Empowerment Through Fashion and Death

By: Celia Martinez

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local NewsRunway? Check. Fashionable couture? Check. Death? Check. Cultura met Couture last Friday night as fashion enthusiasts gathered at The National Museum of Mexican Art to celebrate the elegance of death at La Catrina Fashion Show during the Sor Juana Festival (celebrating strong women in the Mexican community.) The unconventional evening featured collections by four Latina designers and incorporated “La Muerte” or Death, in the form of an elegant woman, as the guest of honor.

Originally created by Mexican printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada in 1910, the image of La Catrina, the well-dressed female skeleton, has come to be associated with El Dia de los Muertos, a day when many people from the Mexican culture honor their deceased loved ones and laugh at the concept of death at the same time.
The four women who showcased their designs in this one of a kind night were Claudia Urrutia, whose works include faux-fur, evening gowns and business attire; Elizabeth Lara, who specializes in bridal, evening and special occasion dresses; Elda De La Rosa, an established couture designer from Chicago who specializes in evening attire; and Lilia Vega, a Day of the Dead folk artist who specializes in paper mache skull masks.
As the designers frantically prepared the models backstage, Lilia Vega stood by her elaborate collection of hand-made paper mache masks that would be showcased that evening. Her well-crafted eerie creations were entirely unique and each more frightening than the next. “The Mexican culture is my inspiration. I’m always integrating the Mexican concept- the Mexican culture. It has to be reflected in my art,” said Vega. “I’m hoping [the audience] will have a good impression and maybe see the Day of the Dead from a different perspective,” she added.

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local NewsFor Claudia Urrutia, who was actually born on “El Dia de los Muertos” (November 2), being a part of this fashion show during the Sor Juana Festival is a true honor. “I’m honored and excited because it is my culture,” said Urrutia. “And I’m a big admirer of Sor Juana.”

Elizabeth Lara stood near her collection of wedding gowns that neatly hanged on a rack. She cautiously inspected the gowns and accessories and made finishing touches before the start of the show. “I think it’s gonna look really cool,” said Lara, who was more excited than concerned to have her collection of wedding gowns be presented with the image of La Catrina.

Ultimately, the unlikely combination created a one of a kind intense presentation not commonly seen or easily replicated on a runway. But most importantly, it created a sense of pride and female empowerment through Mexican culture, which is the pure essence of what the Sor Juana Festival is all about.
For images of this great event, visit www.facebook.com/lawndalenews or www.facebook.com/magaleee.

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