Written By Frankie Red
FRANKIEREDENT@GMAIL.COM
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Puerto Rican fashion designer Theo Azael unveils his controversial collection at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, the first museum of its kind in the world, dedicated to preserving and celebrating pan-Caribbean culture. The museum is located inside Broward Mall at 8000 W Broward Blvd, Suite 1202, Plantation, FL 33388.
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Caribbean culture. The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year to bring arts and culture experiences to the community.
On Friday, September 15, 2023 Island Space Museum in Collaboration with Frankie Red & The PhoenixTv, hosted the official Theo Azael Couture Press Conference this controversial collection launched and create history, as Theo Azael, a native of Puerto Rican, becomes the first to feature a fashion couture collection in the space.
The Display Window unveiling consisted of a shocking window display that included elements of both nature and fashion. The display ranged from accessories, to couture clothing pieces; to natural elements such as plants and soils, to man-made props and set design details that embodied both spirituality and creativity.
The project is called The Unearthly Worlds of Theo Azael; which highlights the controversial work of esoteric haute couture through deconstructive hand stitching and upcycling fashion techniques. Leading up to the Puerto Rican designer’s Art Basel show in December, his collection will be on display in a four-week fashion exhibit at Island Space which will be on display from October 14 through mid November, and is set to explore the intersection of esoteric energy and high fashion.
Theo Azael is known for his use of unconventional materials and techniques. His garments often incorporate crystals, herbs, and other objects that are believed to have spiritual properties.
“My hope is that my work will help to raise awareness of the power of esoteric energy”, says Theo Azael. “Our world is beyond the metaphysical elements that we see.”
The shocking collection is sure to become a hot topic, as it challenges traditional notions of what fashion can be. Some critics have accused the designer of being exploitative and appropriative, while others have praised him for his creativity and innovation. The media has deemed him “The Genius of the Esoteric Deconstructed Couture World.” As his groundbreaking concepts birth a whole new take on combining the worlds of fashion and culture.
Theo does not shy away from disclosing that he is not interested in pleasing everyone. He wants to create work that is both thought-provoking and challenging. He hopes that his exhibition will spark a conversation about the role of spirituality in fashion and his connections with the underworld.
Theo Azael is a self-taught artist who grew up in Puerto Rico. He began his career as a fashion designer in Miami Florida, where he quickly gained a reputation for his unique and innovative work. His first collection was called JERICO EXTRAVAGANZA BOHÉME COUTURE.
Earlier this year, he was also the featured opening runway designer for FLL FASHION WEEK at the Broward Convention Center in April 2023. Theo’s collection was by far the largest and most controversial collection, with more than 40 models showcasing a variety of garments ranging from high end urban streetwear to avant-garde pieces.
He’s also an avid spiritualist of the Yoruba religion.
“My work is influenced by my faith. It’s at the core of my design work”, says Theo Azael.
He uses his platform to raise awareness of the Yoruba religion and other Caribbean spiritual traditions.
The exhibition will open to the public on the night of October 14 and will run through November. Tickets are available online at TheoAzael.TicketLeap.com.
