ADRI MURGUIA: On any given Friday night, thousands of
Peruvians gather in Lima to attend Huayno concerts.
As a sign of industry success, the queens of Huayno take the
center of the stage, wearing dresses that look like a
combination of Virgin Mary cloaks and a
flair of kabuki theater.
Located in the outskirts of the city, El Arte Dorado owned
by Francisco Herrera, is regarded as the best Huayno
dress shop in the country.
FRANCISCO HERRERA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
ADRI MURGUIA: Francisco's craftsmanship is responsible
for launching the careers of some of the most iconic women
in the scene, amongst them, national idol Dina Paucar.
FRANCISCO HERRERA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
DINA PAUCAR: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
ADRI MURGUIA: Acquiring one of these dresses is a huge
investment for aspiring musicians, but it's impossible
to perform without one.
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
FRANCISCO HERRERA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
ADRI MURGUIA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
FRANCISCO HERRERA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
ADRI MURGUIA: Rising star and YouTube sensation Wendy Sulca
is also one of Francisco's most prominent customers.
FRANCISCO HERRERA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
ADRI MURGUIA: Francisco owns several buildings on this
block, but he took us to his studio next door, where his
team of artisans assemble his designs.
He wanted to show us the intricacies that go into
making them.
ADRI MURGUIA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
FRANCISCO HERRERA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
ADRI MURGUIA: The blend of Incan symbols with baroque
influences not only help the singers narrate their personal
stories, but also serve to represent Peru's culture
around the world.
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
FRANCISCO HERRERA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]
ADRI MURGUIA: Playing for Peruvians that have migrated
abroad is a big deal for Huayno stars.
It's an unmistakable sign that you've made it.
Considering the burning desire for Huayno starlets to show
off these ensembles convinced me that I just had to bring
one back with me to New York.
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
FRANCISCO HERRERA: [SPEAKING SPANISH]