The Puerto Rican Day Parade has been an iconic day in NYC since 1958. 

My family and I have been going to the parade since I was a little girl. Every single year I would look forward to that the second Sunday in June. When I was finally old enough to dress myself I created a tradition with my mom. Days before the parade, I would have her take me to Sunset Park, Brooklyn to get a shirt made from an airbrush artist. 

When I was going through old photos at my parents house I came across those pictures of me in all my airbrushed tees. I became inspired and realized I want to design tees for the parade. I truly couldn’t think of anyone better to collaborate on this tee with, Charlie Doves. We decided to start running this project Summer 2023 making this year round 3!

Charlie Doves is a Puerto Rican artist from the lower east side of NYC. He is famed for illustrating different urban styles. His work is characterized by various aspects of 80’s & 90’s pop culture such as cinema, poster and cover art, creatures, cartoons, blended with his own perspective and signature style.

While coming up with the design I for sure knew I wanted to include all of the NYC boroughs , being that the parade takes place in NY. On the back of the tee is a map of the boroughs making up NYC. Doves and I wanted to bring back the map from year 1 but with more detailing. The inspo behind the map design is Doves wanted to redesign the maps they give out at DisneyWorld for the general geographic layout of Boricua’s in NYC from his POV. Including major landmarks in each borough.

For the front of this year’s tee design you will see NUEVA YORK blown up in graffiti style and you will see Puerto Rican and NYC props all within the letters.

So proud to be a NYC born and raised Boricua. This project right here is very special to me, to put on for my City my Island and for the Culture!! PA QUE TU LO SEPA !!!!!!