🇵🇷 We recently had the honor of participating in the presentation of Puerto Rico's representative costume, a project led by designer Joseph Da' Ponte and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. It was a great privilege for us to contribute the cotton fabric used to create these stunning pieces.
The dress is a handcrafted work inspired by 19th-century clothing, made with the collaboration of 115 people, using more than 50 yards of white cotton and 40 yards of bobbin lace, to pay homage to Puerto Rican history and culture through its traditional elements. 🌺
The lace skirt was meticulously hand-woven by lacemakers from different parts of the island over several months. The three ruffles represent Spanish, African, and Indigenous cultures. The petticoat is decorated with 78 white ribbons, embroidered with the colors of each municipality's coat of arms.
❤️ Undoubtedly, the attention to detail demonstrates the love for our culture and the dedication to art on the part of each of the designers, artisans, seamstresses, and lacemakers who contributed their talent to make this work a reality.
Men's pieces were also designed using cotton fabric, including a cane machete and a handcrafted kettle, representing the Puerto Rican jíbaro (countryman). Both pieces complete a representation of cultural heritage, reflecting a commitment to preserving Puerto Rican customs and textile production.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this project, and we proudly celebrate the collaborative work of all those who made these pieces full of history, identity, and love for Puerto Rican culture possible.
Credits:
Photos by Michael Ferrer Torres for Magacín in El Nuevo Día
Joseph Da' Ponte
PR Fashion History Council
