Tenerife Finalist Anaih Zarzo Weaves Canarian Heritage into Fashion

Anaih Zarzo (Tenerife, 1996) is a promising designer with strong technical skills. Her first collection, Magua, draws inspiration from Canarian decorative stamps and rock art. Her designs were featured at the Tenerife Moda International Young Designers Competition, where she was one of the seven finalists.

Anaih studied Bespoke and Show Costume at the Las Indias Integrated Vocational Training Center (CIFP). She's now combining her Pattern Making and Fashion studies there with starting her own professional career. Through her brand, Amara, Zarzo champions sustainable, feminine, and versatile fashion. Her brand also reflects Canarian identity and culture.

–What led you to dedicate yourself to fashion?

“I'm simply drawn to design, clothes, and everything to do with sewing. It started when I saw my sister in the Costume program. I thought, ‘What she's doing is so cool! I want to try it and see if I like it.’ That's when my passion for this world really began.”

–How does the creative process for making a collection begin?

“It all depends on what I'm interested in at the time. For example, with the Magua collection, I started with Canarian decorative stamps. From there, I gathered photos, researched information, took notes, and did a lot of initial research before I even started designing and creating.”

–And what is your method for materializing and developing those designs?

“First, I create mood boards. This means collecting ideas from Pinterest, along with images of designs from other collections, visual elements, or fabrics that catch my eye. Then, I put everything into a document and quickly draw simple sketches. For the competition collection, they asked for 10 designs, but I made more. From there, I can get rid of what I don't love or add details from one design to another. Once I've drawn them, I digitize them. After that, I make the patterns, buy the fabrics, and start sewing.”

–What does this project mean to you?

“Magua is like my baby. It's the first collection I've ever presented and created. I put so much effort into creating these ideas, and at the same time, I learned a lot and gained so much. It means a lot to me. Later, I'll release more collections.”

“I want to incorporate the feminine sensibility that we all like to look good and feel comfortable.”

–How did you experience the competition from the inside? How did you manage to participate in it?

“They were long months of sleepless nights, tears, and anxiety. I received a lot of support from people in my class. At first, I wanted to do everything myself because it was my first time in a competition like this, and I wanted it to be entirely my own work. Within a couple of weeks, I realized I needed help, especially with the sewing. Having a team really motivated me. I felt very demotivated and, at several points, I was ready to give up. But seeing so many hands working and how quickly we made progress, I understood that it was possible. Without their help, I couldn't have done it. It sounds cliché, but it's absolutely true.”

–And after so much effort, how did you feel seeing your outfits on the runway?

“It was very exciting to experience the chaos backstage and the whole journey leading up to that moment. However, I didn't fully react until I got back to the hotel. There, I felt a huge weight lift off me after so much pressure. I hadn't realized I'd reached the finish line, and that feeling brought me to tears. I realized I can handle anything. I survived the hard work and appreciated seeing my vision become a reality.”

–What changes have you noticed from when you started until now?

“I've seen enormous growth, both personally and professionally. It's incredible to be a student and bring this project to life. I consider it a huge achievement. It's a big change, and I'm not the same person I was before. I'm much stronger now.”

–Do you believe that being in the Canary Islands influences your creative process, whether it's the climate or the culture?

“It's more about the culture than the climate. The climate doesn't affect it as much. In fact, these designs are based on Canarian traditions because that's where I come from. Fashion is a way to remember our roots and where we come from, in all aspects of life. It's also something I want to include in my future designs. I'd like to help preserve that Canarian heritage that's being lost. Well, more than lost, it's being forgotten.”

–Do you think it's difficult to work in this sector?

“It's difficult, but not impossible. It's difficult in many ways, like working with little money and facing a lot of competition. There are even people who can be disloyal, but even so, it's incredibly rewarding. If it's something you love and truly want to do, it won't be impossible.”

–What inspiration is behind your brand, Amara, and how do you seek to reflect it in your creations?

“I focus more on feminine designs, though I'd like to explore men's fashion later. Right now, I focus on the clothes I wear and what women like me need or want to wear every day. I want to include that feminine touch that helps us all look good and feel comfortable, especially within the community. I also want the brand to be very versatile, so my clothes can be styled in many different ways. I don't want collections just for runways; I want something for everyday life.”