In the tapestry of time, some threads are destined to weave a tale of artistry and romance. Such is the story of Nephi Garcia, the heart and soul behind the Designer Daddy couture brand and his latest ready-to-wear project, Sophistiqué. A fourth-generation designer, Nephi's lineage is steeped in the craft of couture. His great-grandfather, a master tailor at the turn of the century, crafted suits for a living. The lineage continued through his grandmother, a graduate of fashion school in the 1940s, who specialized in elegant bridal and evening gowns. His uncle, renowned across Asia, designed shoes that were nothing short of art.
Among 86 grandchildren, Nephi alone embraced the call of the needle and thread to continue the family tradition. In 2008, he met his muse and future wife, whose encouragement sparked the start of his career. The first piece he ever crafted was her wedding dress, a symbol of their union and the inception of his journey into design.
After losing his job and home following the birth of their third child, Nephi stood at a crossroads. With nothing left to lose, his wife urged him to follow his passion. Armed with a humble $40 sewing machine, he created a dress for his daughter that caught the attention of Disney. This serendipitous creation led to a collaboration with the entertainment giant, culminating in a mini-documentary that chronicled his family's journey and his enchanting Disney designs that Nephi is still known for today.
Nephi's creative evolution has taken him from the realm of princesses to the empowering narrative of elegant evening wear and fantasy-inspired gowns. This transformation marks a new chapter in his story, one that intertwined his path with Fantastique Collection, a fast-growing fantasy event brand. Their collaboration brings his visionary eye for couture into a more accessible ready-to-wear line that’s thoughtfully designed to look beautiful on everyone.
From transformation gowns that have graced the likes of Katy Perry, to the Sophistiqué pieces that are now available across the US, every Nephi Garcia creation is a unique statement of its own.
Fantastique Collection is a spellbinding series of fantasy and literary-themed events sweeping across the United States. Masterminded by the visionary duo Leslie Hernandez and Brandon Burton, Fantastique was conceived to infuse everyday life with a touch of enchantment. Anchored by its three guiding principles—the three C’s—Fantastique is dedicated to fostering a loving and accepting Community, forging bonds of lifelong Comradery among attendees, and extending a hand of generosity to various Charities with every event. Through these principles, Fantastique transforms gatherings into realms of magic and meaningful connections.
Our serendipitous encounter with Nephi Garcia unfolded through the mysterious workings of social media, when our beloved cosplayer, Cait, sought advice on what to wear for one of our fantasy balls. This led us to Nephi, and from that moment, a fated collaboration was born. Working with Nephi to create whimsical dresses for Cait, our other cosplay talent, and an upcoming fashion show at one of our 2025 events has been nothing short of enchanting.
As we announced the fashion show, we witnessed an overwhelming response: so many attendees expressed a deep desire to own a Designer Daddy gown. Everyone wanted to know where they could get one! This sparked a conversation that blossomed into what is now known as Sophistiqué. With unwavering commitment, we have worked to bring Designer Daddy’s ethereal designs into a ready-to-wear dress line, ensuring that the magic of a Nephi Garcia piece is accessible to all who seek to add a touch of fantasy to their lives.
Come on the journey with us: @shop.sophistiqueco on Instagram & TikTok
