Bodega 

Carlos Aguirre-Barrera 

In recent years, streetwear clothing's surging popularity has underscored the interest in supporting emerging talents and diversifying the industry. Initially associated with casual attire worn by urban youth, streetwear has evolved into an expression of individuality, personality, and personal style. Latinos have predominantly occupied the consumer role in streetwear. The Bodega installation is dedicated to promoting and advocating the representation of Latino designers and entrepreneurs in the streetwear market. 
Bodega features the artwork of three Latino streetwear designers, each of whom has designed a t-shirt. The collection draws inspiration from bodegas in Bronx, NY. Immigrants have been the driving force behind these bodegas, playing a crucial role in supplying essential goods to local communities. Bodega markets are intricately linked to hip-hop culture, acting as community hubs where artists, musicians, and individuals from diverse backgrounds often gather, exchange ideas, and contribute to the evolution of the hip-hop movement. The t-shirts featured in this installation serve as a gateway to the hip-hop culture. 

Many children of immigrants often feel constrained by expectations shaped by their parent's experiences, which often revolve around labor-intensive, conventional jobs. Instead, these challenges should serve as inspiration, motivating individuals to take calculated risks and pursue success. Bodega symbolizes an uncharted path for Latino designers, offering innovative avenues for self-sustainability, thereby transforming parents' struggles into a creative and purposeful journey. Connecting the hip-hop upbringing, and immigrant background into a purposeful Bodega.