An Intergenerational Fashion Exhibition Tracing the Evolution of Lace in Puerto Rican Design
This March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) proudly presents Three Generations Intertwined by Lace, a spectacular exhibition honoring the artistry, innovation, and global impact of three generations of Puerto Rican designers. Opening to the public on Saturday, March 14, 2026, the exhibition pays tribute to the late Mili Arango, alongside celebrated designers Lisa Cappalli and Cecilia Fernández Cappalli, whose work collectively traces the evolution of lace in Puerto Rican fashion.
Curated by Joseph Da’Ponte, President of the Puerto Rican Fashion History Council, the exhibition features more than 50 extraordinary garments that illuminate how lace—long a symbol of elegance, femininity, and craftsmanship—has been preserved, transformed, and reimagined across generations.
From Mili Arango’s iconic mid-century silhouettes to Lisa Cappalli’s refined and timeless collections, and now to Cecilia Fernández Cappalli’s contemporary leadership as Creative Director of Cappalli New York, the exhibition tells a powerful story of lineage, mentorship, and innovation. Together, these women have elevated Boricua design onto international stages while remaining rooted in cultural tradition.
“This exhibition is a tribute to the beautiful Puerto Rican tradition of lacework—lovingly preserved, reimagined, and carried from our island to the world,” said Veronica Ocasio, Director of Education, Exhibitions, and Programming at NMPRAC. “During Women’s History Month, we proudly honor the artistry, vision, and resilience of the remarkable family of women featured in Three Generations Intertwined by Lace. This exhibition celebrates not only exquisite craftsmanship, but also the enduring, intergenerational power of Puerto Rican creativity that continues to shape homes, fashion, and runways around the world.”
For curator Joseph Da’Ponte, the exhibition is both historic and deeply personal. “This exhibition is a testament to three generations who have preserved and transformed the tradition of lace in fashion,” he noted. “Through their work, lace becomes more than fabric—it becomes memory, heritage, and artistic evolution.”
As the only Puerto Rican museum in the diaspora, NMPRAC continues its commitment to uplifting Puerto Rican artists, cultural leaders, and creative pioneers. Three Generations Intertwined by Lacepositions fashion as both fine art and cultural archive—an embodiment of resilience, preservation, and legacy.
