Let Carolina Sarria Dress Your Alter-Ego

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Okay, so I’ve been following Carolina Sarria‘s story, and it’s seriously inspiring. She moved to New York over 20 years ago to chase her dream of being an artist, and she stuck to her guns. It totally paid off – she’s now graced the cover of Vogue Italia and is working with the Warhol Foundation. She just didn’t compromise on what she wanted to create, and that’s what got her where she is today.

The Colombian artist and designer sees her work as a blend of opposing ideas, bringing together different qualities. She begins many projects with her own handcrafted art, but isn’t afraid to use technology. Her brand is deeply personal, inspired by her own passions and creative impulses, though she collaborates with a team to bring her visions to life. While she values tradition, she also believes in challenging the status quo.

The artist describes her creative approach as ‘punk,’ meaning she doesn’t believe any material is inherently better or more valuable than another – nothing is off-limits. Similar to her collage-based designs, she draws inspiration from New York City’s art scene, historical subcultures, and the idea of modern extravagance. This is evident in her new Fall/Winter 2026 collection, ‘Poker Face,’ which incorporates elements like gambling imagery, poker chips, and origami money.

Sarria discussed her creative process and design philosophy with TopMob, describing herself as a designer who doesn’t follow the crowd.

How do you define yourself as an artist, and what does your initial creative process look like?

I’m an artist who works with many different mediums. I begin with the artistic concept itself, rather than focusing on the clothing first. I also really enjoy collecting images and interesting objects – that’s a big part of my process and something I truly love doing.

When I get an idea, I begin collecting materials and arranging them on the walls. I’m fascinated by how different elements look together, especially when they create a contrast – that’s where the real impact lies. I aim for unexpected combinations, so I layer and adjust things, adding more and more until I’ve built a complex, multi-material artwork.




What inspired your new collection, “Poker Face,” and how does it relate to your style?

I don’t really believe in using only certain materials – I see everything as fair game. I don’t think anything is too special or off-limits. For my ‘Poker Face’ collection, I’m even working with actual U.S. currency, folding it into origami shapes and adding it to the designs. Expect to see elements like poker chips, cards, and spiked details.

This collection was inspired by a period in my life when I was really living it up – a time of excess, a bit chaotic, and very self-indulgent. I channeled the energy of places like Las Vegas, with its all-night atmosphere, and tried to capture that specific feeling and moment in my work.

All items will feature an [AR] tag that activates when you win a jackpot game. If you hit the jackpot on an item, you’ll receive another item of your choice for free. I designed this to be flexible and engaging, so collecting feels like building a personal memory with each piece – you can virtually see your item come to life as part of that memory.

I approach materials without any preconceived notions. I don’t believe anything is inherently ‘basic’ or ‘precious’ – everything is fair game. I don’t consider any material off-limits.

You often use trench coats in your collections. Why that specific garment?

Trench coats represent a classic way of life, and that’s what draws me to them as an artist. I love using them as a way to playfully disrupt expectations and reimagine tradition. What really inspires me is how enduring and iconic the trench coat is – it’s a truly timeless design, and that’s incredibly powerful.




Who is the client you have in mind when you are designing?

I style a lot of artists – musicians, rappers, rockers, you name it – but honestly, I design for the guy who wants to express a different side of himself, even if it’s just for a quick trip to the deli and back. It’s about letting people play with their image, you know?

Can you tell us about your collaboration with the Warhol Foundation?

Following the project, I had the chance to meet the foundation’s president. He shared that my work was highly regarded by the foundation, and we quickly became close friends. He’s now one of my dearest friends.

I really enjoyed a collaboration I did for about two and a half years. I got to work with actual Andy Warhol images, restoring them and then transforming them through mixed media. I added color, texture, and even used burning techniques to create collages that were eventually turned into clothing. It was a very exciting project for me.

When you’re creating something, it’s essential to have a strong, supportive team who share your vision. It’s similar to how different art materials combine to create a complete and cohesive piece.

How do you know when you’re done?

I don’t decide when to finish. I rely on editors to review my work and cut it down to a manageable length – usually from around fifty parts to about twenty-two – otherwise, I’d just keep going and going.

Being creative requires a strong, supportive team who share your vision. It’s like different elements coming together to form a complete picture – success happens when everyone collaborates effectively. My achievements aren’t just my own; they’re a result of the amazing people I work with.

You also have a collection inspired by the Yakuza. What drew you to that theme?

Tattoos are permanent, and I discovered they represent much more than just decoration. They often carry deep meaning, like strength, loyalty, or a sense of self. I noticed many people conceal their tattoos under clothing, which made me wonder if I could create a way for them to be displayed and celebrated. That’s what inspired me to bring these designs and symbols to life, allowing people to showcase them proudly.

I’m a huge fan of tattoos, even though I don’t actually have any yet! I’ve been thinking about getting one for ages, but I’m super indecisive, so I like the idea of something temporary – like a skin sticker or something that feels like a tattoo without being permanent. I change my mind way too often to commit to ink right now!

I’m a firm believer in being authentic and expressing yourself freely. I won’t stay silent – I’ll always share my thoughts and feelings, however I choose.

What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

My work varies – sometimes I’m creating visual inspiration boards, designing entire collections, or coordinating everything from my phone and computer. When I’m in design mode, things get really busy. I often get completely absorbed in my work, staying intensely focused for days, weeks, or even months at a time.

I also bring the team here regularly. Depending on the day, it might be the tech team, or craftspeople working on things like airbrushing, embroidery, and beading to create samples. I prefer to make the samples here myself – for example, I created the collage for the trench coat in this space. We do a lot of creative work here, combining elements like casino newspaper clippings and rock and roll imagery. Maintaining these traditional skills and techniques is really important to me.

I work with a variety of tools – everything from heat guns to airbrushes and sewing machines. I also really enjoy using AI; it helps me stay on top of things. I use it to visualize my designs on models, which helps me refine the look and feel. I love being able to move between the digital and physical worlds in my creative process.




Finally, what would you say is your “North Star” as an artist?

I’m drawn to things that are different, contrasting, and unexpected – especially those that challenge the mainstream. Groups like the Yakuza, with their unique values and symbols, really embody that. There’s something incredibly strong about staying true to your beliefs and identity like that.

I don’t follow the crowd, and I’m passionate about peace, love, creativity, and building community. I believe in being authentic and expressing yourself freely. I refuse to be silenced – I’ll always find a way to speak my mind, no matter the consequences. Truly, self-expression is my guiding principle. I need to say what’s on my mind, even if it’s risky. This is simply who I am and what I feel compelled to share.

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2026-02-14 14:29