Dominican Divas and One Divo
You can't explore Dominican culture without mentioning the island's influence on fashion. In an industry that's rigidly European-centered, the Dominican Republic has managed to make a strong enough impact to be dubbed "the next Brazil." Brazil has been supplying the industry with a bevy of supermodels lead by Giselle Bundchen, for the last ten years. All the Brazilian beauties display the requisite pale skin, flowing hair and Anglo features but the Dominicans are adding much needed visibility for models of color. Sesilee Lopez, featured above with Tyra Banks, has been splashed all over Italian Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle and American Vogue for the last two years. Known for her pout and sassy Dominicana attitude, she's just signed a Calvin Klein fragrance contract and has been listed as a top model to watch by industry insiders.
Arlenis Sosa was discovered on the streets of Santo Domingo a few years ago and has quickly blazed a fierce fashion trail that includes walking almost every major fashion show and spreads in Italian and American Vogue. Noted for her stunning cheekbones, she's just signed a coveted Lancome cosmetics contract.
Only 17, Austria Alcantara is the newest Dominicana on the scene. She's been featured in Teen Vogue and has walked in shows for DKNY, Marchesa, Cynthia Rowley an d Alberta Ferretti for Philosophy.
And the grand divo is of course, Oscar De La Renta. A major fashion industry icon who's been awarded the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America Lifetime Achievement Award, he's the most globally known Dominican. Usually noted for his sumptuous evening gowns like the one above, he's lately become known as the designer whining about how Michelle Obama ignores established designers. Hopefully he'll get over it and realize that with four decades of prominence, it's time for new designers to be recognized. He has rallied for Arlenis Sosa, insisting that she open and close his Spring show and shows concern for his DR home by building a school, daycare center and a fashion museum that was closed for the day when I visited.
Comments
How is your husband doing?
It's excellent that the true range of Dominican beauty gets featured in magazines, unlike meu querido Brasil.
Maybe one day Adriana'll have some company.
Wendy,it's an aspect of the culture that you don't see unless you know the fashion industry.
Marina, Now you know! He's fine, thanks for asking.
Bro,Ahh, you know how your Brasilian peeps are. Maybe you can make a difference in Sao Paulo.
Oscar de la Renta's name is more up my street. Yes, I've heard of him (I'm not a total ignoramus, no! :-D) and it is true that he is bringing a whole new angle to fashion. A much needed one, I would wager. Thanks for the feature.
Greetings from London.
Lara, yes, they are gorgoeous and the range of feminine beauty is finally starting to diversify.
Spencer, I think Oscar's influence probably makes a huge difference in the island's visibility. THanks for dropping by.