Growing up in a house where creativity was a way of life, Sofia Tcherassi’’s journey into the world of fashion was organic, almost inevitable.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
From as far back as she can remember, Sofia was surrounded by fabrics and creativity. Her mother, a prominent figure in the Colombian fashion industry, worked without interruption even while pregnant. Just two weeks after Sofia was born, she was already accompanying her mother to the workshop. This early exposure to the world of fashion was not just a backdrop but a defining feature of her upbringing. “My brother and I were always very involved in the business, but I was never forced into it. My admiration for my mother and grandmother was so strong that it happened naturally,” Sofia reflects. Silvia Tcherassi started her brand in Barranquilla, Colombia almost by accident. According to Mauricio Espinosa Tcherassi, Sofia’s older brother who also works at the company as the Director of Innovation, Silvia found swatches of leather that a company was going to throw away and took them home to sew them on a t-shirt. She wore it around town, and all of a sudden people wanted to buy one. Silvia and her mother Vera have been working together since 1987. Mauricio joined in 2016 and Sofia has been in the company since 2020. This natural affinity for fashion manifested early for Sofia as she began creating her own collections and capsules, driven by the inspiration she found at home.
A Dream Realized
Sofia’s love for her roots in the fashion industry led her to study at Parsons School of Design in New York in 2016. It has been her dream since she was little. However, the transition was not without its challenges. “While at Parsons, I faced a crucial moment: questioning if I truly enjoyed the career path. What I had always seen as a hobby now had tasks and obligations, making me wonder, if not this, then what?” she recalls. With the support of her family, Sofia decided to persevere. Her mother assured her that if she didn’t enjoy being a designer, she should at least give herself the opportunity to learn more. Her mother also advised her to explore other areas during internships, suggesting that she might discover other aspects of the industry that she could enjoy. This guidance led Sofia to a series of diverse experiences in the fashion industry. During her first semester, Sofia interned in PR at Oscar de la Renta, followed by a stint in styling with Cristina Ehrlich. “I loved working with Cristina, but I couldn’t see myself doing it long-term. It was something I needed to understand for our brand,” she explains. Next, she joined The Row in PR, an experience that taught her a lot about quality and perfection. “The Row focused on quality, not just creativity, but perfect materials and craftsmanship. This attention to detail is something I now replicate at Silvia Tcherassi.” Her final internship was in sales at Gabriela Hearst, which turned into her first job. Sofia planned to continue working with them after graduation, but then the pandemic hit, prompting her to move to Miami and find her place in the family business. “Honestly, it was challenging, because I came from a design background. I knew how to do it, but I felt a bit burned out and decided to start in sales,” Sofia admits. However, her natural inclination towards creativity soon saw her working closely with the creative team, combining her design skills with her new role in sales.
The Family and The Doe
At Istituto Marangoni Miami, Sofia sits on the opposite side from her brother, while Eva Hughes, Executive Vice President of the school stands between the two, asking polite questions. Sofía looks like she is another student. Even though she is long and lean, she looks like a cute doe. Her hair is parted in half, and rich-girl waves fall on each side of her face. She’s wearing a white leather set, a jacket, and a midi skirt with laser-cut flowers and bone-colored booties. In the elevator, she says it’s from the latest collection. In the discussion, Eva asks her about her role as the brand’s ambassador too. She answers gracefully, mentioning how it is natural to want to wear what she believes in. In her latest Instagram post, she appears “twinning” with her mom in a Pre-Spring 2025 collection tie-dye blue look. The entire family is on one side of the room, lined up to see the two Espinosa Tcherassi kids talk about legacy. There are two old ladies, one is Vera, and the other one may be an aunt. There is also the father, Silvia, and Mauricio’s new Mexican wife. She also looks like a student, but not a doe. On Zoom, Sofia talks to me as a friend. Close and easygoing. Key Responsibilities of a Creative Visionary As the Director of Ready-to-Wear at Silvia Tcherassi, Sofia’s role is multifaceted. “I am involved in every stage of creating a collection. This includes selecting fabrics in Italy, overseeing campaign imagery, and coordinating presentations,” she explains. Every collection starts with a vision. Sofia and Silvia travel to Italy to select the finest fabrics, ensuring they align with the brand’s design philosophy, “effortlessly elegant”. Back at the studio, she collaborates closely with the design team, spending countless hours sketching, draping, and refining each piece until it meets their high standards. Once the designs are finalized, Sofia oversees the production process, ensuring each garment is crafted with precision. Campaign imagery is another crucial aspect of her role. She works with photographers, stylists, and models to create visuals that capture the essence of the collection. The final step is presenting the collection to the world through runway shows, digital presentations, or private viewings. “Each season’s launch is an opportunity to connect with our audience and showcase our work. The cycle is continuous, and each season brings new lessons and achievements,” she says.
A New Generation of Fashion Visionaries
Sofia represents a new generation of creative directors who define fashion on their own terms. “My generation is undoubtedly more daring, which is evident in our latest collections that experiment with bold silhouettes and innovative fabrics. However, I also believe in honoring tradition and the past. The masters of the past are revered for a reason, and their influence should not be overlooked,” she emphasizes. Sofia acknowledges that her wisdom and experience have been crucial to their growth. “While we must adapt to contemporary trends, this should be done intuitively and with a deep respect for the past. The Dynamics of a Family-Run Business Running a family business can be complex, but for the Tcherassi family, it has always been a natural way of life. “It hasn’t been complicated for us. My brother and I were born into a well-established company, so we were always used to discussing the business. That was our life; we never saw it as work. We could be having lunch and naturally talk about work, but it was never a taboo subject, unlike in many other families,” Sofia explains. The siblings have very different roles in the company, which helps avoid conflicts. “We talk daily but don’t work directly together. We simply share opinions and respect each other’s thoughts. We complement each other despite our differences,” she says. Sofia believes in gradual growth, ensuring everything goes smoothly. Her first year at the company was tough as she had to get used to how everything worked. “My brother did take on the role of boss, but I think it was more about my perception at the time. It all worked out in the end,” she reflects. Her father handles the financial side, and their communication is mainly about fabric orders. “He doesn’t touch any other aspect of Silvia Tcherassi and about my mother, she has always given me full support,” Sofia says.
Advice for Working with Family
For those navigating the complexities of working with family, Sofia has some sage advice, “always be respectful and considerate, regardless of the situation. Everyone likely shares the same ultimate goals but may have different ideas on how to achieve them. It’s important to remember this.” Some families prefer to keep work and personal lives separate, but for the Tcherassi family, they are closely intertwined. “For us, this works well. We are very liberal, always joking around, and there are no rules about not talking business,” she says.
Looking Ahead: Sofia Tcherassi’s Vision for the Company
Sofia envisions the company staying true to its essence while expanding its reach. “I see our essence remaining the same, but I envision more women wearing our brand. For us, our clients are like family at the end of the day,” she shares.
Throughout her career in the fashion world, Sofia also engaged with Istituto Marangoni Miami, taking part in panel discussions and imparting her knowledge to aspiring designers. The Miami School of Fashion & Design serves as a successful center for fashion education, where students can receive guidance from industry expert Sofia, who combines creativity with a strong understanding of business.
