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Puerto Rican designer to teach fashion workshops in Tampa

Photo from Carlota Alfaro

Fashion designer Carlota Alfaro will bring her designing talent to Tampa as part of the 2009 International Hispanic Designer Fashion Show.

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By MYRIAM SILVA-WARREN

mwarren@centrotampa.com

Published: October 30, 2009

In Puerto Rico, fashion designer Carlota Alfaro is known as "Maestra de Maestras (Master of Masters)" for her talent for teaching design and creating a revolutionary way to make sewing patterns.

"I (still) work between 16 and 20 hours a day," Alfaro, 76, said during a phone interview from her studio in Santurce, Puerto Rico. "I've been teaching classes for 40 years; that's part of my life."

Alfaro will bring her designing talent to Tampa on Monday as part of the 2009 International Hispanic Designer Fashion Show. She will teach three free seminars on fashion design.

Alfaro is known for creating a sewing pattern using what she calls the "magic ruler" and a special panel that allows the user to make a perfect pattern in five simple steps.

"It doesn't matter how big or small certain areas may be," Alfaro said, adding that she cut seven bridal patterns using the method while in labor with her daughter. "To me, everyone is important. I just made an asymmetrical dress for a 400-pound woman, and I made her very happy."

Alfaro, whose designs have been sold at major retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Lord & Taylor, will bring 20 of her own gowns to illustrate her design method. One of the dresses won first prize during the 50th birthday celebration for the Barbie doll earlier this year.

IF YOU GO

Seminars by Carlota Alfaro

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: Doubletree Hotel, 4500 W. Cypress St., Tampa

TICKETS: The workshops are free, but you must register at www.convergenciainternational.com or by calling (813) 407-0333

International Hispanic Designer Fashion Show

WHAT: A fashion show showcasing the designs of local and national Hispanic designers

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE: India Cultural Center, 5511 Lynn Road, Tampa

TICKETS: $30 in advance, $50 VIP; call (813) 407-0333 or visit www.convergenciainternational.com

Myriam Silva-Warren can be reached at (813) 259-8037 or at mwarren@centrotampa.com.

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