The School of Fashion congratulates senior B.A. Fashion Design major Dalimar Solis Ortiz who was recently selected by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) as a finalist in the Re:Generation Innovation Scholar Award competition, sponsored by Swarovski Foundation. Solis Ortiz, a native of Puerto Rico, was also a finalist in the CFDA's Liz Claiborne Design Impactful Futures competition.
Solis Ortiz's collection, Preciosa, reflects her home of Puerto Rico and is inspired by the architecture and buildings of Viejo San Juan. "My design approach focuses on inclusivity through adaptive features that can ease the difficulty of donning and doffing clothing, while creating comfortable and fashionable pieces," said Solis Ortiz. "Through adaptive features, my designs can be worn by anyone who wants to wear them. It focuses on the placement of closures and how these can enhance someone's life."
Solis Ortiz was selected by a committee of Fashion faculty and was mentored through the process by faculty member Archana Mehta. "It was challenging but I am very grateful I had the opportunity to represent the school," she reflected.
A native of Puerto Rico, Solis Ortiz became interested in fashion design during childhood and was taught to sew and appreciate fashion by her grandmother. As a teenager she began taking classes with the Puerto Rican costume designer Vilma Martinez to expand her knowledge. Overall, Solis Ortiz's work reflects the beauty and resilience of her beloved Puerto Rico. "I contrast bold and delicate colors that celebrate Puerto Rico’s distinct aesthetics and capture the different elements that define Puerto Rican society," she explained. "Having lived through the two most trying times of my life, Hurricane Maria and the pandemic, I make clothes that enhance other people’s lives." Inspired by Puerto Rico and a passion for inclusivity and universal design, Solis Ortiz hopesto become a fashion designer with her own brand.