From Paris Runways to Dubai: 26-Year-Old Designer Valeria Pasco Accelerates Her Fashion Brand MILLIONVVV in the UAE

Dubai, UAE: In May, 26-year-old Valeria Pasco arrived in Dubai, armed with a vision for her fashion label, MILLIONVVV, and the determination to turn that vision into reality. Just four months later, the Peruvian-French designer has secured the trademark for her brand and established a sense of belonging in a city known for its fast-paced ambition.

Having honed her skills in Paris and earned the prestigious LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers at the age of 22, Pasco has worked with renowned luxury houses such as Chloé, Hermès, and Christian Dior Couture. However, she found that Europe’s traditional fashion landscape offered limited opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs seeking to build their own businesses.

A Strategic Move to Dubai

In search of a vibrant, solution-oriented environment, Pasco chose Dubai as her new base. The city serves as a strategic hub in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where administrative agencies are known for their collaborative approach to innovative ideas. As she transitions into lifestyle jewelry and multiproduct design, Pasco is discovering that Dubai is not just a location for business; it embodies a unique, proactive mindset that encourages entrepreneurship.

Pasco noted that her initial experiences with local business setup agencies were eye-opening. She found that their willingness to collaborate and offer solutions was a refreshing change from her previous experiences in Europe.

Building a Dream

After relocating to London from Peru at the age of 17, Pasco completed her education in business and design in Paris. She expressed satisfaction with her early career, stating that the city provided a complete ecosystem for her growth. However, despite her success, she always aspired to launch her own fashion brand.

Pasco acknowledged that while Europe offers rich opportunities for designers in terms of techniques and craftsmanship, it lacks the entrepreneurial spirit she sought. This realization prompted her to explore the GCC region, where she observed significant movement in the fashion industry, including the acquisition of the Dutch brand BALR by a Dubai-based company.

Embracing the Dubai-it Mindset

Pasco’s experience in establishing her business in Dubai, even while managing projects in South America, highlighted the city’s unique approach to entrepreneurship. She often spent late nights contemplating her business strategy and was consistently surprised by the positive responses from local agencies when discussing her ideas.

The mindset she encountered in Dubai was markedly different, with agencies eager to collaborate and explore solutions, even if they had never set up a fashion business before. This supportive atmosphere was instrumental in her decision to fully commit to her venture in Dubai.

A Name of Her Own

The name of her brand, MILLIONVVV, carries personal significance. Initially considering the name “Million Visa” as a metaphorical gateway to her first million, she later opted for MILLIONVVV after a trademark appeal in Europe. Upon arriving in Dubai, she immediately took steps to trademark her brand name, which she described as a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

Pasco emphasized that Dubai fosters an environment where dreams can be transformed into reality, noting that the prevailing attitude is one of “how can we make it happen?” rather than simply saying “no.”

Surrounded by Dreamers

In her short time in Dubai, Pasco has found inspiration in the community of like-minded individuals who have also relocated to the city with their own aspirations. This environment has allowed her to explore new dimensions of her work and personal growth.

She highlighted the difference in conversations with peers, who focus on collaboration and shared goals rather than competition. This supportive atmosphere has contributed to a sense of community that she finds motivating.

The Dubai-it Experience

The rapid pace of life in Dubai has encouraged Pasco to expand her focus beyond outerwear and swimwear to a more multiproduct approach. She has embraced new challenges, including the development of performance lifestyle jewelry, which has pushed her creative boundaries.

Pasco noted that the urgency of client expectations has further enhanced her efficiency as a designer, as she adapts to the dynamic demands of the market.

Just Ask

Building a new life in a foreign city can present challenges, but Pasco has discovered that a simple yet effective strategy is to just ask. She recounted a chance encounter with a fitness center manager who informed her of an offer that made it possible for her to join. Similarly, she approached a building she was interested in and inquired about available apartments, leading to her recent acquisition of her own space.

A City That Inspires

Despite being in Dubai for just over four months, Pasco has developed a strong connection with the city and its inhabitants. She expressed a sense of shared experience among residents, noting that even strangers seem to understand the journey of building a life in Dubai.

This sense of belonging was reinforced during her recent return to the city, where she was greeted with a warm “Welcome home” by an immigration officer and a hotel doorman. Such gestures resonate deeply with her, particularly as she navigates her path as a young entrepreneur.

For more information, visit the original reporting source: Emirates 24|7.

Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.

Published on 2026-08-19 14:51:00 • By the Editorial Desk