Cover Story
Best traditional Kuna dress selection is the framework for preserving the last true artisans
Foundation “Buscando tu estrella” to hold an October fashion show
Keeping the traditions alive in children. Hay que mantener las tradiciones vivas con la juventud.
Helene Breebart with the winner of
best traditional dress, Rosina Ortíz.
The Panamanian Foundation “Buscando tu estrella” (Looking for your star) promotes and protects the traditions of Panama. An initiative of the organization, which is headed up by French fashion designer Helene Breebart, gives incentives to the Kuna Indian artisans to keep with their traditional ways of dress and celebrates their culture.
The hand-made appliqué molas made by Kuna women are one of the most notable pieces of the diverse Panamanian culture. Each year, dozens of Kuna women turn out to show off their prized mola blouses and colourful traditional dress to win prizes and gain fame as the best-dressed Kuna woman of Panama City.
This is a yearly activity for the foundation, whose labour is actually twofold. This “Buscando tu estrella” event educates the general public about the vast differences between traditional creative artisan works and the industrial fabrication. The foundation wants to alert and warn against the loss of the world’s last truly traditional artisans, as the marketplace becomes saturated with mass-produced and non-traditional good.
These contestants will take part in the big October 13 event at the Canal Museum.
On August 24th, the pre-selection process of the best Kuna dress took place in the boutique/workshop of Helene Breebaart. The grand presentation will take place on October 13 at the Canal Museum in Casco Viejo. In an event that will last from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., guests will enjoy traditional crafts, taste artisan foods and enjoy a grand fashion show of traditional dresses.
A surprise famous international designer is expected as a special guest. For tickets to the upcoming event, call 264-5937 or write breebaart@hbreebaart.com.