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How Erika Peña – Whose Designs Have Been Worn By Rihanna, Paris Hilton, Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian – Built a Global Fashion Brand from Bali

INTERVIEW


For Erika Peña, creativity has never been confined to a sketchbook. It's found in the textures of distant cultures, the quiet moments of faith, and the beauty of everyday life. The Dominican-born jewellery and fashion designer, whose creations have adorned everyone from Beyoncé and Rihanna to Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba, has built a globally recognised brand rooted as much in emotion as glamour.


Today, from her home in Bali, Peña draws daily inspiration from Asia's rich artistic heritage, island living and the slower rhythm of life. Here, she reflects on the unexpected moment that launched her career, why travel continues to fuel her imagination, and why the woman who wears Erika Peña will always be, above all else, a goddess.


All images are courtesy of Erika Peña.



You’ve lived between Puerto Rico, Florida, New York, and now Bali. How have those different cultures shaped your creative identity?  


I believe when people travel, it opens your mind and broadens your perspective. You’re introduced to different cultures, new designs, and entirely new ways of thinking, all of which expand your creativity and inspire you in unexpected ways. Especially Asia — I think Asia is such a profound, spiritual, and deeply creative part of the world — and I’m incredibly grateful to be living here.



Your first design famously came from the remnants of a shell lamp. Can you take us back to that moment — what inspired you to create it?  


It was a difficult moment in my life. I remember praying to God for guidance — asking what direction I should go in and what I was meant to be doing. One day, I kept looking up while I was praying, and suddenly I thought, “Those lamps could be earrings.” That moment sparked everything, and it’s quite literally how I got started.



You studied under influential names like Donna Karan and Josie Natori. What were the most important lessons you carried from those experiences?  


Studying in New York was incredible. I had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the industry, including Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Josie Natori. Watching how they ran their businesses, how creatively they thought outside the box, and how disciplined and business-oriented they were really shaped me and became the example of the kind of designer and entrepreneur I wanted to become.



Your pieces are bold and glamorous, yet still emotional and personal. What do you hope women feel when wearing Erika Peña?  


To me, the Erika Peña woman is a goddess. She’s self-assured, confident, and feels beautiful in the pieces — that’s exactly why I design them. She’s a woman who makes a statement in the world, who enjoys being seen, and who embodies femininity, sensuality, strength, and power all at once.


How has living in Bali changed your perspective on luxury and design?  


Living in Bali really slowed my life down in the best possible way. It gave me a deeper understanding of resortwear and why people are drawn to travelling to beautiful, exotic destinations. It became a huge inspiration for my resortwear brand. Bali is also filled with incredibly talented artists and creatives, and to me, some of the best hospitality and service in the world exists throughout Asia.




Your designs have been worn by icons from Beyoncé and Rihanna to Jessica Alba and Kim Kardashian. Was there a moment where you suddenly realised the brand had become globally recognised?  


I remember walking through Paris and seeing a fabulous woman wearing one of my dresses, and that was the moment I realised the brand had truly become global. Travelling the world and seeing women wearing my pieces — or recognising my designs and my name — has been surreal. I was once in Japan wearing one of my own dresses, and someone stopped me and said, “Oh my gosh, I love that dress. Is that Erika Peña?” I said yes, and it was such an incredible feeling.


You now live in Bali with your family. What does a typical day look like for you there?  


We wake up, have breakfast together, and take my daughter to school. Then we hop on our scooters and head to the office, driving past palm trees, rice fields, and even cows along the way. It’s such a beautiful contrast because we’re running an international fashion brand while living on this serene island. It’s a mix of island life and boss life all at once.




What are your favourite resorts or hotels in the world — the places you return to again and again?  


Some of my favourite resorts in the world would have to be Raffles Bahrain, the Aman hotels, and the COMO hotels.


What are three things you absolutely cannot travel without?  


Chapstick and moisturiser are essentials for me, my phone, and a fabulous dress that can be wrapped and styled a hundred different ways — very Erika Peña.


What does the perfect holiday look like for you personally?  


For me, the perfect holiday is centreed around an effortless maxi dress — specifically something like our Lola Halter Dress. It’s such a versatile piece because it can be styled so many different ways. During the day, I’ll wear it casually with sneakers, and then transform it at night with heels and accessories.



What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?  


I love doing puzzles; I occasionally love trash TV just to completely disconnect; and I absolutely love opera music.


What’s one fashion rule you think should be broken more often?  


I believe you should never let the outfit wear you — you wear the outfit. You have to love it, own it, and wear it with confidence. Even if it’s the craziest outfit in the world, confidence will always be the best fashion accessory.


Finally — when you look at the woman wearing Erika Peña, who is she to you today?  


To me, she is a true goddess. She’s self-confident, timeless, feminine, and effortlessly chic.



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