ARTIST JOJI OTANI-HANSEN
From their Armonk atelier to the national spotlight on “Project Runway”, the Estrada twins blend bold silhouettes, empowering narratives, and fearless individuality into every creation.
More Than Designers: They Are Confidence Creators
If you think high fashion is just about glitz and glam, think again. Meet Jesus and Antonio Estrada, twin brothers, design visionaries, and storytellers, based in Armonk, who bring something much deeper to the table. They weave heart, inspiration, and timeless elegance into every stitch.
While trends come and go, the Estrada’s design to the rhythm of their own enduring style. One rooted in identity, community, and unwavering passion. In their creative studio, the lessons and experiences from “Project Runway” continue to inspire a journey that challenges expectation and celebrates individuality at every step.
Each garment they create is more than couture. It’s an invitation to confidence. Whether it’s a teenage girl stepping into her moment, a style-savvy mom rediscovering her edge, or a woman leading with fearless grace, The Estrada’s design not just dresses, but moments of self-expression and joy. One piece at a time, they’re redefining what it means to wear confidence beautifully.
Roots, Risk, and Realness
Raised by a single mom who wove kindness into every part of their upbringing, Jesus and Antonio Estrada learned early that how you treat people matters just as much as raw talent. “I think it all comes from how we were raised, in a loving environment with our mom and family, cousins, customs, and everything. It’s part of the Estrada brand. Estrada is not just a brand; we want it to be a lifestyle,” they explain.
Their story began in Mazatlán, Mexico, before the family moved to San Diego when the twins were almost four years old. It was there that those early lessons of love, respect, and authenticity took root. Antonio was the first to show a flair for fashion. By age eight, he was curating his model mom’s wardrobe, mixing textures, pairing bold looks, and doing her hair and makeup with an instinct that hinted at his future path.
At 21, Antonio moved east to work as an au pair, landing in Westchester, where he found a local boutique that became his first runway. It was there he stumbled upon an unexpected but perfect niche: designing bat mitzvah dresses and discovering his creative calling.
Jesus, meanwhile, pursued animation before realizing that his true passion lived in fabric, form, and expression. Fashion school led him to audition for “Project Runway” season seven in 2011, where his talent found a national stage.
Though life had taken them in different directions, both brothers carved their unique paths in fashion. When Antonio called Jesus to join him in Westchester, the Estrada vision found its home. The twin designers transformed their shared dream into the evolving Estrada Empire.
The Bat Mitzvah Revolution
“Bat- Mitz -Vah”, the word that took Jesus a minute to pronounce and Antonio an instant to recognize as the spark to an incredible opportunity. The Bat Mitzvah dress market turned out to be a world where demand far outpaced supply and sequins and crystals met purpose.
As Jesus explains it, Antonio compared the celebration to a quinceañera, except for Jewish girls celebrating their coming of age. Jesus didn’t miss a beat and joined Antonio in Westchester.
Antonio was the fashionista, trendsetter, and influencer” before there was social media or anything.” Jesus says with a laugh. It took one client before word spread of the amazing Estrada brothers and their fabulous Bat Mitzvah dresses.
From there, success came in stylish strides: working as in-house designers, creating their own line, opening their own studio, and, as they say, the rest is Estrada history.
From Mazatlán to Main Street: Why the Estrada’s Chose Armonk
Their barn at 480 Main Street in Armonk is the heartbeat of Jesus and Antonio Estrada’s world. “Antonio and I are around nature,” Jesus says. We wake up to the sound of the birds.” That calm, natural energy sparks their imagination every day. Armonk has a rare vibe, a close-knit community surrounded by beauty with quick and easy access to the buzz of New York City. “The people here have been amazing and so supportive,” Antonio adds.” It reminds me of home. We love it here.”
For the Estrada’s, Armonk felt like the natural next step, the perfect place where everything could flow seamlessly. Their clients and collaborators are nearby, creating a smooth rhythm of connection. This barn is not just a studio. It’s where the laid-back San Diego spirit meets their cultural background and New York City’s bold style energy. The rustic feel reflects their signature ability to encompass skill and creativity, blending timeless tradition with vibrant innovation in every piece they make.
Reality TV Meets Real Talent: Project Runway’s Twin Takeover
The Estrada’s stepped onto the Project Runway Season 21 stage and instantly captured the hearts of viewers everywhere. Although they competed individually, they knew their biggest challenge was protecting their bond as family, twins, and business partners.
“We wanted to do Project Runway together because we wanted to tell our story the right way. We’ve done so much in our careers.” Jesus explains. “It was a hard journey for both of us. I never wanted to feel that Antonio was better than me, and I never wanted Antonio to feel that I was better than him. That was kind of our strategy going into this together. We were truly ourselves.”
For Jesus and Antonio, the real takeaway from Project Runway was the strengthening of their undeniable bond and the lasting reminder not to let competition get in their heads.” I feel the universe was like, ‘No, you’re not going to be the winner because you and your brother are both the winners.'” Jesus says with a smile in his voice. Antonio chimes in, “Project Runway gave us the platform to show who we truly are as designers.”
The Real Magic: How Inspiration Empowers Elegance
Perhaps the most inspiring part of their story, though, is how they prove that fashion can be a powerful tool for all ages. Take a trip to the Estrada’s studio, and you’ll see it’s more than an atelier.
When clients come in for their milestone celebrations, bat mitzvahs, weddings, and beyond, they don’t just get dresses. They get carefully crafted conversations and lessons in confidence. No cookie-cutter gowns here; its empowerment sewn into every seam.
What’s striking is how Jesus and Antonio don’t treat clients like customers. They treat them as collaborators on their confidence journey. “It is very important for us to listen to our clients”. They talk through insecurities, dreams, and style preferences. “We know how to hide flaws and make sure they are comfortable. We want them to feel powerful, magnetic, and electric.” Jesus said. A fitting is a pep talk in self-love disguised as fashion.
The Future of Estrada
The future of Estrada shines as brightly as the Swarovski crystals that embellish their gowns. Building on a foundation of exquisite fashion, the brand is expanding its collaborations and branching into accessories, bags, and furniture to further define the distinctive Estrada lifestyle.
One exciting collaboration is EstradaXDominique. Combining the craftsmanship of Dominique Intimate Apparel with Estrada’s innovative design. They’ve created a stunning collection of bustiers that marry delicate detail with elegant comfort.
Why The Estrada Effect Is More Than Just Fashion
These aren’t just clothes. They create experiences you wear. Dresses that don’t just fit your body but fit your story, your confidence, and your joy. Every gown is an attention grabber, a bold step forward, and a celebration of exactly who you are.
It’s never been just about fabric or crystals. It’s about the people behind the dress – the girls, the women, and their special moments – that the Estrada’s honor with their clients becoming their friends, family, and biggest supporters.
What makes their brand so incredible is that they design to inspire and connect with real life. Whether it’s a flower girl turning twirls into magic, their signature bat mitzvah dress transforming a milestone into magnificence, or a mom finding her sparkle for a gala, the Estrada effect is the confidence you carry long after the last stitch is sewn.
And that’s the Estrada Effect: feeling like the best, most fearless version of yourself. When you wear an Estrada, you’re not just dressed. You are empowered.
