As part of the Focalized interview series, Focal Journey celebrates and highlights the hard work of colleagues (photographers, stylists, bloggers, designers, etc.) whose creativity and passion enhance the lifestyle, travel, and design industries.

We had the great pleasure to chat with Sofía Sánchez de Betak, one of New York City’s most sought-after people in the design world.

FJ: Who is Sofía Sánchez de Betak?

SSB: Me! As a married woman. (She married French fashion producer Alex de Betak in an utterly gorgeous wedding held in Patagonia).

FJ: Let’s not forget that Sofía is also an Argentina-born, New York-based art director, fashion consultant, and entrepreneur who travels the globe to work and collaborate with some of the world’s most prestigious brands. Focal Journey specialises in lifestyle, travel, and design. Since you are an acclaimed creative director who splits your time between New York and Paris. How do your travels feed your creativity and inspiration?

SSB: Trips inspire me like nothing else! I base my life around travel, I love exploring and discovering new places, people and stories. Every time I come back from a trip, I have a new idea for a certain project or client.

FJ: Travel certainly is a unique source of inspiration and creativity. You’ve worked with labels such as Neiman Marcus and Swarovski to name a few, but you are also one of the masterminds behind www.underoursky.com. Tell us about how the concept of this website was born.

SSB: It started out of me getting so many compliments on EVERY Argentinian piece I wore. I had to create access to such talent!

FJ: And you did indeed! I had a look at some of those pieces, and let me tell you that they are absolutely beautiful. How do you decide what pieces you will feature on www.underoursky.com?

SSB: I look for rare pieces that stand out and have a unique feeling.

FJ: As a global-minded person who lived in many parts of the world, what is your favourite city?

SSB: Buenos Aires, because it has that very special something and all my friends and family are there!

FJ: I used to call Buenos Aires home myself too so I couldn’t agree more when you say this place has a special something. You call New York home now. What do you think is the biggest misconception about New York?

SSB: That it’s a big city. New York is tiny, but with huge buildings, which makes the city very small and cozy, as it has a high concentration of people (and friends!) in just a few neighbourhoods.

FJ: What is the most memorable or rewarding moment in your career as an art director and founder our www.underoursky.com?

SBB: The moment I was told they wanted to hire my and get me a visa, to live in New York and work in fashion!

FJ: Working in fashion in New York sounds very exciting indeed. Thanks, Sofía, for your time and for letting us all know a little bit more about you. It has been a real pleasure.

Focal Journey (by Gustavo Espinola)

Special thanks: Martina Arcucci, and Santiago Hafford (La Nacion).