Designer Stella Nolasco Uses Needle And Thread To Make A Political Statement
This article originally appeared on Ebby Magazine.
When Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc in Puerto Rico, Stella Nolasco’s home flooded and many of her seamstresses lost everything. Determined to put tragedy behind her, the famed Puerto Rican designer created her F/W 2018 collection from salvage pieces to bring awareness to Puerto Rico’s crisis. With signs that read “Can’t Say American Without the Rican” and “We Are US Citizens,” Nolasco turned the catwalk into a political protest. The collection combined ultra-feminine silhouettes, bold colors, and elevated details including lace, feathers and embroidery to introduce a confident woman who can exude sexiness while also take a stance on social issues.
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One year after Maria, Nolasco continues to raise awareness for the Isla del Encanto. Her most recent work includes a partnership with the Latino Commission on AIDS–a nonprofit organization that aims combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community in the US. To shine a light on their Latinos in the Deep South program– a project that served as a refuge for HIV/AIDS patients who were affected by Hurricane Maria– Nolasco exhibited pieces from her most recent collection.