Liliana Mijangos: Young Designer & Actress Blazing Trails in Fashion and Film

Liliana Mijangos, a rising Latina designer and actress, is making waves in the fashion world, showcasing her collections at both NYFW and LAFW. Drawing inspiration from nature and her heritage, Mijangos infuses her designs with unique meaning. From the vibrant colors of flowers to the delicate details of a butterfly's wing, she translates her observations into stunning creations. Mijangos, who started her design journey with a dress for her sister, has learned valuable lessons about adapting to constraints and thinking outside the box. Liliana opens up about her exciting dreams and goals for the future.

Your designs are gaining recognition in major fashion circles. Where do you draw the most inspiration for your collections?

I draw my inspirations from everything and anything that catches my eyes. From the vibrant hues of flowers, the delicate feather of birds, shapes of clouds, to the colors and shapes of a butterfly. Once I find what catches my eye, it is immediately to the drawing board. 

As a Latina designer and actress, how do you incorporate elements of your heritage into your work?

My cultural background influences my work in fashion by shaping my design choices which enables me to portray that in my designs. In acting, my heritage allows me to have access to a deeper character understanding through my personal experiences. I draw inspiration from my heritage and traditions to create unique and meaningful work across both fields.

What’s one piece you’ve designed that holds a special place in your heart, and why? 

The one piece that I designed that holds a special place in my heart is a blue dress with white flower accents.  It holds a special place in my heart because it was the first dress I designed for my sister Cecilia and is what started this whole journey. 

You’re one of the youngest designers to showcase at NYFW and LAFW. What’s one unexpected lesson you’ve learned from the fashion world?

One unexpected lesson that I have learned in the fashion world is that you are sometimes forced to create and find new solutions with constraints and limitations. I have learned the value of adapting to limitations and using them to spark fresh ideas. The fashion world can push you to think outside the box.  

Your acting and modeling careers have taken you to incredible places. Is there a particular role or project that you’d love to take on in the future?

My ultimate project as a designer is to showcase in Milan and Paris Fashion Week. As an actress I hope to one day be part of a series such as Descendants or have a lead role in a feature film.

What does success look like to you—more acting roles, a global fashion brand, or something entirely unexpected? 

Being able to keep doing what I love in both the acting and fashion industries is on the top of my list for success. For now, more acting roles and having a global fashion brand is what success looks like for me. 

If you could collaborate with any fashion designer, past or present, who would it be and what would you create together?

If I could collaborate with any fashion designer, it would be Giannina Azar.  The ideas running through my head on what can be created is endless but definitely would be elegant with lots and lots of sparkle.  

You’ve already made history in fashion. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish before you turn 18?

When I turn 18 one thing that I hope to accomplish is to have my own boutique store. I would love to open my doors and have a place where I can promote inclusivity in fashion, acceptance, opportunity, and diversity in the fashion and beauty industries. 

Where can we follow you on social media? 

Personal/Acting/Modeling Instagram: @liliana.mijangos 

Fashion line Instagram: @lccbyliliana 

Facebook fashion line: LC Couture