ARTISAN SPOTLIGHT
so I decided to make my dance partner
a second dress. I took one of my moth-
er’s old bras and and purchased some
Spanx. I created what my mother calls
the “chicken” dress. The chicken part
was this really cool tropical bra that
was covered in crystal. I hand-sewed
yellow fringe onto the Spanx, creating
fringed fitted pants. Everyone thought
I was insane until my dance partner
danced in it—it was a hit. I remember
the pants moved so well. It was such
a hit that one of the world champions
copied the idea! After this, people
started noticing my designs, and some
of the dancers at the studio asked me
to make costumes for them.
How has your aesthetic changed over
the years?
Well, it all started as a fun necessity.
Through the years, studying differ-
ent body types and fabrics has really
changed my designs. In the beginning
I was creating dance costumes, which
meant I followed the fabrics and trends
of the dance world. As I’ve learned
about the quality of fabric, different
kinds of cuts and silhouettes, I feel
like I’ve been finding out who I am
as a designer. I’ve also evolved and
have become more inspired by couture
fashion. Making evening, wedding,
and ball gowns has become a bit of an
obsession. Being able to manipulate
fabrics and shapes has become some-
thing really special for me.
What types of dresses do you like to design?
I like to create dresses that make
women feel beautiful and powerful.
My Colombian origins always come
out in my need for drama. I like for
my garments to have something that
is different or unexpected—something
grand or controversial. My ballroom
roots come out in my need to play
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