The stage B of Pier 59 Studios was the stage Puerto Rican designer Stella Nolasco used to not only raise funds to support the Artz Cure Sarcoma Foundation, Puerto Rico’s West Coast Medical Relief effort, but also to let people know that even though fashion, feminism, and politics have always been heated territory, combined can be very powerful.
Amidst political upheaval, social strife, and Hurricane Maria devastation, Stella took the runway to highlight the new wave of women's rights movement. Nolasco's Fall/Winter 2018 collection aims to give power to the phrase "Feminist But Feminine," by introducing a confident woman who isn't afraid to be sexy and strong at the same time. "Clothing is a way of expression, but you shouldn't sacrifice your feminine essence for the world. Girly and feminine can be strong,” said the designer. “Sheerness, lace, feathers, and soft silhouettes can embrace by the woman of the 21st century who knows her rights and her capacities. Maybe we must seek to affect change not by challenging contemporary fashion ideals of femininity, but by conforming to them.”
“There is some black in this fall/winter collection, however, colors are definitely predominating. That is how life should be…” says Nolasco. “ When my home was flooded, all of the plants in my garden died. One plant survived, however - the 'Red Kiss Rex Begonia,' whose leaves are red and heart shaped, which inspired the last group of this collection that is composed by richly textured cocktail and evening dresses in red tones.”
Before hurricane Maria hit the island, Nolasco was working on her S/S 2018 collection and her spring fashion show was scheduled for the third week of October. Not only was the designer's home flooded, but many of her seamstresses lost everything and her studio in San Juan still to this day must run a power generator as they have no electricity.
From what Nolasco was able to rescue, she created a F/W 2018 collection to present during the runway show at NYFW. She aims to raise funds from guests attending and PR efforts around the show to generate donations to support the Artz Cure Sarcoma Foundation, Puerto Rico’s West Coast Medical Relief effort.
Check below Stella Nolasco's F/W 2018 Collection:
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.