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In this ongoing series, I rediscover my abandoned creative self. Inspired by engrained childhood images and releasing the inhibition that comes with age, I explored this freedom of expression. Shot on Canon 6D with LED Soft flood, Lume Cube and projection. 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/087bd99c-9637-4a45-b727-38e877b8f763/IMG_2656.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Luna and Billy. Summer 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/0bd9bead-00a2-4a82-b05e-5f234a5e3ac0/IMG_0938.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Anthony Luciano Studio. 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/445ca14f-d4bf-4a16-95f9-366bea9c97bf/10_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY 17-year-old music producer Ruby Deena . 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1703274421606-2F8UFOC38YCLZ3DYE81I/Street%252B1-2.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY 44nd & Broadway. Pentax K1000 Tri-X 400 July 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1703215074455-MO5JI1OIERHLSOPWXRPH/ITALY%2B1%2B.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Italy 2023. Pentax K1000. TriX and Fuji 400 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/dedc7503-650b-4da0-aa62-e5b5d174ba18/99AFFD90-66A7-4AA8-8001-07A9FCB5B74F_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY Musings. Exploring the power and poetry of reflections. 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/e4ff1a5f-7045-449d-ab7c-a441eac90bed/IMG_1079.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY MY BODY DOES NOT DEFINE ME - Self portrait series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/5e19671f-b669-497b-92c3-1ae0ae0d4908/IMG_0357.JPEG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/bea40a00-c9c4-4363-bfdb-b1ba84906be3/IMG_5561+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY Cyprus Weichberger - Studio shoot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1748895982434-TT26BV6HYKX7CLCG7Z0P/IMG_1970.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY My Vanity - self portrait series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b1946c14-4f7a-4540-a5b0-e74e72e9d7cb/IMG_2537.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/067c0ef8-341e-48bb-9f1c-f10ae4dea62e/IMG_8945.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/141f1026-93ba-4483-b8d7-6d448de9a232/EXHIBITION_1.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/541637b2-7ec2-45c2-8bdc-4abfc2490cf0/IMG_3095-2.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/5be152ae-a232-457b-9a26-fd1bf2bac13d/IMG_2699.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/26f2faf1-48b4-4f95-8d82-8c27f06ae1ce/IMG_1310.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/010e903a-5c37-4bee-9853-156d562b0599/IMG_1417.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Anthony Luciano Studio. 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/9484d446-e3eb-4ca0-a8b3-e8af2bda3dc5/03_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1703203952813-5VZXG74UVL0SX3NP3V51/F82214A0-211B-4AAE-A5E7-92D08C9F8C56_1_105_c.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1703215127775-HOAA0I31VD2Z4P22RMS2/ITALY%2B2.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/acdbec0d-deb6-4768-a7fb-d4b831a20f98/IMG_1092.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/81ac2a53-6410-4cdc-be55-ac1efdc6137e/IMG_0321+2.JPEG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/c529ba94-585b-48b6-9964-dee9096440a8/IMG_5269+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/19f6ec83-aa8b-41ed-b700-252b11f07545/IMG_1971.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b237ffc8-a51e-47fe-980d-127d17b559f1/IMG_4334.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b4ed0cda-6207-437a-a786-4a4443b135e7/IMG_9019.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/65aa9aa6-db38-41ab-995e-1ab2c96169b5/EXHIBITION_2.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/84f4c169-63a6-4fe5-85c5-df4f03906297/IMG_3093.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/2023809a-2c4c-4b63-82dd-52c4376aa1f0/IMG_2587.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b6d0e025-f52f-4eb9-a3fd-2c0aed229560/IMG_0912.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/452b9222-4c63-4a00-9d07-aa2823cd32e5/IMG_3221.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/d8cb2fbd-c4af-45bd-b0b3-75ed385a1bbb/IMG_1808.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1703203926477-M4INDLJSO3JUT5WZ5IQI/Street%252B5.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1703215161293-6CSPJVDAVDNUEVB489Q1/ITALY%2B4.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/490b02b7-0836-4a9d-b34b-eda9b8371269/IMG_1095.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/23266442-1ffc-44b8-810f-f04b01c4d62e/IMG_0419.JPEG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/bed89377-1568-4d90-ade8-6669f05a057a/IMG_5426+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/20afff87-6560-470a-ae6c-1f733ced2865/IMG_1972.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/e7579dc3-8f65-4bfe-805d-9e06423667d5/IMG_2789.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/5a0284de-c9eb-4771-aea5-133a4d5e526b/IMG_8878.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/8cc1a373-e373-4a8f-ab5f-d8247ffd1159/EXHIBITION_3.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/28b9a48e-529d-4962-b800-2e1f10949adb/IMG_3014.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/c0b74516-5e27-4113-b9e3-f8482e3f06b7/IMG_2753.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/5938c3b6-f9fc-4559-a289-7d1767f2ebaf/IMG_1680.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/72de8bdf-4ebf-41a2-b077-dde03ba1671a/IMG_0980.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/98adb64f-d573-4b86-85a1-cd18cb0411e1/06_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1703203647400-PA2BT4SUQ6AV7QOVN92A/Street%252B7-2.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/0f182219-76dd-4d65-b7f4-d0980e1b38a0/ITALY+3.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/fb4aa35e-bf47-4844-8cb0-4fd59ddc987d/IMG_1100.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/75972872-a899-466f-a434-2c307b92f5d8/IMG_0349.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/6a61f883-c37a-47f3-91f6-9e41cbb47c6b/IMG_5471+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1957a76c-3718-4eff-a8d1-6f8f710a9b71/IMG_1973.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/6a359953-a239-4014-b5eb-decde36f559b/IMG_2719.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1c7298cd-c2fd-41d0-9459-827402deed51/IMG_8977.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/dfbca64f-6e79-4cb2-b0d5-d4dbc607e651/EXHIBITION_4.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1702477628026-8ZHHMZG62L3FPTW9CUC4/IMG_3079.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/00ef087e-ab65-401a-85bd-6617ec01dc12/IMG_2683.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/057d47bf-9ca2-48ac-b056-a9f91f1059a1/IMG_1259.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/61c42b9c-0794-4469-a62d-571f31f004e3/IMG_1072.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/83c9700f-ba51-4f67-abe4-84ee134e1116/08_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1703203878133-QCQJJPNKQX0QC5I0V3GC/F87D5AC6-41A9-4E72-910E-C1D7E52CB3A4_1_105_c.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/d181e0aa-f631-4cdd-ae8f-d39a1bf2b2de/510718FE-B5EC-499D-9E8D-F27222AB263A_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/8624ea42-d0f2-4ab7-9c46-011b64cf6a8f/IMG_1104.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/0360f505-278e-403a-923e-63cb316fb188/IMG_0519.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/8400c7ff-c73a-46ba-b0b7-e115ae20add0/IMG_5581+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/11994c5c-35ef-409a-b86f-b3dd188fd3ce/IMG_1974.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1e161ebc-5a25-45e8-b0f4-32b307961e11/IMG_4374-3.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1d110808-e9cf-4ef4-98a4-c38b78f901cd/IMG_5812.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/6e8da58d-fd5a-4f57-bdcb-addaf632a0ec/IMG_5127-2.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/fdfab8d2-5294-4020-b425-75d93a3b8db2/IMG_2567.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/d2b35e57-d730-4d90-9969-f468198bbe7c/IMG_1662.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b343184f-2d88-417d-bb96-3103b032c749/IMG_1164.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/c1978e25-c68a-4426-a91b-03b8161ad801/12_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/8ad77679-a74a-46b0-b549-f7ebebab7343/62671E6F-DA03-40FF-A151-28FD6CE8B930_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/7c3f0f41-26d3-4de0-8f07-9bf0a8cf5aad/IMG_2996.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/3d0f27c1-d2a5-459b-af31-5fdfa56723c2/IMG_1111.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/0fbeb0c3-e73f-45d8-878c-e90b4247c33f/IMG_0998.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/6da3d3ac-97fc-48f2-99ea-10bb0994a2bf/IMG_5406+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/3ff539da-ab10-4cf3-9bfc-e08d4eeb678d/IMG_1975.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/33c0de65-4d6a-4c6a-a1aa-e8867ff29f8d/IMG_4454-2.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b5cf6a53-3e51-4141-9051-695f83bfa3db/IMG_5892.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/505755e6-40ff-4409-84f7-5b54ecb20ccc/EXHIBITION_7.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/3ce487a9-a4cb-45f5-b5c7-98acb4881218/IMG_2905.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/3a2f1d3b-292e-4e9e-b321-ea6602d932c0/IMG_1344.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/42b44963-1f60-4a0f-8039-31610544dfd9/IMG_1092.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/27be2016-5522-4a98-8baa-48b16ffb24d9/04_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/77fd762f-e319-4734-a6c9-7cec3aa089a9/FE556AE4-338F-4AAC-8EAC-488E6A6C4FB9_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/c004ce9f-f9f2-435b-968c-9945a05ba521/IMG_1116.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b48d5e28-58d0-4641-9049-44e56f1d7545/IMG_0375.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/eca9cb87-a9a3-4b41-bd6d-c8fafc045134/IMG_5417+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/83747225-7f78-4c8a-8978-e9d48957d066/IMG_1976.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/4fcd7a2b-6560-4671-9b2c-3111e5101d35/IMG_6495.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/7fc9c796-6d45-46fb-99ec-48bfe22b54fc/IMG_7112.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/65525168-81e3-4c52-9842-bd7c2f1031ab/IMG_5745-3.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/417a47ab-ef0c-458c-99fa-fbeff6f47555/IMG_3038.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/aea13cb7-7c3a-41fa-be0e-cf58a355cad2/IMG_1086.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/69fd97a6-95d6-4c8d-9a60-1b1c693ecd8d/09_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/cb844c0a-ced5-45ce-b680-14cb6560abe8/5F668BB4-25C9-4E56-93A8-8E0A88DC98EA_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/60f48ed7-0ddd-4174-9b0c-bb8960450c7b/IMG_1123.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b450c840-1bf3-47c3-af71-d53ff2eb12f9/IMG_0106.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/12ecd5c0-f80b-46a8-8436-af0f9548f4b8/IMG_5482+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/096a509d-2eca-4c19-aab9-cd1271c82d19/IMG_1977.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/93b90e31-b920-4b06-92d6-03f3250d4419/IMG_4455.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/0d782555-a7bb-4aac-a32b-7975fd507cf2/IMG_5745.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/bd53ae5e-9c53-458e-9fc7-538be3e889e4/EXHIBITION_5.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b4f3e357-88df-4c5a-8f98-ce9002ceb13f/IMG_1431.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/71f5a241-c6ac-45d5-88e0-3d022c4c856d/07_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/8d593ec2-e150-42e6-9ca4-0ed6bee6acf6/C4B6554C-E4A0-49D0-9E08-E1FD54623787_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/bfdb48f1-2997-4861-a47e-8214daf1289f/IMG_3897-3.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/0e618f6f-a77a-43c2-a4d9-150d79aebbd3/IMG_1125.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/636c8dce-b739-4103-b7ab-3437457cc3a9/IMG_0556.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/5ad6186d-0f76-4bfa-93ed-6e33f1530606/IMG_5500+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/2980fea9-15bb-4582-a142-dff264541661/IMG_1979.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/fab7a5ea-4861-4422-b73a-0f9286f6784d/IMG_4427.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/49918729-08c1-434c-adba-0ccae7a9bdea/IMG_5886-3.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/de61696b-991d-40da-8454-de63f94e3bda/11_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/8765242a-bce9-4563-a22b-6a1f99465979/4F9299A9-3625-4C97-ACA6-D36D6CCD88BB_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/2fd5804f-7d59-4f3c-b699-df5c18bdb32d/IMG_3795-5.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/ea301888-ea86-493e-8ddd-b6e2c2597e7a/IMG_0389.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/a791e21e-4442-4bcd-ad75-f0aef2f7a71b/IMG_5452+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/d5d2340c-4d56-43d2-8231-dda8aaec34a5/IMG_1981.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/073b2aa2-1757-4f53-83b8-bd914d26389f/IMG_6564.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/c93b3cc5-0d17-4365-8638-9f97e77a5d59/IMG_7151.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/cff1155a-d393-427b-a3fe-e6bbaa03ae6e/02_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/6554ef5c-ac73-4bc5-9d0f-31ff2adbd98a/768AC5DC-63DD-42FB-A788-79F9A2A5EB90_1_201_a.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/7f13c85d-d810-4d41-adb4-ed104a4e2c39/IMG_3873-2.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/244f2e22-c943-457e-897d-39fc73afed9f/IMG_0507.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/dd3dbce7-eb18-4eb0-9a8d-d8460889490c/IMG_5375+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b43f5a4b-ae51-473b-8e88-f0989619c14d/IMG_1984.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/3826961e-1603-45c7-b893-3da9605b20fc/IMG_7460.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/c4b6bfea-8457-494a-99b2-7bbc4778156f/13_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/5c83b84b-a45e-47bb-a847-52a4aa06fade/893F37C3-43F0-4270-BD13-A2119A8792B1_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b3c26df8-b705-4b7b-b1c9-f12aa8fb887f/IMG_3777-3.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/a71a93f4-c829-4200-b8c6-95d15d68b2cf/IMG_0637.JPEG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/de58c046-0571-4704-ad3f-301288b02e5a/IMG_5549+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/21c7bcc9-9785-488c-b330-a54aec147b8a/IMG_8399.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/f7bec57b-b1b4-4def-a778-396c6f782e6b/14_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/cb6fcf98-8db1-4aa8-b1c6-8ed0f58fa7ed/50419D12-C0A2-4E17-9804-FB1D1D1FF6BE_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b47d1dec-3ca2-4be8-9e3b-b9d0262bc5b4/IMG_3831.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/dd7b6c3b-9843-4989-a884-cf45127d42a4/IMG_0973.JPEG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b70ca7eb-f7c3-4b73-9fce-9ebef69fa254/IMG_5398+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/620b9566-e600-4442-8b80-94e3c270ed3e/IMG_8305.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/0b7367a1-d69a-4409-9e89-2fcf00e4a985/15_VIVIENNE_DIAZLAPENS.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/8f3da2fe-61e4-473d-962a-d895d813fdc0/EE91872A-7A8E-43A3-B720-65E847774830_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/499030d6-9dea-4435-a34c-8eef3dc08a71/IMG_0072.JPEG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/baaa01e1-6c51-45f8-9cc4-1bec389f3078/IMG_5348+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/974da8bf-254f-4d66-915b-ea4c2b083389/IMG_5057.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/7d07faa5-e583-44ae-a4e8-1fd8b98cba37/EC729C61-72A1-4C4A-BD7A-3CAB4EA70030_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/9b630bd4-9cdd-475f-9c82-f7ebd242e6c9/IMG_5126+3.JPG PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/4ccd500c-421c-46ff-8b95-a79a8d173e61/IMG_7872.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/65c80347-9b5f-44f6-a73a-430f13749928/27F3C722-B7C2-4FFD-A7A2-EBEA6268BFD2_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/fd291318-fa87-4091-964a-e18a10c3ef27/IMG_8092.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/13950459-ff69-440e-9ed1-8854e5cea5bb/50F6E695-B1AA-4F87-A3D3-9BF3F234E5FA_1_105_c.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/4640ae0d-dcac-49ce-bb35-94fc9676149e/IMG_8241.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/8470fad4-9c48-421c-a44b-20f05e073547/19136F23-A6E2-4ADC-A501-B9CE8F4CCCB4_1_201_a.jpeg PHOTOGRAPHY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/b7caea60-7569-463a-a543-433ff4e9b328/IMG_8292.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/e5b2a229-9486-4187-821b-605dc4bb885c/IMG_8467.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/920374a7-bc8b-47f9-8574-303dd1e09e49/IMG_7716.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/51f0224e-2179-475c-ac43-19c5714b81a3/IMG_5909-2.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/33896a7a-ae49-4fe4-9a5e-4ee5153224e9/IMG_5031.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1171b5c5-0a04-4e0f-abcb-28990d913d5a/IMG_5546.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/90d49ff6-3309-4339-a269-f2cf3ba11db4/IMG_8994.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/9d9013da-15eb-460b-86e2-bc4532321adf/IMG_5679.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/56b36287-0605-416e-81b0-0149fbe02380/IMG_8455.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/067d288f-c3d9-4071-b355-0f61bf73e176/IMG_4921.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/1bcd568f-9b16-488e-99a8-dd5d5e10edaf/IMG_5130.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/61c5a190-3a5f-44a9-9103-d482b827a11f/IMG_9074.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/ce3fbbe4-e3f0-45ac-b4c2-c88a3a075d97/IMG_9087.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/657527d61114fa52daafae62/c4e3eabf-15a0-44b1-a203-bb6e4fdf63a5/IMG_8138.jpg PHOTOGRAPHY Tailored Roots My father, Joel Diaz, learned patternmaking and tailoring from a young age, creating his first dress in his mother's dressmaking shop in the Dominican Republic at age 12. In the early '90s, he moved to New York City with nothing but the clothes on his back, his portfolio, and a full ride to Parsons School of Fashion Design. He is now a designer and multi-talented artist who has built a successful atelier in the garment center. For the past 20 years, he has been creating garments for events such as the Met Gala, collaborating with labels including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and H&M. The 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, drew inspiration from Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The exhibition explored the significance of sartorial style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, highlighting how Black individuals have used fashion to transform their identities and envision new social and political possibilities. For the past two months, I have been my dad's shadow - documenting his talented team, the collaborative process with brands, and the tailoring and creation of garments for celebrities including Zendaya, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Hilfigers, Jeremy Allen White, Lauryn Hill, Damson Idris, Lisa, and Sofia Richie. Witnessing my father's work on garments that become part of cultural history has profoundly influenced my creative outlook. I grew up in his studio, surrounded by mannequins and sewing machines, handing him straight pins as a toddler. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for artistry and commitment. His humility, reverence for craft, and unwavering dedication to his team have taught me that fashion is not only art but also a powerful form of narrative and self-expression.