PHOTO PAGE: THREADS OF YESTERDAY DRESS EXHIBIT

Honoring Camden County's Latino Seamstresses

Photos by Hoag Levins

CAMDEN, N.J. -- The first Hispanic-themed exhibit in the 141-year history of the Camden County, N.J., Historical Society honors the work and cultural signifigance of the region's Latino seamstresses. The event features dress styles from around the Hispanic world. Above are a Puerto Rican Bomba dress (left) by Jessica Diaz and a Cuban Cha Cha dress (right) by Maria Arroya, both local designers. Click for larger image | Click for text article of this event.

Above, left, is an ornately embroidered Oaxacan dress from the southwestern coast of Mexico. Above, right, is an after-wedding-party dress (middle) designed by Maria Arroya. Quinceañera or 'Sweet 15' dresses (above, left) worn to celebrate the female coming-of-age ceremony are dear to the heart of Hispanic families. The exhibit included several which are made by local seamstresses. The red and white dress in the foreground is a Plena dress associated with the Puerto Rican dance of the same name. Above left, are a Huipil blouse and poncho, a traditonal forms of ceremonial garb that date to Mayan times. Above right, a fascinated Leilani Montanez takes photos of the exhibit dresses. Adding a tasty accent to the exhibit's opening reception (above, left) is a Quinceañera cake contributed by local baker Rosy Santiago. The cake features a Barbie doll with the prerequisite jeweled tiara. Above, right, Chef Miguel Feliberti and Dennis Sanchez man the catered food table. ~ ~ ~ CCHS is funded, in part, by the New Jersey Historical Commission. All Rights Reserved, © 2013 HistoricCamdenCounty.com Contact: editor@HistoricCamdenCounty.com About this Web site