Tragic Loss in the Dominican Music Scene: Remembering Rubby Perez
Rubby Perez, the beloved Dominican singer and merengue icon, tragically passed away following a nightclub accident on April 8, 2023. The incident occurred at the Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo, where a catastrophic roof collapse during his performance led to nearly 60 fatalities and left over 160 individuals injured.
At the age of 69, Rubby was mourned not only by fans but also by notable figures, including Monte Cristi governor Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez and former Major League Baseball players Tony Blanco and Octavio Dotel.
A Heartfelt Tribute from Michelle Reynoso
Michelle Reynoso, Rubby’s long-time partner, took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late singer. Her touching words captured his spirit:
“You have been a fighter since birth and this time will be no exception. God is in control. Faith!”
Michelle and Rubby shared a daughter, Ana Beatriz Perez Reynoso, who recently celebrated her 15th birthday in a lavish quinceañera ceremony. Michelle displayed her creativity by designing Ana’s stunning gown for the occasion.
During this memorable event, Rubby expressed his love for Ana through a heartfelt message, sharing a special duet they created together:
“We did this duet together, and I was amazed to see the capacity with which you interpreted this song, my little girl. It was a magical moment, one of those that I will keep in my soul forever.”
“There are so many things I want to tell you that words escape me… But there is one thing you must never doubt, I love you until the end of time.”
A Glimpse into Michelle’s Journey as a Fashion Designer
Michelle Reynoso is not only a supportive partner but also a talented Dominican fashion designer. She embarked on her fashion journey at 22, launching her first clothing studio at home in 2013. This initial venture allowed her to reach customers who appreciated her designs.
Her first major showcase was at the annual San Pedro de Macorís event hosted by the Robinson Cañó Foundation. This experience opened doors for her within the fashion industry.
As her clientele grew, Michelle relocated her boutique to a commercial space in late 2014 to better serve her customers.
In 2015, she was honored to be a part of the design team for the Dominican Music Awards, known as Premio Soberano. Reflecting on this experience, she stated:
“Through this platform, I took on the challenge of designing and creating most of the costumes for the gala, both for the production team and for several personalities who would walk the event’s red carpet.”
For five consecutive years, Michelle contributed her talent as the official costume designer for the Soberano Awards, showcasing her designs to a broad audience.
When discussing her creative process, Michelle noted:
“I’m usually inspired by traveling, discovering new places, their culture, a beautiful landscape, maybe an animal. Even a memory from that trip inspires me to create.”
Despite her success, Michelle believes that broader industry support and collaboration could have further propelled her career and the growth of her business.
Throughout her career, she has dressed many notable clients, including actress Pamela Sued, Cheddy García, Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, Colombian actress Sarah Corrales, and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, among others.