Designer Sitka Semsch
A true Success Story
A look through the eyes of Sitka Semsch…


by Susan Heeren
Liquidsquare, Inc.

After years of experience in designing and dressmaking, this talented Peruvian, Sitka Semsch, decided to study fashion design in the United States. She chose the renowned Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she graduated in the early 90's.

Sitka was given the opportunity to work as a trainee with designer Michael Kors and, for the first time, she took part in presenting important collections in New York. I asked Sitka if she wanted to remain in New York with Michael Kors, she explains:
"it would have been a very good opportunity to continue on there and gain more experience for the future, but at that moment my personal dreams were to have my own fashion house in my country."

She continued gaining experience in the fashion world during the time she worked for the demanding American market and returned to Peru in 1995 where she set up her own fashion house. Her personal dreams outweighed what would seem ideal to most, and when I asked if she had any regrets about choosing the path she chose, she answered, "I don't have any regrets, on the contrary, it has been an incredible achievement to have one of the most successful fashion houses in Perú.

Following the immediate success of her collections, Sitka soon became one of Peru's top fashion designers. Keeping in mind that her dressmaking dreams are always conceived with details and accessories that make the difference in her creations, she has a wide range of evening, cocktail and wedding dresses as well as accessories like footwear, jewelry and handbags.

Sitka expresses that she gets her inspiration for her designs from the different experiences she has in her life. When I asked about her collection and participation in Fashion Week of the Americas this year she said, "this collection means a lot to me and it is even more important because this year I will be receiving the New Star in Fashion Award, which makes me feel so honored."

I wondered where she sees herself next year and in five years from now, her response was simple, "I see myself more consolidated in the U.S. market, and in 5 years from now I envision selling my collections to the finest boutiques and department stores of the world, as well as being able to show my collections in the most important runways of the world."

Sitka Semsch is truly an Americas success story. See her at Fashion Week of the Americas, March 19-22nd at the Roney Palace, Miami Beach and visit her website at www.sitkasemsch.com