Celebrating Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month: Carla Pereira Discusses the Authenticity of the Global Encanto Product Collection
Originally published at Disney Parks News
This fall, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” is set to hit screens and transport audiences from around the world into Casa Madrigal to experience the vibrant magic and sounds of Colombian culture.
Ahead of the film’s release, we are so excited to share a specially-designed collection of “Encanto” products featuring art designed by Colombian artists, which highlights the beautiful history and culture of Colombia. Read on to hear from one of the talented minds behind the collection, as we continue to celebrate Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month and showcase the rich cultures and customs of the community.
Carla Pereira, marketing director for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products in Latin America, played a pivotal role in bringing the “Encanto” collection to life. Carla collaborated with teams in the U.S. to bring in four artists from various regions in Colombia to create original artwork inspired by “Encanto.” Fans can celebrate the upcoming film with wearable art pieces, accessories and more, featuring these bespoke designs.
The collection features artwork by artists Catalina Estrada, Sebas Pakui, Diana Ordonez (Ledania) and Johnny Nuñez who each used their unique artistic styles to capture the heart of the
film and its magical story of Colombian culture, music and family.
“For me, what makes this collection so special is that it shares Colombian art with the rest of the world, so they can experience it. Having something that is truly original and grounded in the art and the culture of our region is so special to me. Knowing that our fans around the world will get to experience this little piece of our rich culture is incredibly meaningful,” Carla said.
Carla and her team worked with the artists to share the parts of the film that inspired them most, while encouraging them to showcase their own experiences, unique styles and love for Colombia through their designs. The result: a colorful collection of products featuring unique textures and visuals that bring the magical world of “Encanto” to life.
“There is such an emotional connection between what the artists saw in ‘Encanto’ and how they brought that to life through their different art styles. I felt like I, as a Brazilian, had been transported to Colombia when I saw the art for the first time, which shows how Latin Americans are all so different, but we still have so many commonalities,” Carla said. “From family relationships, to how the colors flow through our daily lives – I really love to see those connections come out.”
Though her main role focuses on supporting product development in Latin America, Carla has always been passionate about championing diversity, equity and inclusion, and she infuses
it into her work every day.
Carla leads efforts to help bring more inclusive products to market, such as the recently-launched hair care line for curly and textured hair in Brazil. She remains an advocate for developing authentic products that genuinely reflect the incredible diversity of Disney fans around the world, and she feels honored to have had the opportunity to collaborate on the “Encanto” collection, which she said represents and celebrates Latin American culture.
“Having authentic representation not only in the movie, but in the products as well, provides a strong sense of belonging for the Colombian community. And it’s so meaningful because everyone can share in the culture.” Carla noted.
Learn more about the visionaries behind the collection here:
The Styled with “Encanto” collection is now available exclusively at Target stores and on Target.com in the U.S., and will release in Colombia soon. Stay tuned for more stories highlighting Hispanic/Latinx culture as we continue to celebrate #HispanicLatinxHeritageMonth through October 15 and be sure to follow along on social media for more!
