RECLAIMING CONFIDENCE. WEARING POWER

Designer. Mentor. Movement Maker.

Steph Vargas, founder of THRONE and creator of Designing A Model, is redefining what it means to build a fashion brand with heart. From the classroom to the runway, her journey is rooted in resilience, purpose, and creating spaces where every woman can rise.

PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN EMERSON

STYLING DORIAN JIHAD

THRONE is built around the idea of reclaiming your confidence and "taking back your throne." What inspired that message, and what does wearing the crown represent to you personally?

THRONE was born from my own journey of rebuilding my life as a single mother. The message is about reclaiming your confidence, your voice, and your purpose-no matter what you've been through. Wearing the crown represents choosing yourself, belleving in your worth, and refusing to let life's challenges determine your future.

Your transition from special education teacher to fashion designer is a unique journey. How have those experiences influenced the way you lead your brand and design for women today?

Teaching shaped me beyond the classroom. It taught me patience, empathy, adaptability, and how to see potential in others. Those lessons now guide the way I lead THRONE and Designing A Model-creating opportunities, mentorship, and experiences that empower women to embrace their purpose and walk confidently in their power.

THRONE has become more than a fashion label-it's a movement centered on empowerment, inclusivity, and mental health awareness. Why was it important for you to build a brand with a purpose beyond clothing?

Fashion can transform how you feel about yourself. I wanted THRONE to be a reminder of strength, self love, and worth. Everyone deserves to feel represented and celebrated. If THRONE inspires someone to believe in themselves again, take a chance on a dream, or look in the mirror with more confidence, then we've accomplished something far greater than selling clothing.

Many women face moments of self doubt or adversity. How do you hope someone feels the moment they put on a THRONE piece, and what message do you want them to carry with them afterward?

I want them to feel powerful, confident, and unapologetically themselves. You won't find generic labels by our unique pieces or anyone else's. Our motto! Confident in all by our own faith in yourself. even on the hard days. Wear THRONE as a reminder that you already have everything you need to reclaim your confidence, own your story. and take back your throne.

As THRONE continues to grow, what legacy do you hope the brand leaves within the fashion industry, and how do you envision empowering the next generation of women through your work?

I want THRONE to be remembered as a brand that proved fashion can be a tool for empowerment, self expression, and potitive change. Through THRONE and Designing A Model, I'm committed to creating opportunities for real people to lead, leam, and thrive. I want the next generation to know they don't have to fit into anyone else's definition of success they can create their own path, own their voice, and lead with authenticity.