TEXAS — There’s a little story between every stitch, fold and jewel in the countless dresses Veronica Ramirez has made.
For nearly 20 years, Ramirez has imagined and crafted gowns for members of the Society of Martha Washington in Laredo. The society was created as part of the annual George Washington’s Birthday Celebration, a festival honoring the founding father that began in 1898.
The festival featured reenactments of colonial-era battles and named a “George” of Laredo each year. The society named after Washington’s wife formed four decades later thanks to the then-president of the celebration association, who wanted to include a new group.
“He thought it would be nice to throw a grand ball and party for the young ladies of Laredo,” Ramirez said.
“The Marthas” have now been part of the festivities for 87 years. Some of the dresses include pieces from the debutante’s mother’s or grandmother’s dresses when they participated. All are completely hand-sewn and beaded.
“Creating the beading is like creating a painting,” Ramirez said. “I have so many different sequins and crystals; I want to add depth and create the right flower. It takes a lot of thought.”
Before they’re showcased in the annual colonial ball and pageant, the dresses begin as drawings in Ramirez’s sketchbook. Sister dressmakers Liliana and Letty help bring them to life.
“She tells us what she wants, and we have to get in her head,” Liliana said. “And after so many years, we understand her.”
The sisters have been by Ramirez’s side dressing “The Marthas” since the beginning. Yet, countless dresses later, no two are ever the same because they’re inspired by the wearer.
“Whether she’s happy, more serious or reserved, the dress is designed around the traits of each girl,” Letty said.
Beading and sewing are second nature at this point, but the sisters say the finished product never gets old.
“As we’re putting it on, when the girls says, ‘it’s me, it looks like me,’ that’s the best part,” Letty said.