KÁ DIPUGLIA

Karla Dipuglia, native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has been deeply influenced by the natural splendor, rich culture, and social fabric of her homeland. Fostering a profound sense of guardianship for the most treasured aspect of her country – its people – she discovered her passion for the arts at a young age, commencing her creative journey at the age of six.

For Karla, fashion serves as a powerful medium through which she conveys her message of transformation, blurring the boundaries between fashion and art. In 2017, Karla completed her studies in Fashion Design at Altos de Chavón School of Design. The same year, her exceptional talents in artistry beyond fashion were recognized when she was chosen to participate along with 10 established artists in the local scene as part of “La Chiva Gloria” project, crafting a thematic sculpture depicting Barahona and the vibrant carnival of the Cachuas de Cabral. This opportunity is awarded to individuals who seek to promote Dominical culture and values through art.

Demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth, Karla was awarded a scholarship in 2017 to pursue further education at the prestigious Parsons The New School in New York. In 2018, she expanded her knowledge by completing a certificate at Istituto Marangoni, in Florence, Italy where she delved into the realms of Marketing and Fashion Communication. In 2019 she unveiled her thesis collection, “Anacaona” which thoughtfully explored the nuances of Dominican-Haitian relations through an imaginative narrative. Driven by her dedication to social causes, Karla directed the “About Women” pop-up event in Brooklyn, NY, a heartfelt commemoration of the International Day of Non-Violence against Women, aimed at raising funds for the Dominican organization “Mujeres Negras”.

Since 2019, Karla is Senior Designer for the American brand STATE Bags, renowned for their mission to support American communities in meaningful ways.

Her artistic journey took a significant stride forward as she was granted the Extraordinary Ability O-1 Visa, allowing her to continue her artistic pursuits in the United States.

BRAND

In 2017, she debuted in Dominicana Moda, presenting her remarkable “Ella” collection. In 2020, she proudly introduced her own brand, Ká Dipuglia, as part of the Dominicana Moda platform, presenting the captivating collection “Uno”. In 2021, Karla organized a fashion show in Santo Domingo, showcasing her second collection, “Dos (Una Búsqueda)”.

The following year Karla Dipuglia brought her brand to Caravana Americana in Mexico City, a prestigious fair highlighting the finest designs from across Latin America. Presently, Ká Dipuglia’s pieces can be found at IKAL and Lago in Mexico City.

In the same year, she assumed the role of part-time faculty at Escuela de Diseño Altos de Chavón, imparting her knowledge and expertise through teaching a Sustainable Fashion course. Karla’s contributions and insights reached a wider audience in 2023 when she served as a speaker at Design Week RD, captivating attendees with her thought-provoking discourse on the topic of “Sustainability: Materiality”.

Currently, Karla Dipuglia works as the Senior Designer and Sustainability Manager for STATE Bags, while concurrently serving as the creative director of her brand, Ká Dipuglia. Her passion for design and unwavering commitment to sustainability continue to shape her artistic endeavors.

Ká Dipuglia prompts profound inquiries into the intricate tapestry of Caribbean identity. Every decision we make stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to shaping the future of conscious Caribbean fashion. Our brand is defined by a profound commitment to embarking on an environmentally sustainable journey while fostering a positive impact on our community.

We meticulously craft all our accessories in the Dominican Republic, working in close collaboration with skilled artisans and local small-scale manufacturers. By supporting material innovations that diverge from the toxic and detrimental practices associated with animal leather, we endorse vegan cactus leather as our preferred alternative a plant-based substitute renowned for its minimal water usage and adherence to organic agricultural principles.

Our approach entails a deep appreciation for cultural awareness and purpose-driven design. It is our firm belief that true consciousness necessitates a thoughtful examination of culture and a deliberate alignment of our creative endeavors with a meaningful mission.”