Since my return to Puerto Rico/Borikén in 2022, I have deepened my research into ancestral agroecology, intergenerational artisanal techniques and hyper-localized material abundance. This research and application is ongoing. Through this part of my practice, I aim to build a place-based holistic material system, represented through my designs, in which these techniques converge and represent a contemporary application of methods tied to the regeneration and preservation of our territory and culture.
APPLIED
For RETORNO SS25, my second capsule collection, the following methods are part of my designs:
Upcycling
Puerto Rico currently produces about 400 million pounds of textile waste every year. Second hand materials are so abundant here! T-shirts were gathered through my own system of donations, and transformed into artisanal designs. For future projects, I will be expanding my material use to incorporate other second-hand materialities.
Locally grown regenerative flower dyes
Through my ongoing relationship with Trama Antillana and Puerto Rico Fibershed, I have developed my first styles with dyes from flowers grown organically in Aibonito, Puerto Rico.
0-waste design
Through extensive prototyping, I have developed signature styles using 0-waste and minimal waste pattern-making developed in-house. These styles are crafted from imported cotton poplin, which I am hoping to replace in the long term with locally grown cotton, a fiber that has been part of our culture since pre-columbian times.
Post-production waste transformation
Through my ongoing relationship with artisans Verónica and Jan from Paper and Flowers, all excess fabrics are combined with recycled paper to create our hand tags and brand book.
Palm weaving
I have developed projects weaving with both Coconut palm leaf and Canary palm leaf, applied to my contemporary art projects.
IN RESEARCH
"Mundillo" / Puerto Rican Bobbin Lace
I am currently learning to create hand-made lace, the Puerto Rican way, a staple textile and craft that was introduced into our culture since colonization.
Añil / Indigofera suffructicosa / Native Indigo
The Caribbean has its own Indigo blue, and this is currrently being researched in hopes of being applied to my natural dye repertoir.
IMPORTED
Although we are collectively working towards having fully traceable fibers that are grown and harvested in our territory, we still have a long way to go. So, some of my techniques are combined with the following imported materials and resources:
Deadstock fabrics are gathered from:
Supima (USA)
FabScrap (NYC, PHL)
Our suppliers for imported, new materials:
TPX Portuguesa: 100% cotton, conventional and GOTS Certified Organic. (Portugal)
Current printing collaborator:
EcoDigitaly (Medellín)
Previous dyeing and printing collaborators for SS23 Capsule 01:
Cara Marie Piazza – natural dyes (NYC)
Papilio Prints – digital printing (New Jersey)
Orto Print Studio – screenprinting with eco-friendly inks (London)
Eco-friendly packaging:
Noissue
EcoEnclose