Puerto Rican designer to teach fashion workshops in Tampa
Posted by Administrator on Oct 31, 2009
In Puerto Rico, fashion designer Carlota Alfaro is known as “Maestra de Maestras (Master of Masters)” for her talent for teaching design and creating a revolutionary way to make sewing patterns.
“I (still) work between 16 and 20 hours a day,” Alfaro, 76, said during a phone interview from her studio in Santurce, Puerto Rico. “I’ve been teaching classes for 40 years; that’s part of my life.”
Alfaro will bring her designing talent to Tampa on Monday as part of the 2009 International Hispanic Designer Fashion Show. She will teach three free seminars on fashion design.
Alfaro is known for creating a sewing pattern using what she calls the “magic ruler” and a special panel that allows the user to make a perfect pattern in five simple steps.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small certain areas may be,” Alfaro said, adding that she cut seven bridal patterns using the method while in labor with her daughter. “To me, everyone is important. I just made an asymmetrical dress for a 400-pound woman, and I made her very happy.”
Alfaro, whose designs have been sold at major retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor, will bring 20 of her own gowns to illustrate her design method. One of the dresses
