A vibrant collaboration between Diana Contreras & Jenny Kalimi showcases the impact of Latinas in creative spaces.
In the heart of Little Havana lies Didi’s art studio, a space filled with vibrant paintings that exhibit her eclectic style. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Tash, her manager, along with the talented Diana “Didi” Contreras and Jenny Kalimi from Glamour Hippy. The studio exuded an atmosphere of girl power, particularly prominent in the creative industry.
During my visit, I had the privilege of previewing the collaborative artwork by Didi and Jenny, which pays a beautiful tribute to the impact of female Latin creatives. Celebrating cultural icons such as Shakira, Rosalía, and Young Miko, the project showcases three captivating self-portraits that merge jewelry and visual art. This collaboration, which began during Women’s History Month in March, is set to continue enriching the art scene throughout the year.
Diana “Didi” Contreras, originally from Peru and now a mainstay in Miami’s art circuit, has attracted attention from global icons like Rihanna, Pitbull, and Ivy Queen. A graduate of Florida International University, Didi has melded her formal art education with street art influences, crafting a signature style that has led to collaborations with brands like Converse, Apple, and Urban Decay.
Jenny Kalimi, the innovative founder of Glamour Hippy, is celebrated for her distinctive jewelry designs and bespoke creations, catering to celebrities such as Romeo Santos and Karol G. Her craftsmanship perfectly complements the personal styles of her high-profile clientele.
This artistic partnership was orchestrated by Natasha Londoño, founder of Creative Sol, a Latin creative management and project development hub in Miami. Creative Sol is committed to empowering artists to develop their careers and focus on their craft, with this collaboration being its inaugural project.
Speaking about the collaboration, Jenny Kalimi expressed, “I love being a woman; it’s the most beautiful thing in the world. I have a daughter and want to show her how incredible women are and how we can achieve anything. When we work together, as demonstrated by this collaboration, we can conquer any challenge.”
Didi shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I had a great experience with this collaboration. It was exciting to be pushed to the next level while working alongside another female artist from a different industry. It’s important to look out for each other, especially with so many obstacles against us. Staying together and looking out for your sister is the best thing you can do.”
The artwork not only emphasizes the power and essence of Shakira, Rosalía, and Young Miko but also their profound impact on the music industry. Their contributions have been recognized by major entities like the Recording Academy, Billboard, and Rolling Stone.
Rosalia’s piece features her iconic long nails adorned with intricate jewelry, while Shakira’s artwork draws inspiration from her El Dorado world tour, emphasizing her golden accessories. Young Miko’s artwork reflects her Trap Kitty persona, embellished with chains and jewelry, adding to the overall illusion.
Unveiled on Didi’s and Glamour Hippy’s social media accounts, the collaboration has captivated music and art lovers alike. With plans for in-person exhibitions later this year and Phase 2 of the collaboration in development, this project continues to inspire and celebrate the powerful synergy of music, art, and womanhood. This remarkable partnership not only showcases the unique talents of each artist but also serves as a vibrant testament to the power of female collaboration in the creative industry. Keep an eye on their social media for updates on upcoming exhibitions and further developments in this exciting series.
