From bathing suits to ball gowns — you name it— Graciana Helm will design it. The 21-year-old frequently diversifies her collections and loves the variety.
Helm is currently studying at Baton Rouge Community College but plans on transferring to the University in the fall to major in apparel design. Helm said she knew she wanted to be involved in fashion since she was very young.
“At the age of seven I already had fashion fever,” Helm said.
Her first piece of clothing, a pair of pajama pants, was created in her sixth grade home economics class. Though it marked the beginning of creating pieces, she didn’t mind letting the pair of pants go.
“I gave them away to my other classmate at the time because she liked mine better than her own,” Helm said. “The project was way too easy for me and my teacher noticed that. [She] said I would probably go far if I kept into it.”
Helm described her personal style as sophisticated yet comfortable. She said she enjoys making a variety of clothing items like bathing suits, causal dresses, formal dresses and pants. She makes sure her designs incorporate different styles full of color with “a sense of freedom.”
“I love making whatever comes to my mind at the moment,” Helm said. “I don’t do much planning. It just flows and I’m in the creative mindset.”
Helm plans to have her own clothing line in the future. She said her goal is to make clothing that represents the personality of the person wearing them. 
“My dreams and goals [are] higher than the moon and stars,” she said. “I want to create beautiful pieces of art that make people feel liberated and free.”
Her dreams are supported and encouraged by her family and friends, but she specifically thanks her closest friend, Ryan Muñoz. 
“He’s always inspiring me to create new ideas and [he] gives me motivational support to achieve my goals,” Helm said.
Helm has made — and sold — many pieces. Her clothing is custom ordered, designed and fitted to meet the needs of her clients. She says the best way to contact her is through Instagram at @garcia_vega66 or email at [email protected].
“I’m very passionate about my work and I plan to go very far in life with it,” Helm said. “Fashion isn’t just a type of style, [it] is personal expression.”

Editor’s Note: This article is part one of a three-part series on young designers.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Aubrey Dean

An original garment by Graciana Helm modeled by Maddison Pitre. Her designs incorporate different styles full of color with "a sense of freedom."