Violeta Villacorta
DESIGNER AND OWNER · ORG BY VIO
Idyllwild, CA
In My Own Words
Designing sustainable fashion since the early 90s, it is hopeful to see sustainable and ethical practices are becoming part of the mainstream equation in fashion and all industries.
My expertise includes helping companies adopt sustainable design practices as a viable strategy to ensure brands innovate, are resilient and successful in a shifting industry and economy. I align with companies that are leaders in sustainability and use environmental and socially responsible practices, while creating products, apparel and accessories that have a positive impact on people, planet, prosperity. Designing sportswear, sweaters, surf/swim, outdoor, accessories, shoes, I also work in R&D of innovative textiles, yarns and fibers with factories and materials development departments.
I also enjoy working on interior design projects for residential and commercial clients; incorporating sustainability when selecting materials, fixtures and furniture.
Heading the brand ORG BY VIO since 2010 to bring authentic indigenous design to a global market, I focus on helping artisans create a sustainable economy for their families and communities in the Amazon rainforest region. Honoring the importance of indigenous communities thriving in the Amazon jungle, as they are protectors of the vital biodiversity of forests. In 2014, I launched the Sage & the Butterfly as a brick and mortar, then a web and pop-up store with ethical slow-fashion lines that include ORG BY VIO and my slow-fashion capsule collections.
My creative journey and environmental commitment has led me to lecture on Sustainability, Sustainable Design and my work with artisans in the Amazon Rainforest who protect the region that affects all on a global scale.
SPECIALTIES: Sustainable Design Visionary Creative Self-Starter Speaker Consulting Fashion + Sports Driven Design Trends & Forecast Illustration (CAD & hand) Off-house Design Remote Design Projects Indigenous Artisans
Work Experience
DESIGNER AND OWNER
ORG BY VIO2010 – Present
ORG BY VIO was created to support traditional artistry and help market the Amazon rainforest artisans’ handmade jewelry and accessories, as a way to generate a sustainable income for the talented women I work with. Designing collections that are authentic to each community, and buying their traditional designs, we have built a brand that has taken their arts and crafts to a higher level of design and quality that continues to impress fashionistas and conscious consumers alike. www.orgbyvio.com
DESIGNER AND OWNER
VIOLETA VILLACORTA1993 – Present
Pioneering sustainable high-fashion since 1993, I have been creating handcrafted wearable art made with sustainable materials, developing timeless and season-less collections. I also work with clients on custom orders that bear the unique, modern, hand embellished details my clothes are known for. My collections have been shown in New York and Los Angeles Fashion Week. They have also been featured in film, television, national and international magazines, and have dressed luminaries in the music and film industries. www.violetavillacorta.com
OWNER AND CURATOR
the Sage & the Butterfly2014 – Present
As the owner and curator of the Sage & the Butterfly, I focus on lines that are ethical and fair trade, handmade by artists who use recycled, upcycled and plant-based materials. The store is now online-only with pop-ups across the US. We closed our brick and mortar extension of the ORG by vio brand and online shop to live and wok around the continent. Initially opened to support and sell collections handmade by Amazon rainforest artisans I work with, it expanded to offer lines handcrafted by local, USA and international artists and designers. www.thesageandthebutterfly.com
SENIOR DESIGNER
PATAGONIA, INC.2003 – 2008
Through innovative sustainable design, market specific trends and contemporary fashion forecasting, I helped grow Women's Surf over 500% in revenue in four years. I designed Women’s Lifestyle collections with a specialty in Surf oriented sportswear, wovens, sweaters, knits, outerwear, swimwear & related surf technical wear. Revamping the Women's Surf Category by incorporating fashion and function for a style conscious customer, athlete and Patagonia's Ocean ambassadors. www.patagonia.com
SENIOR ASSOCIATE DESIGNER
LAUNDRY BY SHELLI SEGAL2001 – 2002
A fun position where I used my artistic creativity on clothing as the canvas. Designed all embroideries and beading for evening wear division. Worked closely with design director to develop silhouettes and color palettes. Oversaw beaders and embroiderers. Worked with patternmakers, assistants and production team.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
AMAZON WATCH2000 – 2001
As an executive assistant, my work involved translating, bookkeeping and interpreting for visiting indigenous leaders and representatives. My time at Amazon Watch served to connect me deeper to environmental and social issues in the Amazon Basin. I continue my relationship with Amazon Watch, which connected me with the first Amazon community, and collects contributions for my work with indigenous Amazon artisans on my behalf. Amazon Watch works to protect the rainforest and advance the rights of indigenous people in the Amazon Basin. www.amazonwatch.org
Education
Certificate in Merchandising and Introduction to the Fashion Industry
PRATT INSTITUTE1985 – 1985
Certificate in Merchandising and Introduction to the Fashion Industry
Graduated with an International Baccalaureate Certificate in Art and Design
UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL1981 – 1986
Graduated with an International Baccalaureate Certificate in Art and Design
Interests
Industries
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