting that he is a Respiratory Therapist, as his designs are simply a breathe of fresh air.
Passion Never Dies
Franco had always dreamt of becoming a designer but chose to go into medicine first, because it was the path that offered him the ability to be stable and financially well. But his love for fashion never left the depths of his heart from the time he was a young high school art student. When I asked Franco what pushed him to take the steps to follow his dreams, he said it was not a question of what, but who. That who was his wife, who’s beautiful middle name titled the 2014 Spring Cristina Collection. “She always had such a big passion for fashion and constantly complained about not being able to find the right shoe and dress that fits her correctly. I took that extra step because I wanted my wife to be happy and beautiful and I wanted to bring to all women, that ability to be beautiful but also comfortable.”
Franco’s inspirational perseverance is to be applauded. He is proof that it is never too late to pursue the things you are passionate about. How does he do it? He says, “It’s a combination of wanting a better life, doing what I enjoy 24 hours a day and a lot of Red Bull!”
Spring/Summer Cristina and Luevo Collection
Franco’s Spring Cristina collection is fun and full of colour, while still remaining elegant and classy. When asked to describe his collection in one word, he answered, “Pepe Le Pew”.
Your spring Cristina collection is fun and bright, while also remaining quite sophisticated and sleek. What inspirations did you draw from to create this line?
My beautiful loving wife. She is the inspiration behind this collection. My collections are named after the things that I love in life and which inspire me to live.
My favourite piece from the Luevo limited edition bags is the quilted beige leather handbag, what makes this quad of bags so special to you?
They are special to me because of the fun that I had taking a Chanel design and putting it in different shapes and sizes with the colours of spring.
Plans for the Future
What future aspirations do you have for your brand?
I want to expand my business to Clothing, a Jeans Line, Belts, Sunglasses, Perfumes, a Beauty Line, and much more. My business goal is to one day be where Armani is now. Giorgio Armani showed me that we both have things in common; medicine, and the will to start a fashion label at the age of 40.
What is the thing that makes all this hard work and effort worth it for you?
What makes it worth it is seeing someone with my designs at the end of the day. It completes me! It makes me want to do more.
You are proof that one should never give up on their dreams, what advice do you have for designers just starting out, trying to make a name for themselves?
It’s a long way to rock and roll !! Never give up, believe in yourself, and be prepared to accept failure if you cannot overcome it.
Franco Vernica’s inspirational story should remind us all that the time to follow our dreams is now. Nothing will be handed to us easily and we too must love what we do 24 hours a day. That is what life is all about. Franco’s Limited Edition designs are now available for pre-ordering on the Luevo Website. The fun, Chanel inspired bags, are perfect for chasing winter away and welcoming a bright and beautiful Summer!
You can follow the multi-talented Franco Vernica on twitter @francovernica.
Visit www.francovernica.com for more!
Article Written by Angie. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Unngie.