Highlight: Kari Cruz for Hispanic Heritage Month

Kari Cruz for Hispanic Heritage Month

Extra Butter and Adidas Cornerstone: Kari Cruz for Hispanic Heritage Month! Kari Cruz is a Dominican-American, NY Born, Creative Director. A 2023 Honoree + Collaborator for Brooklyn Nets “Women’s Impact Night,” and 2024’s New York Liberty x Gotham FC Women’s “Pass Her The Torch” Honoree + Designer, Kari creates a cross section of her passion for design, sports and her Latin upbringing. Thanks to adidas Cornerstone, Kari and Extra Butter partnered to surprise gift our OG Dominican neighbors at Orchard Express Tailor Shop with pairs of adidas classics, acknowledging their hard work and fitting the Lower East Side for over 30 years.

What was your experience growing up in NYC, more particularly how it influenced your personal style?

As a native New Yorker we sit at the center of the universe. It’s one of the most incredible places in the world, truly. You get a mixed bag of every single personality and way of life. And before the internet or trend reports… there were New Yorkers just being blissfully fearless in their personal style. It’s that sort of disregard for the rules that seeps into your blood at a young age and cultivates your belief that anything is possible. You could dress up as Elmo and walk down the street, and nobody would blink. In fact, they’d probably ask you to walk faster or move out of the way. And while I’ve never been dressed as Elmo on the street, NY makes me feel like I could do that anytime I want.

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How has identifying as Latina and Dominicana shaped you as a person and your perspective?

Both of my parents are immigrants from the Dominican Republic. Our language, our culture, the music and even the news we consumed at 6pm over dinner was all broadcast in Spanish or it was from “the island.” And the mark it leaves is indelible. Over time, you become more connected to the very thing that you realize your family fought so hard to both preserve and pass down. I’m extremely proud of who I am and where I come from. It’s embedded into my soul & as such, it touches every room I enter.

Has your Latina roots influenced your creative works?

My roots are the very thing I turn to for guidance, direction and inspiration. My family has a long lineage of craft, design and art at its core. My mother, the tías (aunties) and my grandmothers are all women who were formally taught trades in sewing, dress making and beyond. Even the cooking that took place in my house has always been a study in color, experience and self expression. My roots amplify my creative work because at its essence it has always been an extension of my creative journey.

Any advice to the next gen of young hispanic female creatives in NYC?

For the next generation of Hispanic female creatives, I’d encourage them to question everything except themselves! The world has historically placed a lot of doubt on our shoulders, and it’s imperative that we hold a mirror back while simultaneously preserving our unique sense of self. Don’t let external voices dim who you are and all you are meant to become. But, be open to learning and you’ll always gain experience and value.

“Lo que está pa’ ti, ni el diablo te lo quita”— is one of my favorite Dominican’isms.

Can you share a quick anecdote that helps paint a window into your particular hispanic community and upbringing?

“Lo que está pa’ ti, ni el diablo te lo quita”— is one of my favorite Dominican’isms. It’s a reflection of faith and perseverance that ultimately translates to “what’s meant for you, will always be for you.” My community is so deeply rooted in faith and folklore, so this message has found me throughout life many times over. And each time, it reminds me of the resilience of my community, family and peers.

Thanks to adidas Cornerstone, Kari and Extra Butter partnered to surprise gift our OG Dominican neighbors at Orchard Express Tailor Shop with pairs of adidas classics, acknowledging their hard work and fitting the Lower East Side for over 30 years.