In an industry driven by fleeting trends and continuous change, fashion designer Valentina Elarba has distinguished herself through a deep commitment to craft, philosophy, and authenticity. Her journey from a student with a passion for storytelling to the co-founder of the brand Como Si Fueran Dioses (CSFD) is one of success in an industry where few can do so.
Educational Foundation: Parsons and the Birth of a Design Philosophy
Elarba’s journey into fashion began at one of the most prestigious institutions in the field: Parsons School of Design, where she earned her BFA in Fashion Design. She describes her time at Parsons as transformational. “It’s where I developed my design philosophy,” she recalls, “where I was exposed to art that completely shifted my perspective.” There she formed bonds with collaborators who would become essential to her artistic and entrepreneurial journey, including Alexandra and Isabella Reshuan, with whom she co-founded CSFD.
At Parsons, she mastered the technical skills that now underpin her work such as: patternmaking, spec drawings, CLO 3D software, and tech pack creation. However, it was the philosophical and artistic immersion that made the greatest impact. According to Valentina, a course titled “Time” redefined how she approached creativity, encouraging her to see art and fashion as a medium for exploring concepts like temporality and memory, adding a great deal of depth to her perspective of fashion.
She mentions the mentorship of Martin Price, a studio professor known for his high standards and perceptiveness, as one of the most impactful to her career. His belief in her work helped solidify her confidence and ambition during her thesis project, which evolved into the CSFD brand.
Hands-On Growth: Internships and Industry Insight
While Parsons shaped her as a designer, it was her internships that introduced her to the realities of running a fashion brand. Her time with Lou Dallas, under designer Raffaella Hanley, was especially important. There, she was immersed in every aspect of the fashion process — from sourcing to staging shows — and witnessed firsthand what it means to have a distinct creative language and vision.
During her four-year design internship at Parsons, Elarba delved deeply into the details of collection development, including fabric sourcing, design research, and prototype creation. Design research remains central to her process: “It’s probably the longest phase of any collection for me… It’s where the magic starts.”
Overcoming Challenges: Adapting to Remote Learning and Technical Mastery
One of Elarba’s greatest challenges came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hands-on training at Parsons was interrupted. The experience forced her to adapt, leading her to embrace CLO 3D, a cutting-edge digital design tool that allowed her to simulate and test garments virtually. What began as a workaround quickly became an asset, enhancing her technical repertoire.
Initially hesitant about technical precision, preferring the idea of designing by creative instinct, Elarba eventually recognized the importance of craftsmanship. “Patternmaking became essential as I raised the bar for myself,” she admits. This balance of creative expression and meticulous execution is now a hallmark of her work.
Achievements and Recognition: A Rising Star in Global Fashion
Elarba’s efforts and distinct style have not gone unnoticed. She was honored with the Mara de Oro International Designer of the Year award — one of Venezuela’s most prestigious cultural recognitions. This acknowledgment from her home country was particularly meaningful, validating her vision and reconnecting her work with its cultural roots.
Her proudest achievement, however, is deeply personal: a pop-up event in Caracas, titled A ti No Te Conocen ni en Tu Barrio. Inspired by a Bad Bunny lyric and driven by a desire to return her art to the community that shaped her, the event was a homecoming of sorts. Housed in an abandoned building and furnished with vintage pieces from family and friends, the event was a resounding success — selling out on the first day and affirming the power of community-based fashion.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision of CSFD
With her brand Como Si Fueran Dioses, Elarba has created more than a label — she’s building a narrative-driven fashion house grounded in storytelling, cultural critique, and emotional depth. “I only want to make exceptional garments — pieces that have a reason to exist,” she says. Upcoming collections will explore formalwear, experimental cuts, and darker, more complex themes, marking a new chapter for both Elarba and CSFD. Valentina is driven to look at fashion as an artform going against the trend of fast fashion.
Valentina adds: “Figure out what you want to say first.” She views fashion not merely as an aesthetic practice but as a form of language — one that can articulate feelings and experiences words cannot. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of creators — from Alexander McQueen to Gabriel García Márquez — she is committed to the fusion of technical excellence and emotional resonance.
Designing with Purpose
In the world of mass production, Valentina Elarba’s rise in the fashion world is refreshing and reflects a change that seems to be occurring in many different industries. It seems the public is getting sick of the same bland, “cookie cutter” approach that has been at the heart of our economic system. People are seeking true expression and Valentina is an example of just that. With a unique voice and a desire to make change, she seems to be pointing at what the future of fashion will be. Taking her own route, she keeps growing through showcasing the value of human expression and creativity.