Daisy Fuentes Finds Inspiration from ‘House of Style’ to Build Her Own Brand
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Daisy Fuentes, the renowned media personality, reminisces about how her journey with fashion at MTV paved the way for her to establish her distinctive personal brand, Daisy Fuentes. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Fuentes shares how her time as a host on MTV’s ‘House of Style’ from 1997 to 2002 provided her with the platform and courage to venture into creating her own brand. The show, which aired from 1989 to 2003, allowed Fuentes to delve into the worlds of fashion and music while interviewing iconic models and designers, leading her towards a newfound sense of purpose and direction.
Fuentes reflects on how her experience on ‘House of Style’ sparked a desire within her to explore the realm of fashion further and ultimately pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. Travelling the globe, attending top fashion shows, and engaging with industry luminaries ignited a passion in her that fuelled the inception of her own brand. She recalls, “It made it kind of a dream for me. [I felt like], ‘I like this world. I feel like I can flow in this world a bit longer. What else can I do?'”
Navigating the uncharted territory of branding in the early days proved to be a challenging yet rewarding endeavour for Fuentes. She expresses how, at that time, the concept of celebrity licensing and branding was in its infancy, with many notable figures hesitant to embark on such ventures. Undeterred, Fuentes seized the opportunity to carve her path in this nascent field, pioneering a blueprint for celebrity branding that would endure over two decades. She remarks, “Something that started off as, ‘This could be an interesting side hobby, a little side hustle,’ became a full-blown brand.”
Beyond establishing her brand, Fuentes is committed to representing the Hispanic community authentically in the fashion world. Emphasising the importance of inclusivity and diversity, she aims to create a brand that resonates with women from all walks of life, while celebrating her heritage. Fuentes asserts, “I just want to feel included, and I want my people and my heritage to be represented. That’s all we want. We are a part of this country, and at the end of the day, all we all want is to be well represented.”
The success of Fuentes’ brand extends far beyond expectations, with its appeal transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with a diverse audience. Partnering with major retailers like Kohl’s, Fuentes observed how her brand, initially targeted towards the Hispanic market, garnered widespread acclaim and acceptance. This shift affirmed the brand’s universal appeal and affirmed Fuentes’ vision of inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry.
As Fuentes continues to evolve her brand and expand its reach, she remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering women through fashion while honouring her Hispanic roots. Her journey from MTV’s ‘House of Style’ to becoming a trailblazer in the branding landscape serves as a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to creating a meaningful impact in the fashion world.
In a constantly evolving industry, Daisy Fuentes stands as a beacon of inspiration, championing diversity, authenticity, and innovation through her enduring brand. Her story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and a resolute commitment to one’s vision in the pursuit of success.