Section of Loiza Street named after famed fashion designer Alfaro
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
The distinguished figure of Carlota Alfaro, a vibrant 92-year-old, stands as an enduring icon of Puerto Rican fashion. Her legacy has recently been solidified with the honorary naming of a section of Loíza Street in the heart of Santurce, a tribute that underscores her immense impact on the fashion landscape of the island.
The newly designated stretch, extending from the bustling intersection of Loíza Street and José de Diego Avenue to the junction with Jefferson Street, will now be known as the “Carlota Alfaro Section.” The recognition is not merely ceremonial; it represents a lasting homage to a woman whose work has intricately woven itself into the fabric of Puerto Rican culture.
San Juan Moda, a platform dedicated to elevating and celebrating the history, talent and excellence of Puerto Rican fashion for over a decade, staged the recent unveiling of the “Carlota Alfaro Section.”
“Carlota Alfaro embodies the very essence and elegance of our industry,” stated Carlos Bermúdez, president of San Juan Moda. “Her legacy isn’t confined to her own accomplishments; it flows through generations, igniting inspiration in every designer, model and fashion enthusiast. Witnessing her name adorn the street where she has shaped countless lives is a moment filled with joy, gratitude, and pride. That she is able to witness this honor in her lifetime is truly a cause for celebration.”
The recognition not only serves as a tribute to a remarkable teacher, Bermúdez noted, but also represents an act of cultural justice for a woman who has committed her life to enhancing the beauty of Puerto Rico through her artistic vision and relentless discipline. Thus, the Carlota Alfaro Section stands as a permanent testament to the talent, perseverance and creative spirit that characterize Puerto Rican fashion.
The initiative to honor Alfaro was initiated by former Sen. Zoé Laboy Alvarado in Senate Bill 856, which was passed to recognize her significant contributions to the fashion industry in Puerto Rico. The measure was formalized as Law No. 23 on May 15, 2019, and it wasn’t until 2025 that Transportation and Public Works Secretary Edwin González Montalvo saw to the official placement of the sign that immortalizes Alfaro’s name.
“Carlota Alfaro has served as a beacon of fashion education along Loíza Street for over five decades. Throughout this time, she has remained a passionate and devoted merchant in the area, weathering numerous social and economic transformations,” states the measure that led to the designation. “Through her educational institution, she has made a profound and sustained contribution to the economic vitality of this street, not only infusing it with financial value but also revitalizing it with the vibrancy of hundreds of students, enriching the urban landscape with her creativity.”
Born on June 4, 1933, in San Juan, Alfaro discovered her passion for sewing at a young age, launching her first workshop at just 17 on Parque Street in Santurce. In the early 1960s, she established the Carlota Alfaro College on Loíza Street, where she developed and continues to teach her revolutionary Carlota Alfaro System -- an innovative sewing method that remains distinct and influential.
Throughout her illustrious career, Alfaro has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition at the Dorothy Gray Annual Fashion Competition, winning four out of five awards at the celebrated “Destellos de la Moda” fashion show in 1970, and receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 1988, presented by then-first lady Nancy Reagan.
Today, at the age of 92, Alfaro’s contributions to the world of fashion continue to thrive, making significant impacts on the Puerto Rican economy.