Gabriela Padrón Textile and fashion designer promotes Pupila brand

Gabriela Padrón Bustamante is 22 years old and is a textile and fashion designer, graduated from the University of Azuay, owner of the Pupila brand. 

Since she was a child she had an affinity for fashion and it became an impulse when choosing a university career. "My mother loved sewing and my family loved weaving," says Gabriela Padrón. 

When he was still a student, at the end of 2019, together with his sister Belén, they created a business to have an economic return. "I started working with textile printing, which is digital illustration to print on fabrics," she says. 

His first clients were his family and friends. His first product was a printed scarf and people liked it a lot, starting to have more customers. In addition to the university he was trained in courses. "I combined fashion with drawing, which was another of my tastes," she explains. 

The name Pupila has the meaning of apprentice and ensures that in these three years it evidences evolution and growth, demonstrating that human beings never stop learning. Although his venture began with his sister, some time later it continued with the intention of positioning the brand. "Belén was studying medicine and that took her time, so I stopped seeing it as an enterprise and it became my job," were Gabriela's words. 

Although scarves are what makes Pupila stand out, it also offers tops, pants and makes dresses for all kinds of events. 

"I made digital illustrations to print on scarves. From then on I started printing on other types of garments, under the same concept," said the textile and fashion designer. 

Its bohemian and modern style, which merges with avant-garde fashion and new trends with print, highlighting strong colors. Her collections have been part of fashion shows such as Quito Fashion Night, sharing experiences with Fabrizio Célleri, an Ecuadorian fashion designer with national and international experience. 

On April 4, it will be part of a new event called Respira, promoted by fashion designer Lía Padilla. A call was made and more than 100 designers apply to exhibit their collections and Pupila by Gabriela Padrón was chosen among the finalists who will be on stage under this Respira concept. 

Her dream is to complete a master's degree and for her products to become known internationally and, above all, for people to wear her articles under the concept of textile sublimation. 

Social networks, and especially Instagram, have been the ideal platform to promote their products. Many people feel identified with their designs and buy items for the female gender without age limit. In addition, all the collections are available at Anacleta Coqueta, located at Borrero 7-39 and Presidente Córdova.