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Photo by Nathan Macias
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Born in Mexico, identical twins Jesus and Antonio Estrada, 23, moved to San Diego as very young children with their parents, who were in pursuit of the classic American dream. The pair, inspired in part by their mother, a model, always dreamed of becoming famous fashion designers. And now, with TV appearances (Jesus was a season seven contestant on Project Runway), and their work shown at New York’s Fashion Week, their dreams are one step closer to being realized. The brothers’ spring 2012 collection, inspired by mermaids, is a tribute to Maria DiLeonardo, owner of fashion boutique Siren in Mamaroneck. DiLeonardo, who gave the Estradas workspace in her shop when they first moved east, has a special fondness for mermaids.
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Photo by Nathan Macias
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The designs, each sewn by hand, feature Italian silks, many in watercolor-like hues, with sparkling embellishments such as sequins and Swarovski crystals. “We wanted the designs to represent the water and the colors to be very bright, like the coral, fish, and shells found in the ocean,” Jesus says. The collection, which includes cocktail dresses ($495-plus) and evening gowns ($1,200 to $4,000), is available exclusively at the brothers’ store, Estrada, opened recently in Scarsdale. The Estradas also offer custom design—prom dresses are a specialty—by appointment. For more info: hausofestrada.com.