Entre Dos Mundos

By Steven Sterling

In the heart of the urban jungle that is New York City, I embarked on a journey that transcended geographical borders and wove together the threads of my dual identity. As a fashion designer, I sought to articulate this narrative through a dress that seamlessly blends locally sourced linen from NYC with the traditional fabric of my Ecuadorian roots.

Born in the cobblestone streets of Cuenca, Ecuador, my family's migration to NYC at the age of nine marked the beginning of a life caught between two worlds. Fast forward ten years, and my return to the homeland felt more like a tourist navigating unfamiliar territory than a homecoming. The disconnect was palpable, and the feeling of not belonging intensified.

It was in this intricate dance of identity that the concept for the dress was born. Locally sourced linen from the city that had been my home for 22 years became the canvas, reflecting the modernity and energy of NYC. Yet, to infuse a piece of my roots into the design, I introduced traditional fabric from Ecuador. The juxtaposition of these two textiles became a metaphor for my own journey balancing the contemporary with the traditional, the familiar with the foreign.

The dress itself became a living testament to the dichotomy of my existence. Its sleek silhouette, crafted with precision, embodied the urban sophistication of New York City. Through an editorial photoshoot set against the lush, vibrant landscapes of Ecuador, the dress came alive, symbolizing the seamless blend of two distinct cultures. Each photograph captured this harmonious fusion, showcasing how the dress bridged the gap between my two worlds.

The vibrant hues and intricate patterns of the traditional Ecuadorian fabric harmonized with the crisp lines of the linen, creating a visual metaphor for the coexistence of my dual identity. The dress was not merely a garment; it was a symbol of unity, an expression of the beauty that emerges when cultural influences intertwine.

The accessories used in the photoshoot, all locally sourced and native to Ecuador, further emphasized the cultural blend. The model for the shoot, Ania Maryska, who moved from California to Ecuador at the age of 15, shared a parallel yet contrasting journey, enriching the narrative with her own story of dual identity.

As a fashion designer, this project became more than an exploration of textiles and aesthetics; it was an emotional journey, a reflection of my own immigrant experience. Sourcing materials locally in NYC and incorporating elements from Ecuador mirrored my own navigation between two worlds. The dress became my voice a voice that echoed the struggle of not fully belonging, the beauty in embracing diverse influences, and the strength found in navigating the delicate balance between two identities.

In the stitches and patterns of the dress, I discovered the power of fashion to transcend borders. It became a language of unity and acceptance, a medium to convey the complexity of the immigrant experience. The dress stands as a symbol of the universal human story, where differences are not hidden but celebrated a tangible representation of the intricate tapestry that makes each of us uniquely beautiful.

As the dress takes its place in the fashion narrative, it symbolizes more than just style; it embodies the odyssey of an immigrant caught between two worlds. In a world where fashion speaks volumes without uttering a word, may this dress be a reminder that our stories are meant to be celebrated an exquisite mosaic that makes each of us a work of art, a testament to the beauty that emerges when we embrace the diverse threads that weave our identity.

PHOTOGRAPHER: PEDRO A OCHOA

MODEL: ANIA MARYSKA

STYLIST: STEVEN STERLING

HMU: JUAN DIEGO