When we talk about fashion, we rarely think about its ability to transmit messages that transform and contribute to the different sectors of national life.
But it is not like that. For example, through it you can favorably impact an area as important as the environment.
To give you an idea, there is a collection called ‘Parrot Fish’, which emerged as a fashion initiative to use design and style as communication tools, bringing a clear message to new spaces: the importance of protecting the parrot fish, a species essential for the preservation of Caribbean beaches.
The initiative is from Jumbo through Moda Jumbo, and Sócrates McKinney, and is inspired by the Caribbean Sea and the parrot fish itself, with the idea of seeking to generate conversation and raise awareness about the need not to consume this species.
Its role in marine ecosystems is key, since it naturally contributes to the production of sand that gives life to many of the country’s beaches.
Its disappearance, specialists warn, would represent a direct threat to the balance of the reefs and, consequently, to the coastal environment and tourism.
Under the phrase ‘The parrotfish makes the sand. We raise awareness, each piece in the collection becomes a vehicle to transmit that message. More than a thematic proposal, “Pez Parrot” seeks to provoke reflection and promote a more conscious attitude towards the care of natural resources.
Commitment to the message
For years, the brand has promoted initiatives to make the importance of this species visible. This is explained by Madelyn Martínez, vice president of Marketing at Centro Cuesta Nacional, who assures that the collection is part of a broader awareness-raising effort.
“We have made the commitment to make the value of the parrot fish visible, promoting awareness about the need not to consume it and highlighting its impact on marine ecosystems. This collection adds to that effort as a different way to keep the conversation active and reinforce an essential message for the preservation of our beaches,” he said.
Fashion designed for the whole family
The collection covers different categories within textiles and footwear, with proposals designed for the whole family. It includes beach towels, sandals, swimsuits, bags, caps, t-shirts, shirts and keychains that integrate graphic elements inspired by the parrot fish and its natural habitat.
Within the collection, the keychains were made by Dominican artisan Patricio Correa, who has more than a decade of experience working with renewable and recycled materials.
Each piece, which is hand-carved from wood collected from the coasts and natural fibers, reflects the Caribbean identity and the value of what is handmade, providing a unique character that connects design with sustainability.
Its color palette, composed of sand white, leaf green, navy blue and soft coral tones, seeks to evoke the texture of the sand, the movement of the sea and the natural wealth of the Caribbean, creating a fresh and relaxed aesthetic designed for the tropical climate.
As explained by Cristina Cuadra, vice president of Textile at Centro Cuesta Nacional, the development of the collection was worked with a technical approach that guaranteed functionality and durability.
“From the textile area we develop the collection taking care of silhouettes, selection of fabrics, patterning and finishes to achieve versatile, resistant and accessible pieces that can sustain the message we project over time,” he stated.
Design as a tool of awareness
For Sócrates McKinney, one of the key elements of the project was ensuring that the environmental message had the same prominence as the design.
“In this collection we take care of every creative detail, from illustrations to patterns and colors inspired by the Caribbean Sea, so that the message is as protagonist as the design. We look for attractive pieces to keep the conversation alive and generate greater awareness about the importance of parrotfish for our beaches,” said the designer.
