The Weavings of Rumba - Isabella Ortiz

Crochet 
 
This piece is a crochet dress inspired by the Cuban rumba dress. It is the modern version of the main garment used for Cuban stage performances and was a prominent style of the Cuban Afro-Latina singer, Celia Cruz. Personally, as an Afro-Latina Cuban-American, I feel as if this piece represents a collaboration between my two cultures. I took reference from the piece that was donated to the Smithsonian Museum, from the bright reds and the white roses embroidered onto the piece into a more modern style. Each garment and detailing were crocheted by hand and shows how my Cuban influence was through my art method as well as the visual influence of the dress. However, the rumba dress is a greater blend of cultures that are taken from Spanish, French, and African cultures. It is a symbol of culture and unity, especially for the Cuban Afro-Latina community. As a first-generation Cuban American, I decided to incorporate this dress into my interpretation of a modern celebratory dress.