Every great brand has a story. Ours begins with a friendship.

Founded in 2015 in New York City by longtime friends Alessandra Perez-Rubio and Louisa Rechter, Mestiza was born from a shared appreciation for heritage, craftsmanship, and the pieces that become part of a family's story. Inspired by their Filipino roots and the treasured vintage garments passed down by their grandmothers, Alessandra and Louisa set out to create a modern wardrobe filled with designs that make women feel confident, unforgettable, and ready for life's most meaningful moments.

More than a decade later, their friendship remains at the heart of everything we do.

This National Best Friends Day, we're celebrating the bond that started it all. A Friendship Built on Creativity. Long before Mestiza became the brand it is today, Louisa and Alessandra were dreaming up ideas together and finding ways to bring them to life.

One of Louisa's favorite memories happened before Mestiza had grown into the company it is today. "Alessandra and I designed my wedding dress together. We didn't have the resources we have now, and I remember how creative Alessandra was in bringing my vintage-inspired vision to life. She made me feel so special, and it was such a real act of love. Since then, there have continued to be moments where I'm in awe of Alessandra and her vision to make women feel beautiful and confident in what they wear."

That spirit of creating for the women they love continues to guide every collection, campaign, and design.

Building a Brand, Side by Side

Like many founders, their early days were filled with long hours, big dreams, and plenty of uncertainty. For Alessandra, some of her favorite memories come from those first years introducing Mestiza to the world. "During our first years going to market, Louisa and I would get dressed up in ball gowns and flag down every buyer we could talk to. It was hours of time spent together that I wouldn't change for the world."

Those moments of persistence helped build the foundation of the company, but it was their friendship that carried them through every challenge along the way.

When the pandemic forced distance between them, it only reinforced how meaningful their partnership had become.

"When we started Mestiza and then were separated by COVID, finally being back together in person for a campaign shoot in August 2021 felt like no time had passed at all. Louisa is a constant friend and someone I feel like I'll always have in my corner."

The Heart of Mestiza

At its core, Mestiza has always been about celebrating the people who make life's special moments even more meaningful.

For Louisa and Alessandra, that starts with each other.

Their friendship has weathered countless photoshoots, collection launches, market appointments, flights, milestones, challenges, and celebrations. Through it all, they've remained not only business partners, but trusted friends who continue to inspire one another every day.

As we celebrate National Best Friends Day, we're raising a glass to the friendships that shape our lives, support our dreams, and remind us that the best journeys are the ones shared together.

Here's to friendship, to partnership, and to the story that started Mestiza.