Latinos In The US: Camila Alves McConaughey Talks Fashion, Trends And Her Designer Inspiration

Model, designer, actress and television personality, Camila Alves-McConaughey has many feathers under her cap: She designs a line of handbags with her mother, was the host of Bravo's reality television show "Shear Genius," and is the brand ambassador for Macy's in-house clothing line I.N.C. International Concepts. The Brazilian beauty sat down with Latin Times at an I.N.C. fashion show and shopping event at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York to talk about fashion, trends and where she gets her inspiration from.

Latin Times: You design a handbag line with your mother. As a designer, what inspires you?

Camila Alves-McConaughey: It's a tricky question because inspiration comes from everywhere. But one thing that has always inspired us is nature. I'm outside traveling a lot--I'm all over different countries and different states. A lot of colors found in nature, such as what you see in the Grand Canyon, you know, those colors. It's amazing what you see out there. There's nothing there that man can make. In terms of colors, textures, and prints, I take a lot of inspiration from there.

LT: What is the best fashion advice you would give someone?

CAM: To do what works for you. A lot of times women try to follow a certain trend that doesn't necessarily work for their body, for their height or for the color of their skin. Sometimes the trend is neon and depending on the color of your skin, it's not going to look good. Sometimes it's a silhouette that, depending on your body, will not be the most flattering for you. So, I think that trends are great--they're fantastic and it's a great thing to follow. But only follow when it works for you. The main thing about fashion is that you want to be fashionable but you also want to be your best. In the end of the day, you're going to walk into a room and you want to feel good whether you're on trend or not. The main thing is to do for you.

LT: What do you think are the best trends right now?

CAM: You know, I'm not really into trends. But one thing that I do love is the holidays. I love the idea that in the holidays that you get to be glamorous. Do reds, but know how to do them. You don't want to go all red everywhere, just use accents of reds. It's a time to wear your sparkles and it's a great time to sparkle, just don't overdo it.