Designer Sitka Semsch Opens on Miracle Mile

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AN INTERVIEW WITH SITKA SEMSCH WHO IS OPENING A BOUTIQUE AT 330 MIRACLE MILE

As part of a new interview series presented by Terranova Corporation, we’re spotlighting the people and businesses shaping our community. This month’s conversation, led by Mindy Mcllroy, offers a closer look at the story behind the store Sitka Semsch.

Sitka Semsch, a Lima-born fashion designer whose work blends modern silhouettes with the rich textures and cultural influences of Peru. Known for her attention to detail and for infusing her ethos – planet, people, purpose – into each piece, Sitka creates clothing that feels both timeless and effortless.

How would you describe the woman you design for?

I would say my woman is wel traveled and socially active but most importantly she is so secure in herself that she doesn’t need brand recognition. That part is very important. She is looking for unique pieces that aren’t available worldwide. Something specific. Something that has a story and is very handcrafted. You know we do all of our collections in Peru. I am Peruvian. The work that we do impacts many women in Peru. All of my manufacturers are women.

Your designs reflect a strong sense of place. How has growing up in Lima Peru shaped your creative vision?

Anyone who knows Peru, they know that we have the inca culture and all of the cultures previous to the inca culture. We have a lot of roots, a lot of handcraft, a lot of story. It’s a very cultured country. So definitely growing up – this really impacts you. I try to incorporate the handcraft into the collections but in a very elevated way. Not necessarily ethnic, but with handcraft and flair. Definitely my collections are rooted and even the store décor in the Peruvian culture.

Planet, People, Purpose – your design philosophy – how would you describe it to someone discovering your brand for the first time?

For us our values are more important than anything else. We produce exactly for the demand that we have.
We do not over produce, we don’t like to have excess inventory, over consumption, putting things on sale, all the things that the fashion industry is complaining about. I don’t want to be part of that. I want to be part of the responsible way of doing things and we can do it by looking at consumption, working responsibly and that is taking care of the planet. Regarding people, I have a saying: it’s not about the clothes; it’s about the woman. I say this because, for me, women are the most important factor in the value chain. From the women who sew and weave the collection to the woman who wears it, and anyone in between. To be really taken care of in every sense of the word. From the personal side, the family side, income – in all the value chain we have to be really well taken care of. This is my purpose actually. I always say, if I do not impact thru what I love doing – which is design – then let others design. I would not have the brand. For me the brand is about impact.

Your work was recognized by the Tory Burch Foundation. Tell us about that.

That was amazing. They choose 50 women out of the whole united states. You have to be a womanowned business. They look at your business plan and depending on the solidity of your business they choose you or not. If chosen you are trained for a whole year on how to scale, grow and make your business more solid for the future. At the end of May, along with the other 49 women I will be going to New York to meet Tory Burch and to present the business plan.

Why is connecting with communities like Coral Gables important to your brands growth?

I love Coral Gables, I love the women in Coral Gables because I think they fit perfectly the vision of the brand.
We are not about logos. I could put a logo, I could be louder but I am not that person, intrinsically, I am a different person and I think the brand reflects who I am and that attracts women of Coral Gables which yes, they like to dress beautifully but in an understated way which is my vision – more classy, natural and you can appreciate the handcraft.