Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda



F.I.T. freshman
San Juan, Puerto Rico
18 years old

"Fashion is art, wearable art. Fashion to me has a special significance and has allowed me to create pieces that can make other people feel like I felt when my mom dressed me up as a princess. Sometimes the way you dress expresses a mood. It’s the expressive creation of the designer, a shout of intellect! A dress is a decoration, a ploy to gracious seduction, a tease towards creative talent. It is ART, a madness that illuminates the significance of being a lady. It is a study and a trace of history; it’s a celebration of family heirlooms and traditions. Fashion is part of culture. It is part of you and me!"

Zaida's collection: The wind that dances around us has a little bit of everything, and everyone, and the elements of nature inspire me everyday. "Colors of the Wind" by Stephen Schwartz talks about how we should treasure, love, and respect the world around us and embrace that we are one with it.

"...I know every rock and tree and creature has a life, has a spirit, has a name and we are all connected to each other in a circle, in a hoop, that never ends. For whether we are white or copper skinned, we need to sing with all the voices of the mountains.

We need to paint with all the colors of the wind. Come roll in all the riches all around you and, for once, never wonder what they're worth. You can own the Earth and still all you'll own is Earth until you can paint with all the colors of the wind."

Every dress has incredible luminosity, giving us a sense of enchantment with multicolored hand dyed silk satin bodices. Nude, flowing, weightless skirts celebrate different skin tones. I tried create ethereal, organic and delicate pieces that have a personality of their own, just like we all do.

What about Fusion are you most excited about? Everything! I am excited because I’ve been making new friends that share this fascination. I’m excited about seeing how my vision comes together and about the challenge and, of course, the moment of truth when I finally see all my models walking on the runway.


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