Young Latino Designers Poised to Make an Impression

Hollywood’s rich and famous rely on Latino designers like Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and up-and-comer Narcisco Rodriguez to outfit them for big splash events like the Oscars or the Grammies.

So what is it about Latino design that makes it so fun and beautiful to wear?

Young Latino design students at The Art Institute of New York City say it’s their culture that is their muse, rich with inspiration in everything from music, dance, language and even bullfights.

Bonnie Assing, a fashion design student, is a mixture of many cultures — Costa Rican, Native American, Caribbean, and Chinese. In her approach to fashion design, she feels the Hispanic influence is the strongest. Bonnie leans toward ruffles and frills, and strong colors, such as red and black. “I think the Spanish influence is sexy, seductive, clingy.” She is sure that some of her background will find its way into her the clothes she will eventually design. “Bullfights, festivals, parades, the swirl of colors will always influence me,” says Bonnie.

Another student, Ivette Fuentes, whose family is from the Dominican Republic, sees a significant difference between mainstream and Hispanic cultures. She points out that Hispanic women are not obsessed with being thin. People accept that women are curvy. Designers work around the curves, emphasizing clothes

Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts 10th Anniversary

The Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts is seeking donations to continue with their work during the celebration of its 10th Anniversary. The college is the only one in Zimbabwe that trains students in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Video Photography/Editing, and prepares them for careers in TV, Film production and InDesign and Advertising. The institute is currently facing an enormous financial challenge. The profits from the fees paid by the students are not enough and fundraising efforts have been unsuccessful due to adverse economical and political situations within the country. Founder, Saki Mafundikwa, is now asking for donations to help raise enough funds for the 10th anniversary celebration on December 8, 2009. If anyone is interested in contributing to the occasion all monetary donations can be sent via money gram or western union:

Attn. Nueman Mafundikwa
Harare, Zimbabwe

Gifts will also be accepted for the celebration and for all of those whom contribute, names will be posted on the school’s site http://www.ziva.org/.
Click here for more information.