Tatiana 

in Pollera

In the streets of Casco Viejo I met Tatiana Rijfkogel—tall, radiant, with that calm joy of someone who carries what she represents with pride. Tatiana is a lover and keeper of the pollera—Panamá’s traditional dress—where patience, embroidery, lace, and memory come together: a cultural heritage that’s passed down, cared for, and celebrated.

For me, photographing her in Panama was an honor. Not only because the outfit is visually striking, but because of the dignity with which she wears it—like the city pauses for a second to remind us that tradition stays alive when someone carries it with love.