Chacabanas designer Arcadio Diaz passes away

[Dolores]

Dominican fashion designer Arcadio Diaz died on Saturday, 23 April 2022 of a heart attack. He reportedly suffered a heart attack before traveling to Miami, Florida and was assisted at the Las Americas International Airport medical clinic where he was pronounced dead.

Diaz was best known for his tropical chacabanas (guayaberas) he created for men, women and children. For men, the shirts were elegant wear, replacing suits and ties in formal attire. He then created a women’s version of the popular collared blouses in linen. And he launched floral prints for the shirts, pants and dresses for women. He incorporated bright colors to his stylish chacabanas. He decorated the cuffs and collars of the shirts to add a festive air to the shirts. For women, he worked with floral materials and launched a new line.

Born in Santo Domingo, he lived for many years in Venezuela...

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[windeguy]

And yet he is shown in the picture wearing a suit jacket. RIP.

 

[AlterEgo]

And yet he is shown in the picture wearing a suit jacket. RIP.

Ha! I thought the same thing!

 

[El Hijo de Manolo]

The chacabana was a great look. I had a few I got in Bella Vista mall years back when I was in shape. Very elegant with cuff links. Now that I'm older and heavy I need to avoid sporting the "mainsail" look.

 

[Lucas61]

When I read this news item, the first thing I wanted to see was an example of his work. Not to be found, even on his person! For decades I have worn the
guayaberas of Mexico, the majority of which are manufactured in Merida, Yucatan. In my opinion, the best ones are of polyester--very cool, comfortable, and quick to dry. On the contrary, if you buy linen (lino) you will find it to be too warm and in constant need of ironing . . .

And for the heat of the tropics one cannot do better, untucked, and four pockets in which to put your stuff, a problem for men in general. Why they are
not sold ubiquitously here, I have no idea.

I still have no idea about this, now deceased, fellow's designs . . .

 

[D'Arcy (Apostropheman)]

If you can manage a basic Google search... https://www.google.com/search?q=Arc...fjBT0Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1280&bih=577&dpr=1.5

 

[Lucas61]

Long sleeves in the tropics? Are you kidding me? This is "fashion" and not something practical for everyday use. I forgot to mention that
one reason why chacabanas are not worn here by everyday folk, and that includes me, is that here the design is a "bougie" one and very impractical
and off-putting for everyday people . . .

 

[NanSanPedro]

Do they really require cufflinks? If so, that's a non-starter for this gringo.

 

[D'Arcy (Apostropheman)]

Long sleeves in the tropics? Are you kidding me? This is "fashion" and not something practical for everyday use. I forgot to mention that
one reason why chacabanas are not worn here by everyday folk, and that includes me, is that here the design is a "bougie" one and very impractical
and off-putting for everyday people . . .

To each their own... I have a couple of more formal long-sleeved ones for when they are required or desired and a few short-sleeved ones. Of course, they're not for everyone, but they are a wonderful addition to the wardrobe of any gentleman. Practical too and I get complimented on them, whichever I have on, each and every time.

 

[aarhus]

Long sleeves in the tropics? Are you kidding me? This is "fashion" and not something practical for everyday use. I forgot to mention that
one reason why chacabanas are not worn here by everyday folk, and that includes me, is that here the design is a "bougie" one and very impractical
and off-putting for everyday people . . .

The long sleeved ones are seen used by businesses people and is generally accepted instead of suit and tie.

 

[JD Jones]

The long sleeved ones are seen used by businesses people and is generally accepted instead of suit and tie.

Correct. The long sleeves are considered to be a little more formal than the short-sleeved ones.

 

[D'Arcy (Apostropheman)]

Do they really require cufflinks? If so, that's a non-starter for this gringo.

Nope. There are endless possibilities and next to nothing "required". I bought a formal, white one with long sleeves for when was going to church to be recognized as a Pardino. I have an awesome blue, short-sleeved one that's as comfortable as a polo shirt but gives you more authority, and people are more respectful.. All linen or cotton-linen blend. Contrary to some I find the synthetic ones to feel cheap and hot. I will look for one made of a wicking material. That would be perfect!

Go to a good store and don't be (too) cheap.

I recall going shopping in Santiago at a very upscale mall with a good friend. He bout 3 I think and they took the steamer to them and they looked immaculate. He wore one out and while walking to the car traffic actually stopped for us. On the way there we had to run like dogs not to be run over LOL. How you present yourself matters and the right clothes help more than many want to admit.

 

[D'Arcy (Apostropheman)]

Long sleeves in the tropics? Are you kidding me? This is "fashion" and not something practical for everyday use. I forgot to mention that
one reason why chacabanas are not worn here by everyday folk, and that includes me, is that here the design is a "bougie" one and very impractical
and off-putting for everyday people . . .

I always wear long pants, socks, and generally long sleeves, once dusk is approaching to avoid as many mosquito bites as possible. If I'm going anywhere like a bank, city hall, etc...I dress for it....same as if it was evening. Proper fitting long pants and long sleeves will not necessarily be hot. Just watch any professional Dominican and you will see that they are always in pants unless going to the beach or gym. they're not too hot. Look at what people who live in the desert and other very hot climates wear. Many layers covering most of their skin. It keeps the sun off of you and allows for sweat and moisture to evaporate, and it keeps you cool. People that think only shorts and short sleeves are cooling probably have not even tried dressing "properly". LOL

Wear what you want! Just realize that you don't necessarily know everything. Especially if you have not tried the other options.

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[Gadfly]

It’s also the material. Denim pants are too hot for me except cool winter day/nites. Long sleeve dress shirts ditto. The thing is the humidity. Too much sweat. I was from a dry climate so my sweat glands react differently than locals.

 

[bob saunders]

I always wear long pants, socks, and generally long sleeves, once dusk is approaching to avoid as many mosquito bites as possible. If I'm going anywhere like a bank, city hall, etc...I dress for it....same as if it was evening. Proper fitting long pants and long sleeves will not necessarily be hot. Just watch any professional Dominican and you will see that they are always in pants unless going to the beach or gym. they're not too hot. Look at what people who live in the desert and other very hot climates wear. Many layers covering most of their skin. It keeps the sun off of you and allows for sweat and moisture to evaporate, and it keeps you cool. People that think only shorts and short sleeves are cooling probably have not even tried dressing "properly". LOL

Wear what you want! Just realize that you don't necessarily know everything. Especially if you have not tried the other options.

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Style and the Man: Flusser, Alan: 9780061976155: Books - Amazon

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I only wear shorts at the gym or the beach but only wear long sleeves if required. I have many very nice expensive long sleeve shirts. Polos or regular short sleeve shirts with chinos style pants. I have several guayaberas that I wear when going to a semi-formal event.

 

[JD Jones]

I'll tell ya one thing, you know an expensive well-constructed one when you see it. They are really impressive.

 

[El Hijo de Manolo]

This place

 

[D'Arcy (Apostropheman)]

It’s also the material. Denim pants are too hot for me except cool winter day/nites. Long sleeve dress shirts ditto. The thing is the humidity. Too much sweat. I was from a dry climate so my sweat glands react differently than locals.

Yes, one must adapt to what's best for them.

Of course, there are many lite-weight options in denim, chinos, shirting, etc... just about everything I buy is with the tropics in mind and I've been known to stop guys, in the DR, in the street, wearing stylish clothes, and ask where they shopped.

 

[D'Arcy (Apostropheman)]

This place

YES! I have an account there. Wonderful shirts.

 

[D'Arcy (Apostropheman)]

I only wear shorts at the gym or the beach but only wear long sleeves if required. I have many very nice expensive long sleeve shirts. Polos or regular short sleeve shirts with chinos style pants. I have several guayaberas that I wear when going to a semi-formal event.

In my experience good, clean, dark, stylish jeans, chinos, or any good pants or trousers plus a polo short, at a minimum, will get you in just about anywhere. I tend to skip places, restaurants, etc... that are not churches, gov't offices, etc where a jacket or chacabana is required. I've not found they are worth the effort of the price for the most part. You get it I see. It's all about comfort AND fitting in. I may be a gringo but I often pass....until I speak LOL (or so I'm told)

I assume that every Dominican knows I'm a gringo but it's rarely the Dominicans that take issue. It's almost always a gringo and generally a poorly dressed one....with Crocs on that think they're invisible! LOL