For Carla Quiñones, executive director of Jenny Polanco, Dominican fashion is not merely something to be worn; it is inherited, protected, and projected. In a recent interview with Listín Diario, the daughter of the legendary Jenny Polanco fashion designer detailed her mission to continue the 41-year history of a brand deeply intertwined with Dominican cultural identity.
The interview took place during the fashion brand’s participation in Dominicana Moda 2026, hosted at the Kimpton Las Mercedes in the Colonial City. For the first time, the iconic design house presented a 16-piece bridal runway show, marking a milestone for both the brand and the country’s leading fashion event produced by Sócrates McKinney.
Her mother had opened a haute couture boutique at the Santo Domingo Sheraton and from the start revolutionized the way Dominicans saw fashion with runway shows where she sold most of her outfits to the avid city residents.
Quiñones’ journey began in 1984 amidst ateliers, sketches, and photo shoots. As a child, she was part of Carajitos, a children’s clothing line launched by her mother and Minou Tavárez Mirabal. The project broke traditional norms of the era by offering fun, casual options for children.
Growing up in an environment where art, music, and dance were daily staples, Quiñones developed a deep sensitivity toward local materials and craftsmanship. She recalls early visits to Puerto Plata, where her mother opened a boutique at the Eurotel, as foundational experiences in understanding the value of “Dominican-made” aesthetics.
Work as a source of joy
For Quiñones, work was never synonymous with sacrifice, but rather enjoyment. “Since I was little, I understood that my mother’s work was something that made her happy. Therefore, it had to be the same for me,” she explained.
Taking the helm of the firm was more than just filling a vacancy; it was an acknowledgment that the brand transcends the family. Following the passing of Jenny Polanco in 2020, as one of the first victims of the Covid-19 pandemic, a loss Quiñones describes as a “national mourning.” She understood the responsibility to sustain the reference point of Dominican fashion became a collective mission.
The Jenny Polanco Foundation: Sowing the future
To institutionalize her mother’s collaborative spirit, Quiñones leads the Jenny Polanco Foundation. The initiative focuses on:
• Skill development: Programs like Saber Hacer (Know-How) train young people, primarily women, in specialized trades such as leatherworking and goldsmithing.
• Professional mentorship: Providing internships and guidance to help new talent navigate the fashion industry.
• Industry strengthening: Creating spaces for learning and trial-and-error to build a more robust professional base in the Dominican Republic.
Evolution over continuity
Now six years into her leadership role, Quiñones maintains a constant internal dialogue with her mother’s memory, using that intuition to take calculated risks. She emphasizes that while the essence remains, the brand must adapt and grow.
“She taught me to believe in myself,” Quiñones stated, noting that her current challenge is not just to preserve what exists, but to ensure it evolves without losing its soul.
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Listin Diario
30 March 2026