After training with New York's Fashion Institute of Technology and designer labels Ralph Lauren and TSE, I broke off with my own line DRES in October of 2002. For Spring 2004 I introduced my first complete designer collection and presented it at New York's Bryant Park Fashion week. Today DRES is a line of contemporary accessories with perforation as my signature. I made the decision to start my line while taking a bath the day after a near death experience. Then seemed as good a time as any. I put on my first runway show in less than three months that year.

We start with the finest, most supple, thick Italian full aniline leather carefully perforated by craftsmen with mastery over half a century. It has taken me years to perfect this technique. Perforations enhance the leather by adding breathability, drape, texture, patter, and by reducing weight. It also transforms leather into a grid which provides a foundation for exact cutting and sewing. All accessories are sewn and constructed by hand in my studio.

something interesting about my line is the name DRES comes from the last four letters of my name, Andrés. I was born in Guatemala, and this is a Spanish name. However, my parents are from California and Florida. The e is pronounced like the a in race.

My biggest nightmare for sure is developing molded rubber belts in China through Hong Kong. It took two years for me to see something I could approve. I have now learned it is better to do all development locally. China's strength is in copying and producing. My greatest achievement is my love and appreciation for what I create. I feel I am doing something innovative and beneficial for the world. My father was an engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Although I am bad with numbers, we have a similar perspective.