San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
It took two weeks for the Honduran Natalia Hernandez (57), originally from El Paraíso and mother of two, will create the dress Christopher John Rogers designed for Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, which she wore at the inauguration event.
Hernández spoke with La Prensa newspaper and explained how her 30 years of experience in haute couture led her to have such an opportunity.
This fellow countryman has been working in the studio of the Mexican designer for a year Arturo Castañeda, based in New York, where the outfit was created.
Also read: Who is Kamala Harris, the first female vice president of the United States
How was the manufacturing process?
They took the measurements for me and I started working on it without knowing who it was for. Every detail was made and cut with care, some parts were made by hand and others by machine.
What kind of fabric did they use?
The fabric is similar to polyester and stretches a bit so it was more difficult to work on as the finish had to be perfect.
How long did it take you to make it?
It was a two-week job (30 hours in total). These types of dresses are made slowly and with great precision.
How did you feel when you found out it was for Kamala Harris?
I got really nervous, I remember leaving work late that day because I spent more time on the dress, I wanted everything to be perfect and thank goodness it was.
Has it been one of the most complicated jobs?
Absolutely, because it was a well-maintained process. The front parts were done first, I took care of the front part, then I gave it to a colleague to sew it by hand and the same was done with the back part. In the meantime I made the lining and then fastened the whole dress.
Why do you think you were chosen to make the dress?
I am the only one in the workshop with experience making all kinds of clothes for men and women. I’ve been working in this area for 30 years, 10 years in Honduras and 20 years in the United States.
How did you end up at the workshop of designer Arturo Castañeda?
A friend recommended me because I had already worked in two workshops. I started making men’s shirts and then I spoke to my boss (Arturo) to tell him I knew how to make women’s clothes and he happily allowed me to do other jobs.
How did it feel to see the vice president in the dress?
Wow. I was very excited. They brought us a television and mouthpieces to the workshop to see the inauguration and I was proud. My colleagues congratulated me enormously because they liked the finish. I never thought this would happen.
What happened after your daughter posted this feat of yours online?
My phone and my daughter’s wouldn’t stop ringing. Friends, family and the media started to contact me. My daughter posted the post on Facebook because she is proud of her mother’s work and that’s when many countrymen started sharing it. Thank you with all my heart for your messages.
What have you done in Honduras?
She had a sewing workshop and made clothing contracts. He made uniforms, suits for palillonas, wedding dresses, evening dresses, T-shirts, menswear, everything.
Are you planning to return to Honduras?
Yes, I have been working a lot and I want to be with my parents, I have not been able to kiss or hug them for 20 years. I have to rest and enjoy it.