Kasandra Farrier x Ale Rambar

Caribbean Essence

Year_ 2024.

Event_ African Diaspora Festival at the Museo Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia.

Designer Collaboration_ Kasandra Farrier.

Technique_ Acrylic paint and pearlescent finishes on fabric, paper headdress.

Materials_ Fabric, acrylic paint, pearlescent pigments, paper.

About_

On August 29th, we had the honor of presenting this unique piece at the African Diaspora Festival. This dress, designed by Kasandra and artistically enhanced by me with acrylic paint and pearlescent finishes, celebrates the essence of Costa Rica's Caribbean architecture. Like the colorful, welcoming homes of the Caribbean, this dress envelops the model in warmth and security, flowing with soft colors that evoke a comforting embrace, connecting us to our Caribbean roots.

The pastel tones reflect the vibrant houses typical of the Caribbean, beautifully complementing the model’s skin and honoring her strength and beauty. The paper headdress I crafted for this piece draws inspiration from traditional African headwear, extending the gradient colors to create a visual harmony that unites the ensemble with our cultural heritage. Its structure echoes the wooden textures of Caribbean homes and the sails of ships, grounding the piece in both land and sea.

A special thanks to our wonderful model, Estephany Castillo, for bringing this creation to life, and to the African Diaspora Festival for the chance to share this piece at such a meaningful event. Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible!