Yesterday Google featured Afro-Cuban  “Queen of Salsa” Celia Cruz to commemorate her birthday. I was happy to see the glimmering representation of Celia Cruz on google as a happy, creative figure.

The image strongly parallels a blue dress she wore to the 3rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in 2002.

Celia Cruz is certainly a fashion icon and I was excited to find images of her clothing in the Smithsonian Museum of American History.  In the “Dressing Room” section, her costumes and accessories are regarded as representative of her “voice, style, music, love, and deep religiosity.”

Below are screenshots of her wonderful costumes, it is interesting to consider the time period she wore it in, occasion, and variety of designers that range from being Cuban, Mexican, and American:

Recognizing Celia Cruz’s significance as an artist, musician, and fashion icon on Google, a major internet platform, is significant. Especially since she is a Latina that is respectfully represented. Even though she was only featured on Google for one day, it paves the way to commemorate legacies of more Latinas in the future.

Below is Jennifer Lopez’s performance in honor of Celia Cruz at the American Music Awards 2013.