“Ritual” is a collection inspired by my Indigenous and Mexican American heritage. It

alludes to my memories of celebrating the Mexican holiday know as “Día de los

Muertos”. This holiday gathers family and friends together to celebrate and

remember the lives of their loved ones who have passed. It is tradition, to build an 4

tiered altar (symbolizing the four elements) and to decorate it with photographs of

those who have passed and the relics that best represent them.

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These yearly rituals have enriched my understanding of my heritage and have

helped shape me into the person I am today. Additionally, this specific holiday is

visually, texturally, and symbolically rich, allowing me to create an impactful and

conceptual collection.

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The fabrics, colors, and silhouettes were specifically chosen to embody the

spiritual, reflective and tranquil essence of this holiday. Additionally, I used visual

elements from the altar like herbs, wax, tissue-paper, incense, marigolds as inspiration.

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With both visual and symbolic references to this holiday, this collection

authentically captures the spiritually elevating yet mournful essence of this

celebration.