As a third culture kid my life has been anything, but simple. I continuously changed countries, changed context, learned new languages and embraced an infinity of cultural differences. My life’s a rich collection of colors, tastes, beliefs and scattered feelings of belonging.

Iwas born in Chile, but moved to China when I was seven and enjoyed weekend visits to antique markets and admired the colorful decorations on the lacquer cabinets. When I was ten, I moved to Sweden where I learned the beauty of natural, soft, wooly fabrics; clean lines and practicality. Italy as a teenager allowed me to melt in the beauty of the fine arts and appreciate the golden rays of sunlight at dusk.

After a degree in Fine Arts, becoming a painter and completing a Master’s degree from Boston University I decided to continue exploring the world. Then came Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Each one of these countries not only enhanced my artistic vision, enriched my creativity, and expanded my sense of beauty; they also prepared me to be the best version of myself.

Today, I continue to paint, sculpt, build, and decorate. I love antiques, musicals and the smell of spring! I’m inspired by everything and anything. I currently live in The Netherlands, where I share my life with my amazing husband and my super fluffy cat, Unique.

Well, you see…the answer is simple! Have you ever felt that you have looked high and low and you still can’t find what you are looking for? Yep, that was my case.

I was getting married and I couldn’t find the crown that I clearly envisioned in my mind. I was looking for something different, a sophisticated headpiece that would express my eclectic upbringing, but also one that would reflect my creativity.

I knew I wanted a one of a kind piece, something that no other bride would have. I wanted to feel special on my wedding day. Wouldn’t you want to feel this way, especially on your BIG DAY?

With determination, I walked in to my studio, grabbed an old tarnished necklace, found some pearls in a drawer and after a lot of problem solving I created the crown below. When I was finished, I was in love! That’s when I decided that I was going to create unique, exclusive, totally handmade bridal crowns for all the brides out there, who cared for something genuinely special.

To perfection my technique, I took several millinery courses in Spain and The Netherlands and finally in 2018, I launched Altares, my luxury bridal headwear brand.

Each piece is a new challenge, a new idea and with that comes thinking outside the box and finding new solutions. Each piece requires me to think about volume, form, style, materials, balance and composition. I approach it as a blank canvas, ready to be transformed into a new work of art!

Each headpiece gives me the opportunity to connect with the material, to feel the silk thread in my hands and find the right placement for each of the branches. I think of the structure of the parts and then I feel the arrangement of the pieces. The connection with the creative flow is strong.

A thankful moment for being able to express my creativity.