Immigrating on the Up and Up
Lirio knows a couple of things about change. Born Valeria Vera Alva in Lima, Peru, and immigrating to the United States at the age of 8, her multifaceted experience allows her to approach design through an international lens, subtly tackling issues like loss of self, cultural clash, and treading the line of two cultures.
SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Microsoft Office Suite • Proficient Skills in Adobe Creative
Suite • Multilingual: Native Spanish, Fluent English, and
Intermediate German • Advanced Skills in Procreate, Krita,
and ClipStudio Paint • Illustration, analog and digital • Target
Advancing Diversity in Design Mentorship Program [2024-25]
• Certificate of Completion, Governor’s School: German [2020]
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS:
• Virginia Commonwealth University,
Richmond, VA
B.F.A in Fashion Design, Minor in Political Science.
Expected Graduation May 2025.
AWARDS AND HONORS:
• Nancy Ann Lampert Scholarship for the Arts,
2023 [$500]
• Margaret M. Scruggs Endowed Scholarship,
2023-2024 [$1000 per annum]
• Virginia Merit Scholarship, 2021-2024
[$16,000]
• VCUARTS Undergraduate Research Grant Recipient
[$2,500]
FASHION DESIGN
Oh, how one loves to express themselves!! I am on the cusp of graduating with my BFA in Fashion Design and am walking into the workforce with a portfolio filled with technical design, draping practice, patternmaking practice, and research for historical costumes. Curious about something in fashion? Let me know!
ILLUSTRATION
Lirio is well-versed in both traditional and digital art, making her first gigs in illustration with her local public high school before hitting the bigger leagues. Some of Lirio’s clients include the greater Prince William Public Schools and DC-Based Konceptual LLC.
CONCEPT DESIGN
Everything starts somewhere. Concept Design is a broad field, but I like to focus on historical garments, accessory design, and some wider product design. If you have an idea, pitch it!! I’d love to hear it out, and bring it to life.
Reach Out!
Interested in setting up an appointment, asking for commissions, or have an inquiry? Reach out below!!