We were lucky to catch up with Nadjhla Gracia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nadjhla, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome, for me, has been less about silencing doubt and more about redefining what confidence truly means. In fashion, as in life, confidence isn’t the absence of uncertainty; it’s the courage to create despite it. When I first launched NADJEA Swimwear, and later conceptualized the Art Deco Fashion Show, I was acutely aware that I was entering spaces historically reserved for others, spaces where heritage, culture, and perspective like mine weren’t always represented.
But instead of seeing that as a limitation, I began to see it as my distinction, my contribution. The Art Deco Fashion Show was born from that very mindset: to honor Miami’s architectural legacy while rewriting the narrative of who gets to celebrate it. My designs, much like the show itself, became a dialogue between past and present, between the elegance of Art Deco and the resilience of my own cultural story.
So, overcoming imposter syndrome meant grounding myself in purpose. It meant understanding that I wasn’t “fitting into” the industry, I was expanding it. Every collection, every show, and every collaboration became a reflection of that truth: that belonging isn’t granted, it’s created through authenticity, dedication, and vision.
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?
Honestly, everything I do, from NADJEA Swimwear to the Art Deco Fashion Show, comes back to storytelling. For me, fashion isn’t just about clothes; it’s about culture, identity, and legacy. NADJEA was born out of my Miami roots and the city’s creative energy. I wanted to design pieces that reflect strength and femininity with purpose.
The Art Deco Fashion Show grew out of that same vision. It actually started at the historic Richmond Hotel, inspired by conversations with Patti and Alan Herbert, who are Art Deco visionaries. What began as a tribute to Miami’s Art Deco heritage evolved into a celebration of fashion, art, and architecture, a way to preserve history through design.
Today, the show has become a platform that unites designers, artists, and innovators during Miami Swim Week and Art Basel. It’s about more than just fashion, it’s community, creativity, and honoring the past while inspiring what’s next.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that shaped my journey most were resilience, vision, and community. Resilience taught me to embrace uncertainty, fashion is unpredictable, but that’s where innovation thrives. I learned early on to see every challenge as a redesign, not a rejection. Vision gave me direction. Whether it’s designing a swimwear collection or curating the Art Deco Fashion Show, I always lead with the question: “What story are we telling?” That focus on purpose and storytelling allows everything to stay authentic and connected to culture.
And of course, community, none of this exists in isolation. The Art Deco Fashion Show was born from meaningful collaborations and a shared love for Miami’s history and design. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision is just as important as the vision itself. For anyone just starting out, my advice is this: stay consistent, stay curious, and stay connected. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just keep creating, keep learning, and let your work evolve, because that evolution is the journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. The Art Deco Fashion Show was built on the idea of community, bringing together designers, artists, models, photographers, and beauty and wellness brands to celebrate creativity in all its forms. We’re always looking for passionate individuals and brands who share our love for storytelling through art, fashion, and culture.
If you’re someone who creates with intention, whether that’s through design, movement, imagery, or wellness, we’d love to connect and explore how your vision can become part of this experience. You can reach out and learn more about partnership opportunities through our website at ArtDecoFashionShow.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ArtDecoFashionShow.com
- Instagram: @ArtDeco.FashionShow
Image Credits
NADJEA, MARTIN MEDIA.
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