Santa Ana Dressed in Amancay: A Tribute to Cuenca’s Spirituality and Tradition

In the heart of Cuenca, where tradition and spirituality intertwine, "Santa Ana Dressed in Amancay" is born — a creation that honors the patron saint of Cuenca’s rivers and the natural beauty that surrounds the city.

This conceptual outfit seeks to reflect the delicacy and simplicity personified by Santa Ana, while capturing the solemnity and grace that define Cuenca’s women. Inspired by the amancay flower, the design incorporates draping and fluid shapes, symbolizing freedom and purity in honor of Santa Ana. Each pleat and curve is a tribute to the elegance that this saint represents.

For its creation, I carefully selected natural fibers such as jute and duda, sourced from the Rotary market, where local artisans weave stories into every thread. These materials, interwoven with the design’s vision, bring authenticity and a deep sense of belonging to the land that gave birth to them.

Velvet, also used in the traditional skirts of Cuenca’s Chola, adds a touch of tradition that connects the outfit to the city’s history, blending the past and present into a unique piece.

"Santa Ana Dressed in Amancay" is not just an outfit; it is a reflection of the essence of Cuenca, where simplicity and elegance fuse with nature and spirituality. This conceptual project is a tribute to the cultural and emotional richness of Cuenca and the profound connection I feel to its traditions.