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Luis Machicao –Repurposing fashion during COVID-19 with a heart entwined to humanity

Allison Parker photography by Jim Schmid • Apr 06, 2021

My first thought meeting Luis Machicao was that he is a man of great caring and compassion for his fellow human beings. Besides being a top fashion designer with annual appearances at Paris fashion week, a professor at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and a thriving business owner in the Charlotte community, Luis Machicao truly cares about the world we live in and uplifting those around him.

Thinking about design work 2020- the unprecedented events due to the global pandemic have rippled through the world at large. Within the fashion realm, the design runway in more ways than one. With social distancing limiting galas, weddings, and public outings, the need for elegantly designed formal wear was put on hold. Runway events were pretty much nonexistent.

With the world living inside quarantined walls, life was not the same. The humbling effect of COVID-19 opened everyone’s eyes to appreciate the basics- a loving family, caring friends, and an abode to stay home in became the focus- away from the material glitter and sparkle of life before COVID-19.

As a professor at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, Machicao taught a class called Product Design, a part of the fashion/media journalism school. Loving the City of Lights and wanting his students to witness the birth of fashion design in Paris’ big fashion houses, Luis had a class field trip in March of 2020. In Paris, Luis awaited the students’ arrival. Then COVID-19 hit. Field Trip cancelled. Luis was lucky to find a flight back to the United States just before the borders officially closed. 

Home in the United States and on lock down, Luis was not one to remain idle. He recalls, “I felt compelled to do something to help the situation for people around me. Being in the home for long periods of time can become depressing if you feel helpless. I looked around my home, I had a portable sewing machine and a lot, a lot of t-shirts.” Machicao laughed, “You get t-shirts for almost every event.” 

His creative juices started to flourish - from cuts of t-shirts, Luis created unique piecework masks to meet the needs of first responders. Producing as many masks as he could sew, he sent them off to hospitals in New York City and Los Angeles. 

Luis explains, “Whether rich or poor, COVID-19 has been humbling to all humanity as it affects everyone the same regardless of material status. We were all caught up in quarantine, the terrifying thought of not wanting to go outside due to health risks. It was a light in the dark to be able to do SOMETHING to help my fellow human beings. “

Luis heart for others has been working nonstop in the communities even before COVID-19. Active with local projects such as Autism Charlotte, RunningWorks which aids the homeless and he is now working with Novant Project Runway for the Arts, Luis has found a calling to use his talents and blessings to help those less fortunate. 

“I feel at home in the south, Charlotte is home for me and I feel I belong.” Luis has traveled extensively throughout the world looking for inspiration and ideas. After his whirlwind travels, he was able to choose Charlotte as his forever home.

Growing up in Peru, his fashion penchant was in his heart from a very young age. Machicao shared with me a story about growing up in Peru. He has vivid memories of his family and their beloved house keeper. She took note that Luis always has impeccable taste choosing his clothes for Sunday church even at the early age of 4 and 5 years of age. So, it was not wonder when Luis decided to buck the trend and leave college to seek a career in fashion design, his family’s housekeeper was not surprised. She knew he had a talent and a knack for creative clothing vision that could not be suppressed. 

At age of 20, Luis began to pursue his dream. - He enrolled in The School of Dramatic Arts. Luis switched to study Sociology, Philosophy, Latin and Greek at University. One semester later, Luis took a trip to Paris with a friend, he had an epiphany to join the fashion world when experiencing Paris Fashion Week with a friend’s mother. It was a pivotal point on his life that changed his direction to be a fashion designer. On his return, he commenced study at a fashion institute. 

After graduation, he went to Paris where he could work real time in fashion to complement his education. Paris taught Luis the ins and outs of dressing people with impeccable taste and panache. Returning to Peru, Machicao found a bustling career in TV miniseries, Soap Operas and Theater. His claim to fame occurred when he was appointed to serve the President and First Lady of Peru with his fashion expertise as well as other Presidents, First Lady’s, high ranking politicians in South America as well as the designer for the Miss Peru pageant. His life’s passion cut through traditional barriers as he climbed the ranks in his home country with his hard work and tenacity.

Soon, Luis’ talent was to be showcased on the runways of the world. His international fashion shows led him to eventually move to the United States of America. His travels were extensive, Houston, London, San Francisco, Tokyo, Sydney, Miami, Charlotte, Milan, Barcelona, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Rome, Madrid, and New York were all focal points to showcase his amazing works. After these travels, Luis ended up a regular in New York Fashion week showcasing his collections.

Luis is an avid art collector with pieces from the 17th century. He loves European art, his favorite piece is an early Pablo Picasso. 

A pivotal point in Machicao’s career was the presentation in Spring-Summer 2014 Collection at Tiffany’s Paris Fashion Week. Here, he was named “Best Designer 2014″. Also, at this time, he launched his signature perfume for men, “Homme” and women, “Femme”. 

What’s next for Luis and his role in the fashion world after COVID-19? Luis is eager to adapt and work within this new normal. With social distancing creating a gap in the presence of formal galas, balls, and formal events, fashion for these events can come to a halt. However, Luis sees a repurposing of fashion through upscale alteration opportunities. Luis notes,

“During the pandemic people have lost or gained weight so it is critical to keep a beloved garment by reconstructing it to fit the owner at present. What I love the best is putting the garment on my cutting table and completely deconstructing it and putting it back together again. I love to make the garment come alive again “ 

Machicao adds, “A moment for a customer to redo a dress that belonged to a beloved relative, by changing sizing or a detail in styling can make an older item current. Alterations will allow the wearer to feel a connection to the person who gave it them as well as have a part of themselves reflected in the garment. “

Luis also loves creating wedding gowns. With the postponement of weddings to the next year, it would a boom year for brides to call Luis for a custom- made, one of a kind gown. Brides wanting something off the rack will be pleased to work with Luis and his 32 years of experience in wedding gowns. Luis looks forward to resurrecting the wedding gowns from the dark ages of COVID-19.


In order to make our habitats we live in each day more a part of our inner person, Luis sees a trend to create linens, curtains, pillows to lift up the spirit by making the abodes personal where people spend their quarantine days and nights. Working to assist interior design friends, Luis is closely developing these items to keep his Atelier (workroom in French) bustling. Everything is evolving as the world we live in is changed per the pandemic. 

Though social media and video conferencing capabilities, the fashion runway would make pop into the virtual reality realm. People will always be drawn to the positive uplifting experience that a dazzling fashion can provide- a glimpse into the world of glitz and fantasy which will be brought into one’s living room.

Luis re-opened his doors to Machicao Couture on January 1, 2021 at the Galleries 811 which used to be the old Colony Furniture Warehouse on Providence Road in the Meyers Park area. With an aura of hope for the future embracing the changes in the fashion world from the effects of the pandemic, fashion will thrive as repurposed through the effects of COVID-19. Machicao’s positive contributions to the community at large will raise the spirits and well-being of everyone he encounters in his journey as a true designer of the south with true southern hospitality.


allisonparkerwrites.com

jimschmid.com


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