Mariela Alexandra met her first mentor in the millinery world in New York City, and she was struck by the quality of craftsmanship behind the creation of luxury hats. The brand was born as a homage to the act of hand molding using steam — hence the name, Mains de Vapeur.

Mariela graduated as a Fashion and Textile Designer from UDEM in Monterrey, México and pursued continuing education with courses such as Haute Couture by The Arts of Fashion Foundation at Musée Des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design.