Oscar Garcia-Lopez was born in Havana, Cuba in 1973 and from a very young age discovered that fashion would be part of his life. But his love for the arts does not stop there

He brings in his influences of dance, ballet, music, and the theatre to give an artistic edge to his designs that leaves everyone wanting more. At the early age of 12 he created his first dress with his mother’s curtains due to the scarce resources found on the island, creating not only garments but also the tools needed to make them. He recalls “sharpening [his] needles with nail files and candle wax… only able to replace them when family members or friends would visit not only from the United States but from the European community as well.” But despite the effort of having to create his own tools “[he] was determined and didn’t mind the effort.” This little boy had found his calling and was determined to follow it. After two failed attempts of fleeing the island he “was able to leave Cuba via Mexico as part of a musical performance group.” “[He] lived there for four years and in 2004 [he] crossed the border into the United States, looking to reunite [himself] with family members and embark on the path to realize [his] dream.” Once in Miami, ­he began growing his clientele one dress at a time. His elaborate designs have captured the attention of South Beach socialites, and Palm Beach and New York high-society ladies.

While he continued building his loyal clientele, he took on the challenge of participating in the Project Runway spin-off Under the Gunn hosted by none other than the fierce Tim Gunn, with co-judges including designer Rachel Roy, celebrity stylist Jen Rade, and Marie Claire senior fashion editor Zanna Roberts Rassi. From the first episode, Oscar’s talent was eminent, and quickly started to receive compliments from judges very early on in the competition. Every time he presented a new creation it was described as flattering, sexy, and fierce, characteristics that he makes sure is found in all of his designs. The judges also praised his outstanding construction and pointed out that many of his gowns had the red-carpet “wow” that celebrities kill for.