SOS VenezuelaThe fight for freedom

The ongoing student-led anti-government protests that started in my country Venezuela on February 12, 2014, against the authoritarian regime in power has been the source of inspiration for my project. After our strong tradition of fights for democracy, a student movement has emerged against the breaking of all rights for freedom and civil liberties by the actual government and the students have become victims of brutal repression, killings and detentions by the National Police.

Being myself an active protester, this crisis encouraged me to design outfits that symbolize the restless, urban, young fighters. I would like these designs to show awareness to local and global audiences of the importance of freedom, justice and the struggle against the ongoing abuses perpetrated by authoritarian regimes.

For instance, the Venezuelan flag colors (yellow, blue and red) are present in some of the garments; a jacket with a blood-splashed-like fabric reminds us of the shot and injured; a black outfit mourns the dead; a cotton dress with smoke-printed fabric represents the tear gas used against demonstrators. I hope that my collection inspires other students around the globe of the importance of fighting for human rights and a free world.