Meet Flora Montes

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Flora Montes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Flora, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Fashion has been a transformative force in my life, especially as I navigate PTSD and depression stemming from past trauma. It has offered me a creative outlet to express emotions that words often fail to capture. The vibrant world of fashion allows me to reclaim control, empowering me to redefine my identity on my own terms. Whether it’s designing, curating looks, or producing events, the process brings structure and purpose, alleviating the chaos that mental health struggles can bring.

More importantly, fashion has been instrumental in rebuilding my self-esteem and confidence. By immersing myself in an art form that celebrates individuality and creativity, I’ve learned to embrace my authentic self. When I wear or create something meaningful, it becomes more than just clothing—it transforms into armor, a symbol of resilience that helps me face the world with newfound strength and pride.

Fashion’s emphasis on beauty, self-expression, and community has created a supportive space where I feel seen, valued, and connected. This journey has shown me that fashion isn’t just about style—it’s a healing journey. It has allowed me to channel pain into purpose, turn struggles into strength, and build a legacy of empowerment for myself and others.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Bronx Fashion Week and Bronx Fashion NYC were initiatives born from a vision to redefine fashion by celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and community empowerment. Our mission is to create platforms where underrepresented voices in the fashion industry can shine, whether through showcasing bold designs, highlighting untold stories, or connecting communities through the transformative power of style.

Bronx Fashion Week bridges creativity and purpose. It’s not just a runway show—it’s a movement that amplifies individuality and fosters collaboration among designers, models, and creatives of all backgrounds. Each event we produce is infused with meaning, whether honoring survivors, celebrating ageless beauty, or spotlighting emerging talent. This year, we’re expanding with initiatives like Fashion Redefined, which challenges traditional norms and celebrates diverse identities, cultures, and body types.

One of the most memorable aspects of Bronx Fashion NYC is its commitment to inspiring future generations. We empower youth and aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big and achieve their goals through partnerships with schools, mentorship programs, and events like the Prom Drive Giveaway.

We have several exciting events on the horizon, including our Spring/Summer 2025 season launch at Bronx Borough Hall on February 13th and our collaboration with the American Cancer Society for the Making Strides Survivor Fashion Showcase at the end of September. Each project is a testament to our belief that fashion is not just about what you wear but how it empowers and uplifts individuals and communities.

Bronx Fashion Week is more than a brand; it’s a legacy built on resilience, creativity, and transformation. This journey from adversity to entrepreneurship fuels a passion for inspiring others to find their voice and create meaningful change through their work.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been instrumental in shaping who I am today: resilience, vision, and the ability to connect with others.

Resilience has been my anchor. Life’s challenges, from personal trauma to the hurdles of entrepreneurship, could have easily derailed me. Instead, I found strength in adversity, using it as a catalyst to create something meaningful. For those starting, I encourage you to see challenges not as roadblocks but as stepping stones. No matter how many times you fall, your ability to rise will define your success.

Vision has been my compass. Bronx Fashion Week and Bronx Fashion NYC began as dreams—a spark of an idea to redefine fashion, celebrate diversity, and highlight all the beautiful things the Bronx has to offer. A clear vision gave me purpose and direction, even when the path felt uncertain. To those just beginning, I urge you to dream boldly and unapologetically. Then, take actionable steps every day toward that dream. Clarity in your vision will guide you through the noise.

Lastly, the ability to connect with others has been my superpower. Building relationships based on trust, authenticity, and shared goals has opened doors I never imagined. Surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and support you. Collaboration and community will amplify your journey.

For anyone starting, remember this: Your journey is uniquely yours. Cultivate resilience to weather storms, a vision to guide your steps, and connections to help you grow. With these, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always looking for passionate individuals and organizations to partner and collaborate with! We are driven by a mission of inclusivity, empowerment, and positive impact, and we believe that collaboration is at the heart of creating lasting change. We seek people who are not only talented in their fields but also share our values of diversity, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a designer, a mentor, an educator, or someone dedicated to making a difference, we would love to work together to elevate voices, build opportunities, and reshape the fashion industry.
If you believe in empowering communities and embracing new perspectives, I encourage you to reach out. You can connect with me directly through email at flora@bronxfashionweek or by visiting our website, www.bronxfashionweek.com, for more information on collaboration you can also follow us on Instagram at @bronxfashion. Together we can build a brighter, more inclusive future, one partnership at a time.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographer Alex Pesantes Follow his work on @splitsecondmoments_ Thank you to Fashion Designer @habyia.manzanillo @mallatbayplaza @byashleystewart @gap @oldnavy @uniqlo @fajas_xbelta @madragstores @sephora.bayplaza

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