Danilda Baez is a Dominican fashion designer. She attended Mercy Jacques Technology Institute where she worked as fashion illustrator and textile instructor after her graduation. In 1991 she participated with Master Guillo Perez’s Workshop where she discovered her love for colors and oil canvas painting. In 1994 Danilda owned and operated her own clothing brand called Taina Fashion which manufactured ladies and junior garments for local markets. She also developed a hair accessories line called “Band Bangs”. She was awarded a scholarship to attend Miami International University of Art & Design where she received her A.A in Fashion Design. In 2014, she went back to school at Florida International University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. She currently shares her knowledge and skills teaching Fashion Illustration to children and adults around Miami including us here at the Fashion Institute of South Florida.
FACULTY
MS. DANILDA BAEZ
MS. DESIRAE ALLEN
Following the completion of her M.B.A studies, Desirae gained experience as a Freelance Fashion Colorist, Fashion Design, and Production Assistant for companies such as Liz Claiborne Inc. DKNY Jeans International, and Warnaco/Calvin Klein Jeans. Desirae extended her time abroad and traveled to countries such as Japan and South Africa in addition, interning at Diane Von Furstenberg Studio in London as a Wholesale Sales Assistant. With over a decade as a Fashion Design/Merchandising Professor, Desirae continues on her journey of creating, designing, and learning new techniques within the industry. Desirae accredits these amazing blessings to her life of service as an ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
M.B.A studies in International Business Administration-London, England. B.A. in Fashion Design/Merchandising-Atlanta, Ga.
MS. RUCHT D' OLEO - SCHWARTZ
Ms. D’Oleo-Schwartz began her start in fashion design at a very young age in her native Dominican Republic by designing and sewing clothes for her Barbie dolls. In 1995 Rucht formally began building her knowledge in fashion design by attending Instituto Tecnologico Mercy Jacquez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Her name soon became very well known among staff and classmates for her notable ability in design, construction, and pattern making. D’Oleo-Schwartz graduated at the top of her class with a diploma in fashion design.
Shortly after in 1998, Rucht entered the Emerging Designer Competition in Santo Domingo and won first place, earning the distinctive and select title of Best Designer of the Year. This new found success fueled her love for fashion design even more. D’Oleo opened a designs studio in Santo Domingo.
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She was soon hired by various high end clients giving her the opportunity to create original collections and earn experience in the cut throat fashion industry. Rucht’s hard work paid off. Her designs were featured in numerous fashion shows and published in several local newspapers. She also designed and constructed gowns for two candidates in the Miss Dominican Republic Pageant.
D’Oleo first collection debuted in stores in the spring of 2006. Her collections can be described as rich in wearable and comfortable pieces, sexy tops, cocktail dresses, casual pants and tailored jackets. All one-of-a-kind pieces made w/ carefully chosen natural materials such as linen, cotton, and silk.
D’Oleo greater achievement is to receive the Key of Miami Dade County from Mayor, Carlos Alvarez during a private ceremony in December 2009. Also her designs has been featured in various local and international media such as the Miami Herald, Daily candy, Florida International Magazine, Miami Dade TV 6 Degrees Magazine, Biscayne Times, NBCMiami.com an appearance on Janice Dickenson Model Agency Reality Show. Rucht D’Oleo also showcased her latest collection at FUNKSHION Fashion Week 2008 where she won “Best Emerging Designer” with her Spring/Summer 2009 Collection and Republica Dominicana Fashion Week with her Resort 2010 collection .She captured the attention of retailers and buyers and fashion editors all over the world at the Coast trade show in Miami and The Americas MartAtlanta PREMIERE in Atlanta, Georgia. She was selected in 2016 as “Top 20 professionals under 40” by Brickell Mag.
In October 2017, she was invited to be one of nine judges for the international Fashion Designers contest, ŁÓDŹ YOUNG FASHION 2017, help in the city of Lodz, Poland. Ms. D’Oleo was selected to evaluate, advice, and judge the participants that submitted their designs to the contest.
Rucht D’Oleo is the author of the first book written in Spanish about the business of fashion “ El Negocio de la Moda” and the creator and director of the Fashion Institute of South Florida.
She also teaches seminars in fashion universities in many cities of Latino America and offers business consulting for Spanish speakers’ designers and fashion brands.
Ms. Iris De Leon
Ms. Iris De Leon is a seasoned professional with over twenty-five years of experience as a Fashion Designer, Senior Pattern Maker, and Production expert.
Ms. De Leon has previously held pivotal roles such as Assistant Professor at the Art Institute of Miami and Atelier Manager for Esteban Cortazar LLC. As the CEO of IMD Atelier Inc., she showcased her talents
through collaborations with prestigious clients like Miami Heat, Zaccaro Grimaldi, Elastic People, and ClaudiaE.
Stepping into the role of Head Patternmaker for SEN Collection, Ms. De Leon has been a driving force in design conception, pattern creation, fittings, and overseeing the entire production process. Her previous
stint at Elan International further amplifies her proficiency in managing design tech packs and fit comments for overseas contractors in China and India.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, she brings a wealth of expertise, including pattern making, sewing techniques, tech pack creation, and fabric sourcing.
In her freelance capacity, she has continued to impress, contributing her expertise to projects for Blanco's beachwear line, Born This Way's scrubs, and small-scale production for Balia wear.
Ms. De Leon’s wealth of experience is a valuable addition to our Florida Institute of Florida family and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to our school.
