Juan José Hernández has spent four years training in what he is passionate about, fashion. He is currently studying a higher degree in Patternmaking and Fashion at the IES Universidad Laboral de Cáceres. The Covid-19 frustrated the plans of the young designer to present his first collection, “Andanzas” at the International Bull Fair of Coria in 2019, but finally, on August 6 of last year, he was able to do so in the city that saw him grow , as a person and as a designer. He also witnessed “Andanzas” Torrejoncillo, the town of his grandmother, whom he recognizes as his right hand and the culprit of his love for fashion. Just a few months ago, in September, Juanjo was offered to participate in the Vocational Training Olympics in his category, patronage and fashion, to which he agreed to participate. Two months later, in November, he managed to proclaim himself champion of Extremadura, which has led him to compete at the national level on March 22. And March, without a doubt, is a great month for the designer because just 48 hours before, on March 20, he will present his second collection, «Volver a ser», and this time, to remove the thorn that the Covid left him, He will do it at FITCoria 2022. An incipient but very prosperous career that will make the young resident of the town go very far.
-How did you get started in the fashion world? Why did you choose it?
The world of fashion has come to me since I was little, all because of my grandmother, who I have always seen her sew. In my childhood I remember seeing her always sew and make her flamenco dresses. I think that’s where this passion and obsession for flyers comes from.
-What does it mean to you to have been proclaimed Champion of Extremadura in this category?
The truth is that to this day I continue to assimilate having proclaimed myself champion of Extremadura in one of the things I like the most: Pattern Making and Fashion. It is an honor to be able to represent Extremadura, and above all my people, in the national contest.
-What do you expect from your participation at the national level?
Above all, enjoy and have a good time, that’s the main thing. I will enjoy like never before doing what I like the most, but above all with calm and head.
-Last summer you presented your first collection, and this month you present the second. How is the process of creating the collections?
The creation process is not an easy thing. Making a collection is not only the work you see, but you have to think of a theme, think of a suitable name, sketch and choose a range of colors, pattern everything that is sketched, invest in material to carry out all of the above, etc. And besides, then people may or may not like it, although today I am very satisfied with the last collection and I hope to be with the next one as well.
My inspirations are very clear and easy. I am inspired by volumes, large shapes and strong colors.
-In this last collection that you present next March 20, what have you been inspired by? what was the starting point to create it?
In this latest collection the tables have turned, I continue to be inspired by volumes and shapes, but this time I have decided to focus on the color black.
In this collection I have had a reference and a very specific motto. I have focused on the woman, the brave, empowered woman and above all a real woman. The motto and the phrase that I have followed has been: “Why we do and they don’t”. This phrase focuses on the question of why a man’s chest or semi-nudity is not censored while a woman’s is.
-Has it been a difficult path that has led you to achieve what you are currently achieving? Have you had to make sacrifices?
To be honest, things are never easy, but with effort, sacrifice and a lot of dedication, little by little you reap what you sow. Currently, my greatest sacrifice is my social and family life, being able to reconcile all that with final exams, the collection and the preparation of the contest is being hard, I’m not going to say no, but everything, after all, has their reward and so far all the sacrifices have gotten good rewards.
-Have you felt the support of your close circle?
Support is what I have always had the most. My family has always been there, at the foot of the canyon, helping me with everything. My mother and my sister are always there, for everything that occurs to me. My grandmother who is the one who is always by my side to give me a coat.
I also have the support of my friends. My Joha, as I call her, which is my right hand. My models, who I always say are the main key of the parade, because without them the suits would not shine as they do. My friend Marta, who selflessly offered me the iron from her store to prepare all the suits before the parade and since that day she has been the official name of J. Hernández ironer. Between Johana and Marta, who are the ones behind the scenes with me, my girls always come out on top, and I will be eternally grateful to them.
So how can I not have support? I have a great family, the family of J. Hernández, as I say.
-What are your future expectations regarding fashion?
I have always had my expectations clear and I hope that they can soon be fulfilled.
My biggest dream is to be able to ride in my town, the one that has always seen me do what I like the most, my own shop. I have a very clear idea of what I want and I repeat, with a lot of effort it may come to pass.
-Do you think that in Extremadura you will be able to achieve all your goals? Does he have the means to give you the opportunities you need?
Why am I not going to be able to get what I want on my land? There is nothing impossible, you just have to sow and sow a lot for tomorrow to collect all that and today, with the whole issue of social networks, you can still get to know more people. My intention is to stay where I am and continue fulfilling dreams very close to mine.
-Any advice to those who, like you, are struggling to achieve their dreams.
My biggest advice: never throw in the towel, you have to work hard and try even harder to always reach the goal you have. Things are not easy, of course they are not, but I say again that with a lot of perseverance and dedication, all dreams can be fulfilled.
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Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.