It’s such a delight to live in a world where disruptors are reshaping conventional opinions and people are speaking up for fairness and including everyone. Thanks to champions like Mariela Sabino, who stands out as a leader making things better for everyone.
A champion of Dominican designers, Mariela Sabino, is a real go-getter who’s been all over the world, making a difference wherever she goes. She’s not just about winning for herself; she’s about making sure everyone has a fair shot, especially women of color.
After earning her graduate degree in Communication Journalism in the Dominican Republic, Mariela Sabino felt a pull toward exploring a different facet of fashion. This led her to transition from her homeland to the vibrant streets of Paris, where she flourished at Istituto Marangoni, an esteemed institution affiliated with Manchester Metropolitan University.
From her home in the Dominican Republic to the grandiloquent fashion spots in Paris, Mariela has made her mark. We have often seen her breaking down barriers; showing that women can do anything they set their minds to.
Recently featured as one of the “Top 30 Women Leaders of 2024”, her story addresses a myriad of challenges that women face every day, and steering empowerment for all the women out there who don’t always get heard. It’s about standing up for each other and making sure everyone gets a chance to shine.
Ever since she has extended boundaries and has gone beyond fashion runways. From writing about fashion to designing for big brands and directing shows, she’s steered her journey to become a head of Communications and Marketing at A.B.A Yacht SRL. Previously, she had integrated her skills into the realm of luxury, but now, with A.B.A Yacht, she’s adding a distinctive flair to the domain of luxury boats.
We recently met her for the part of our interview series, and we realized how her story is all about “exploring, being creative, and never giving up.”
- Throughout your career, you’ve been a vocal advocate for diversity and empowerment, particularly for women of color. Why do you believe it’s crucial to have representation from diverse backgrounds in positions of power?
Forget glass ceilings, we need a kaleidoscope of leadership! Diverse perspectives, not just in gender but in ethnicity, culture, and background, ignite a wealth of ideas. Imagine solutions free from blind spots, fueled by the experiences of a richer talent pool. When people see themselves leading, trust and collaboration soar. Leaders who understand the mosaic of society can craft policies that truly represent everyone. In a globalized world, companies with diverse leadership are the ones best equipped to navigate new markets and win. So, diversity isn’t just fair, it’s a recipe for success!
- Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party aboard a luxurious yacht, and you have the opportunity to invite three influential figures, living or deceased, from the worlds of fashion, art, and activism. Who would you invite, and what conversations do you envision sparking among your guests?
I would like to confront different people, 3 is too little hahaha. Imagine a conversation between Nina Simone, the iconic singer who fought for social justice through her music, Coco Chanel, the fashion legend who redefined women’s clothing, and Andy Warhol, the pop art pioneer who blurred the lines between art and commerce. This wouldn’t just be a meeting of creative minds from different mediums, it would be a clash of titans who challenged the status quo in their respective fields. Their conversation could explore how their art reflected the social and political shifts of the 20th century, while offering a glimpse into the creative process of these highly influential figures. Imagine a fiery debate about the purpose of art erupt between these three icons. Would Coco Chanel, who empowered women through fashion, view art as a tool for social change? Perhaps Nina Simone, the voice of a generation, would argue art has a duty to challenge the status quo. And how would Andy Warhol, the pop art pioneer who democratized art,respond? This conversation would be a fascinating exploration of the essence of artistic creation: what compels them to break boundaries and how their groundbreaking work continues to shape our world.
- In recent years, there’s been a growing movement towards sustainable fashion and responsible consumption. What innovative approaches or initiatives do you believe hold the most promise for reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry?
Fashion is getting a sustainable revamp! Forget wasteful fabrics – recycled wonders like plastic bottle polyester and mushroom leather are taking center stage. Clothing rental services and vibrant swap communities are keeping wardrobes fresh and extending the lifespan of garments. The cherry on top? Technological advancements in textile recycling promise to create a closed-loop system, where old clothes are reborn as new. But fashion’s green revolution goes beyond materials. Digital design tools are slashing fabric waste by allowing virtual prototyping, while consumers are demanding transparency from brands about their environmental practices. This shift in consumer behavior, coupled with these innovative approaches, is paving the way for a future where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand.
- How do you believe greater representation and inclusivity in leadership roles can positively impact industries like fashion and yachting, and what steps can be taken to break down barriers to entry?
Women are vastly underrepresented in leadership across industries. In fashion, only 20% of senior roles are held by women, while a mere 2% lead the nautical industry. These historically male-dominated fields, often demanding long hours, create significant barriers for women to reach the top. Imagine fashion lines designed with a global audience in mind, or yachting experiences catering to a wider range of clientele. Diverse leaders bring fresh perspectives that fuel innovation and growth. To get there, mentorship programs, flexible work options, and targeted outreach to young women are crucial. Unconscious bias training dismantles invisible barriers, and targeted outreach ignites a passion for these careers in young women. Transparency in hiring and a focus on skills, not just face time, ensure a level playing field. Taking these steps, fashion and yachting can unlock the leadership potential of all talent, not just a select few. By shattering these barriers, the fashion and yachting industries can unlock a new wave of success.
- In your opinion, what are some of the most pressing issues facing women of color in the fashion and luxury industries today, and how can industry leaders work together to address these challenges and create more opportunities for advancement?
The dazzling world of fashion and luxury is finally taking a critical look in the mirror. While progress is undeniable, women of color still face hurdles on their climb to the top. Lack of representation creates a perception that fashion isn’t for them, while insular networks and unconscious bias can make breaking in feel impossible. Microaggressions chip away at their confidence, hindering career advancement. They face a lack of representation, making it hard to envision themselves in the industry. Breaking into a world with established networks can feel like climbing a guarded wall. Even those who excel may struggle to find leadership roles in design or see equal pay.
But the tide is turning. Here’s how industry leaders are paving the way for a more inclusive future:
- Diversity initiatives are setting clear goals for hiring and promoting women of color, ensuring all voices are heard and a wider range of aesthetics are celebrated.
- Programs connecting rising stars with established figures are dismantling the “gatekeeper” phenomenon, forging connections and opening doors.
- Unconscious bias training equips everyone to recognize and challenge stereotypes, creating a more welcoming environment where talent, not race, dictates success.
By celebrating the achievements of women of color, supporting diverse design talent, and fostering a culture of respect, the fashion and luxury industries can unlock their full potential. Imagine a future where runways showcase the brilliance of every background – that’s the exciting runway we’re all walking towards.
- You mentioned the unique challenges faced by women of color in the workplace, including navigating sexism and racism. How do you believe these challenges inform their leadership style and approach, and what advantages do they bring in addressing complex social justice issues?
These challenges, however, don’t hinder women of color. Instead, they shape them into powerful leaders with a unique perspective on social justice issues. One key strength is their battle-tested resilience. Having to overcome constant hurdles builds an incredible inner strength. This translates into leadership that perseveres through challenges and doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. They are unafraid to confront issues of diversity and inclusion, a crucial quality for navigating today’s social landscape. Women of color are also adept at building bridges. Their experiences navigating diverse social circles hone their communication skills and ability to build trust across differences. This makes them exceptional at fostering collaboration and inclusivity within their teams. They understand the importance of creating a strong foundation of respect and understanding, where diverse perspectives are valued. This is essential for tackling complex social issues that require a multifaceted approach.
