Alicia Estrada was sick of the unfriendly gazes elicited by her 60s-inspired, self-made clothing. So one day in college she decided to write ‘Stop Staring!’ in black paint on the back of her skirt. When the phrase drew positive attention, Estrada decided to write it on all of her garments. She would have never guessed Stop Staring! would turn into the brand name for her famous clothing line which now attracts the likes of countless celebrities and socialites, including Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian.
Since her days of wearing shower curtains because she couldn’t afford fabric, Estrada’s designs have evolved to be mostly 1940’s and 1950’s-inspired vintage dresses that continue to be a major trend on the runways and in pop culture. However, what makes Stop Staring’s dresses different from other collections is they’re designed with the thought that women’s bodies are different today than they were 50 or 60 years ago,
“I really work hard on finding our flawed areas,” explains Estrada. “I know a lot of Latinas have curvy shapes. As a Mexican, this is what I did so we could walk in a room and embrace our shapes.” Estrada states the way her dresses’ silhouettes are cut is what makes them flattering for every body type, minimizing waists and enhancing the bust line. As a size 14, she relates to females who think “dresses just don’t fit them right,” and that’s why all of Stop Staring’s! garments are available up to size 18.
“I understand what girls are going through when they’re looking for clothes,” says Estrada. “Clothes are such an important part about what we feel and present to the outside world. For me, when I started this clothing line, it was never about getting rich quick.” In fact, with dresses costing around $150, many of Stop Staring’s! buyers tell Estrada the line is under priced. However, keeping the dresses in an affordable price range is of vital importance to her. “I’m glad the celebrities are wearing them, but I’m really happy the professionals are wearing them as well,” she says. “They’re real day to dinner dresses. You can wear them to work and then for drinks.”
Estrada reveals that celebrities discovered Stop Staring! just as regular shoppers would – by running across them in boutiques. “Paris Hilton just ordered a dozen more dresses, and I think people come back for the actual fit,” she explains. “As with anyone else, a celebrity is looking for a quality product. The dresses will always remain affordable, and that’s part of my upbringing. I wouldn’t go out and spend thousands of dollars on a dress myself.” Hilton recently wrote on her Twitter account that Stop Staring! has the “sexiest 40’s and 50’s pin-up dresses.” However, on top of the dresses being sexy, Estrada states she thinks it’s important the dresses remain classy and not too over-the-top.
Other celebrities who favor the line include Eva Mendes, Kat Von D, Christina Aguilera, and Dita Von Teese, just to name a few. While all the dresses are made in Los Angeles, they’re sold in over 35 countries and have a large following in Europe. Stop Staring! is also working on the addition of eyeglasses, jewelry and shoes to its line. In the meantime, fashionistas can look just as glamorous as golden-era Hollywood icons without turning back the hands of time.
To learn more about Stop Staring!, click here.
