Princesa by Ariana Vara Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Texas Teen’s New York Quinceañera Dream

NEW YORK, NY – In a heartwarming celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Princesa by Ariana Vara honored a Texas teen's Quinceañera dreams by treating her to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City. Brianna, the winner of the 2024 Princesa by Ariana Vara Essay Contest, recently traveled with her family to the Princesa showroom, where she handpicked her gown for her upcoming milestone celebration.

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The contest inspired over 200 girls nationwide to share the personal and cultural significance of celebrating their Quinceañera and how this tradition might shape their future. Brianna was awarded the grand prize: an all-expenses-paid 4-day/3-night experience in New York, a once in a lifetime meet and greet with designer, Evelyn Jia, to help her pick out a Princesa by Ariana Vara gown, and a $1,000 allowance toward her Quinceañera.


For Brianna, the trip was filled with unforgettable firsts and excitement. Traveling from Texas to New York, she arrived with her mother, grandmother, sister, and godmother. “It was just such an amazing experience,” she shared. From her warm welcome to exploring the showroom, each moment was crafted to celebrate Brianna and her family.


“I thought that she’d be like a big New York designer, and she’d be really scary,” Brianna recalled about meeting designer, Evelyn Jia. “But she was just so nice and down to earth… I feel like I made a new friend.”

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Evelyn enjoyed the experience just as much as Brianna did. “Seeing Brianna’s face light up when she found the dress was an unforgettable moment—it’s why I love what I do,” said the designer.

The pinnacle of Brianna’s trip was selecting her dream dress, which she credits to the attentive showroom team. “Thank you to the Princesa team for helping me find my dress,” Brianna said. “I wouldn’t even have tried on the dress that I did if they didn’t point it out.” With the help of the Princesa team, her vision came to life, and she selected a gown that will embody the elegance and tradition of her Quinceañera celebration.Princesa by Ariana Vara’s mission is to celebrate the individuality and heritage of each young girl on this special day. While there was only one grand prize winner, three runners-up were also gifted Princesa gowns. Perla G. Jio, Senior Sales Development Executive at Mon Cheri Bridals, highlighted the brand’s dedication: “We are committed to making young girls feel like true royalty on one of the most important days of their lives… By gifting gowns to three additional runners-up, we ensured that their Quinceañera moments were just as unforgettable.”

Brianna’s New York experience was more than just a trip—it was the start of a Quinceañera journey that embraces the values and beauty of her heritage. In Brianna’s words from her essay, “This quince doesn't just symbolize a transition into adulthood, but it also symbolizes the transformation I made into being authentically me. Just as God made me.” As she prepares to celebrate her milestone celebration in March 2025, her custom-selected gown will symbolize not only her personal style but also her connection to her family and culture.