Our Team

Selva Negra is a Latina + Filipino-founded Ready-to-Wear brand that connects a nuanced identity with statement attire and festive garments. We bring together the beauty of our multifaceted culture and mission-driven practices to design expressive collections while committed to sustainable sourcing and fair wage practices. Selva Negra uses a wholesome approach to produce quality goods made with longevity in Los Angeles and Peru by working with highly-skilled sewing and knitting experts.  

Selva Negra was founded in 2016 in a tiny Brooklyn apartment in Crown Heights by Creative Director, Kristen Gonzalez, and has grown into a team of 3 women and a talented production team.

Meet our team.


 

Kristen Gonzalez

Founder & CEO

 


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Kristen is a Mexican + Filipino American designer based in Los Angeles, CA.


She started the company as a 25-year old entrepreneur and grew the business as the head designer and creative director. She is also a Fashion Design instructor at Otis College of Art & Design and co-founder of In Todo, a curated craft fair bringing visibility to the craft of BIPOC creatives in our community. 

 

 

 

Nelly Torres

Production Consultant

 

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Nelly has been with the Selva Negra since 2018 starting as our first intern and eventually grew her own production consulting business. She is an expert in product development and technical design.

She is our quality control wizard and always has brings the best home-made Peruvian Snacks.

 

 

 

Alex Faay

Wholesale Representative

 


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Alex has been working with Selva Negra since 2020 and she has 10+ years of experience working in wholesale.

Extremely hard working and kind, she to helps build relationships with our stockists across the country and online.