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The Cuban designer house Saday Modista publicly thanked Lis Cuesta, the wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel, for wearing one of its designs during the official visit of the Cuban leader to Vietnam.
In a post shared on Facebook, the brand highlighted that the long dress inspired by the guayabera —considered a symbol of national identity— was part of Cuesta's attire during the formal activities in Hanoi.
“Thanks to Lis Cuesta for trusting Saday Modista for the design and creation of her dress and, above all, for choosing the guayabera as an expression of Cuban elegance at this high-level meeting,” noted the company’s publication, made up of several creators: Saday Rodríguez Cartaya, Vivian Acosta Meléndez, Laila Chaaban, and Yaimara Muñoz Mata.
The shared images show Cuesta alongside Ngô Thị Phương Ly, the wife of the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, in cultural and official activities, within a context where the designer emphasized the importance of projecting Cuban identity on international stages.
However, the public appearance of the so-called "not first lady" amid a serious economic crisis in Cuba has generated strong criticisms. While the island faces blackouts, shortages, and massive migration, Cuesta accompanies Díaz-Canel on a tour of Asia aboard a rented plane, the cost of which exceeds $11,000 per flight hour, according to independent media.
The president's tour includes stops in Vietnam, China, and Laos, aiming to strengthen political and economic alliances at a time when Havana is desperately seeking external support.
Frequently asked questions about Lis Cuesta's visit to Vietnam and the situation in Cuba
Why has Lis Cuesta's presence on the tour in Asia generated criticism?
The presence of Lis Cuesta on the tour in Asia has sparked criticism due to the severe economic crisis that Cuba is experiencing, marked by blackouts, food shortages, and mass migration. While the Cuban people face these hardships, Cuesta accompanies Díaz-Canel on an international tour, traveling on a rented plane that costs $11,000 per hour of flight. This disparity between the ostentation of power and the struggles of the Cuban people has been harshly criticized.
What dress did Lis Cuesta wear during her visit to Vietnam?
Lis Cuesta wore a long dress inspired by the guayabera, designed by the Cuban house Saday Modista. This design was chosen as an expression of Cuban elegance during the protocol activities in Hanoi. The choice of the guayabera aims to project the Cuban national identity on international stages.
What is the cost of the plane that Díaz-Canel and Lis Cuesta are traveling on?
The plane chartered for the tour of Miguel Díaz-Canel and Lis Cuesta is an Airbus A330-200 from the Spanish airline Plus Ultra. The rental of this aircraft costs $11,000 per flight hour. This high expense has been a source of controversy, especially in the context of Cuba's economic crisis.
What controversial comment did Lis Cuesta make on social media from Vietnam?
From Vietnam, Lis Cuesta published a message on social media in which she wrote: "Suffer, ridiculous imperialists!" praising the victory of socialism. This comment was perceived as defiant and lacks sobriety, especially considering the critical context that Cuba is experiencing. Her tone contrasted sharply with the dire circumstances that many Cubans are facing, generating criticism on social media.
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