Xochil Herrera provides professional fashion design services to businesses and individuals in the Chicago area. Ms. Herrera has expert tailoring skills, and a strong skill set in fashion design, including pattern making, technical design and sewing. Ms. Herrera’s education began as a young girl, learning to sew from her grandmother at age 7. She continued her passion for fashion and pursued a formal education at The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, where she earned her Bachelor in Fine Arts in Fashion Design. After working for a few years for a Chicago boutique, she went on to study Entrepreneurship as part of a graduate certificate program at DeVry University. Ms. Herrera has been recognized as a designer by the Chicago Sun Times, MODA Fashion Gazette, New City Chicago, and was included in a feature on the ABC 7 Chicago show, 190 North. As a tailor for The Image Studios, Ms. Herrera works together with the client and wardrobe stylist to make new and existing garments fit and flatter the client’s body and style. In addition, she has designed some custom garments for clients, and also provides re-design services for items such as jackets, evening wear and fur coats.
Click here to watch Xochil’s guest appearance on Chicago’s 190 North.
Julio Alvarado is The Image Studios in-house tailor. With a ranking of Master Tailor, he has over 30 years of experience in the field. After studying at a design school in Ecuador, his native country, Julio headed north to start his tailoring career in the Chicagoland area. Throughout the years Julio has worked for an array of local businesses including Realta, American Weaving Company, Only She Boutique, Rochester (for Big and Tall men’s stores), Trend for Men, and more. In Julio’s spare time he imparts his vast knowledge of garment alterations to others by teaching his trade.
Julio’s extensive experience has allowed him to become proficient in interpreting and applying all of The Image Studios wardrobe solutions. The wide range of companies that he has worked with has helped Julio in mastering his trade, and exposed him to many different garment styles, cuts, and designers.