STv archive: Karen Langevin

Garments on movement

Camille Top made in cotton voile / 2016 / Karen Pants in cotton chambray / 2016

Karen Langevin is an artist, performer, dancer, mother, and many other things, based in Puerto Rico. Im very glad to call her my friend.

She is one of my first clients early on my career, which in a way has influenced on constant feedback on many of my designs. Part of what makes a good design, in this case, a garment, is when its tried, used, washed, and you know it passes the test of time.

I asked Karen if we could revisit her wardrobe of STV garments, some I have even forgotten, and many I was very excited to see how they performed.

Karen owns nearly 25 STV garments acquired through the years, she received us in her lovely home at Old San Juan to show us.

Pleat jumpsuit in cotton / hemp fabric 2021

-What is home for you?

Karen: Home is a trillion cells that compromise who I am. I AM HOME, wherever I AM….Home is also the sky, tree, earth, bird, water in all their manifestations.

-Any daily rituals or practices?

Karen: I move, whether is walking, yoga, dancing, I move, and I give thanks to everything and everything.

-What is the most worn item of clothing in your closet?

Karen: Auntie Oti drop crotch pant.

-Favorite garment you can “move” with?

Karen: Coverall made by Sally Torres Vega for performance piece MAMIFERA.

-What object do you value most?

Karen: This one is tough because I have relationships with many objects, some that have been with me for many years, like my grandmothers wedding ring, drawings my children have done, or stones, bones and shells I have collected in my journey. They are all special because they connect and remind me with who I an through where I have been and with whom. Objects often remind me that I stand on the shoulders of giants!

Ava tunic / one of a kind / mixed cottons sourced from Guatemala. 2010

Nuria Top with sleeves / 2014

STV archives series intends to revisit garments I have made along the years that have been acquired and worn by different friends and clients which I have built a relationship with.

Would love to read feedback if there is any style you loved or would like to see come back.

Con mucho cariño,

Sally

Dunes dress / silk noil / 2011.