Alba is the founder and creative behind Mariana by Alba, the corset brand that is taking over NYC. Whether you’ve seen her pieces at Tumbao on Orchard St. or on an online editorial, once you see one of her pieces you can’t stop thinking about them. So, I had to ask Alba to come on Chevere Means Cool and tell us some more about her story.

Mariana by Alba is a space for creativity that almost started as an outlet for her to be playful and use some of the sewing skills she learned from her grandma. This made-to-order pieces are crafted by hand between New York and Mexico from natural fibers and deadstock materials, making them all extremely unique. Her brand grew organically and she’s ready to introduce a new collection with inventive takes on the classic corset, redefining what this historical piece has normally been associated with. She wants people to feel empowered and sensual when they were her pieces, and mostly have fun with them! Alba has a vibrant aura to her that immediately makes you want to befriend her and this energetic, genuine charisma really translates to her brand.

Listen to her story and follow @marianabyalba for more.